Boating NZ September 2017

I might be imagining it, but there seems to be a bit more urgency in the quiet, low-key revolution unfolding in our recreational boating fraternity. Everywhere I turn there’s discussion about solar panels, lithiumion batteries, LED lighting and hybrid technology. And unlike social media, you don’t have to be a millennial to understand it. Various factors are driving this flourishing interest, chief among them price. Not too long ago cost put the technology well beyond the reach of the average boat owner. Happily, advances in manufacturing and greater volumes of production have made the gear more affordable and accessible. Equally significantly, much of the new technology can be retrofitted very easily. Solar panels will enhance battery performance on even the most ancient of vessels. As will a bank of lithium-ion…

America’s Cup-winning helmsman Peter Burling has joined Team Brunel for the 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race – and he’s already out sailing with his new teammates in pre-race qualifying. The signing is a major coup for Brunel skipper Bouwe Bekking, and sets up what should be a compelling rivalry with Burling’s long-term sailing partner Blair Tuke, who is competing with Spanish team MAPFRE. Together, Burling and Tuke carried the flag for New Zealand at the 2016 Olympics and came home from Rio with a gold medal in the 49er class. They followed up that success by playing influential roles in Emirates Team New Zealand’s victory in the America’s Cup earlier this year. Burling got his first taste of life onboard Brunel’s Volvo Ocean 65 at the start of…

Auckland’s Friends of Regional Parks (FOR Parks), has welcomed Auckland Council’s decision to designate Browns Island Motukorea as its newest Regional Park and its first island park. Says FOR Parks president Bronwen Turner: “We applaud the energy and persistence of Auckland Council to guarantee public access and enjoyment of this remarkable asset into the future.” The park opens up a myriad of recreational opportunities for nature and heritage lovers, the boating fraternity, day walkers and campers. The new park also offers opportunities for volunteers to work with Council to restore the ecology of the island, ravaged by a recent scrub and grass fire. Browns Island Regional Park is a significant step by Auckland Council in expanding the provision of Regional Parks to accommodate the city’s rapid population growth. We applaud…

MUSSELS IN ŌKAHU BAY Tradition merges with science and aquaculture in a new mussel-seeding venture in Auckland’s Ōkahu Bay. Believed to be the first of its kind in the world, traditionally-woven rope has been hung from the pylons of Ōkahu Bay wharf. This technique aims to seed larger numbers of mussels into the bay. The three-year restoration programme is an attempt to bring back historical mussel beds in the Bay. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is committed to returning the water and land back to a healthy state. Over the last 15 years some 220,000 trees have been planted. “Protection of our waters and providing a future for our whanau is paramount for us. Our daily connection with the moana recognises our ancestors and their kaitiakitanga,” says Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei descendant, Donna…

for more info HEAD TO coastalclassic.co.nz The 35th PIC Coastal Classic race from Auckland to Russell starts on Friday, 20 October, and this year’s event sees the introduction of a new fee structure to cater for smaller yachts and cruisers. “We want to see more new boats and first timers join us for a fantastic adventure to the Bay of Islands,” says Greer Houston, Commodore of the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. He believes growth in the cruising division is the way forward for families and new entrants. “Russell is such a great town and puts up a very warm welcome. For a family to sail north together, or to meet the boat in Russell and spend some time after the race, cruising in the Bay of Islands, is a…

One of the country’s smallest yacht clubs – Manly Sailing Club – has welcomed Russell Coutts as its new Commodore. Coutts addressed the club’s recent AGM and outlined potential areas of focus and development for the year ahead. He wants the club to encourage more sailors and families to become involved and to also embrace other watersports. Junior sailing is already underway, and there are plans to expand this programme by developing closer relationships with local schools. The club also plans to offer adult Learn-to-Sail courses and create a more regular calendar of racing and fun events involving in a wider range of classes. For membership enquiries contact secretary@manlysailingclub.co.nz…