Boating NZ December 2019

Like many boaties, you probably have a sense that life somehow seems easier, less complicated – and generally a lot more fun – the minute you get on to your vessel. Even walking along a beach, gulping in the fresh air – or camping near a lake or river. When you’re near or on the water, yesterday’s troubles seem so far away. Well, as it turns out there is actually solid substance underpinning the inexplicable boost to your happiness quotient when you interact with the water – even though you might not understand it. Research being conducted at the UK’s University of Exeter shows that proximity to water – especially the sea – is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing, from higher levels of vitamin D…

“IF YOU DO JUST ONE REGATTA NEXT YEAR, MAKE IT THIS ONE.” That’s the message from Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta organisers, as they gear up for the 180th edition of the much-loved event on Monday, 27 January 2020. With the Notice of Race published and entries now officially open, organisers are encouraging Aucklanders to grasp the opportunity to take part in this iconic event. “The regatta has always been an event for all Aucklanders,” says Executive Officer Joyce Talbot. “It’s a chance to get out and celebrate and be part of history, whether you’re on the water or watching from the shore. People have such fond memories of their parents taking them to watch the races on Anniversary Day, and that’s a tradition we’d love to continue.” The…

A Saildrone – SD 1021 – has set the record for the fastest unmanned Atlantic crossing, and then immediately broke that record on the return crossing. It also became the first autonomous vehicle to transit the Atlantic in both directions. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), the US-manufactured Saildrones are designed for the planet’s harshest ocean conditions. They’re powered exclusively by the wind for propulsion and use solar energy to run onboard computers and navigational instruments. They are equipped with a suite of science-grade sensors to collect oceanographic and meteorological data above and below the sea surface, including wind speed and direction, air and sea surface temperature, atmospheric pressure, photosynthetically available radiation, wave height and period, dissolved oxygen, salinity and acidity levels. In addition to the standard Saildrone sensor suite, SD 1021…

The project is a collaboration between Royal DSM – a Dutch science-based company – and Starboard, a Bangkok-based watersports company manufacturing paddleboards, surfboards, windsurfers and kiteboards. In addition to the environmental benefit, the collection, sorting, cleaning and processing of discarded fishing nets creates sustainable livelihoods for several local communities in India. The collaboration was born when Starboard selected DSM’s Akulon RePurposed resin. Fully-recycled from discarded nylon-based fishing nets, the resin is known for its sustainability profile as much as its performance. The discarded fishing nets are gathered from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea and are given a new lease of life as fins, fin boxes, SUP pumps and other structural parts in surfboards. “One of the most satisfying parts of our work is the challenge of redesigning our products…

A 195m liner operated by the UK’s Fred Olsen Cruise Lines – the Braemar – has just claimed the record for the largest ship to pass through Greece’s famous Corinth Canal. The 6.3km canal – which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf – is 25m wide. The 24,344-ton Braemar has a 22.5m beam, but with precision manoeuvring she managed to carry her 929 passengers safely through the narrow waterway. “This is such an exciting sailing and tremendous milestone in Fred Olsen’s 171-year history, and we are thrilled to have been able to share it with our guests,” said Clare Ward, director of product and customer service for the company. “At Fred Olsen, we strive to create memories that last a lifetime, and with guests on board Braemar…

Pedersen was travelling with his wife and two friends north of Cape Brett when they put out a mayday call. Members of the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter service were able to winch all four into the chopper but Pedersen had passed away. “Stu made a massive contribution to the sport and was also just a great guy,” says Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie. “He’s going to be missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends as well as the crew, especially Stu’s wife Pamela. “He had a big impact on the sport nationally through his involvement in class associations, especially windsurfing, and his work with young people in the Bay of Plenty region. He was an active club member of the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat…