Boating NZ August 2022

Last week I had the privilege of spending two days in the snowy Southern Lakes district. I was there to go boating, which isn’t always at the front of people’s minds when temperatures are in the low single digits. But while it was a bit nippy outside, the sun was shining, so our two days on the water proved to be not only exhilarating, but also surprisingly pleasant. It’s hard to beat the spectacular surroundings of this part of the country and the mountainous region’s many beautiful lakes offer some wonderful boating opportunities – even in winter. Lake Wanaka was the venue for our review of the ground-breaking Candela C7 foiling electric trailer boat, published in this issue, while Lake Dunstan is where we spent an afternoon with a Buccaneer…

Another year, another Roaring 40s boat race on Lake Tekapo running laps around a 15-kilometre course. The annual event, organised by the Timaru Yacht and Powerboat Club, took place over the weekend of July 10-11. The event attracted 30 boats ranging from 600hp to 70hp and a good complement of spectators, despite extremely cold conditions. So cold, writes powerboat enthusiast George Empson, that while the crews with enclosed cabs might have been fine, things were “bloody cruel” for those in open cockpits. Indeed, George did not hang around long enough to see the winners because “the log fire beckoned”… www.timaruypbc.co.nz …things were “bloody cruel” for those in open cockpits.…

Cascais in Portugal remains one of the most rewarding venues for the Quantum Racing team as Doug DeVos’ USA-flagged crew lifted the 2022 Rolex TP52 World Championship title, their third back-to-back regatta win on the Atlantic waters off the Portuguese coast. This is Quantum Racing’s fourth world title achieved during the ten year history of the 52 SUPER SERIES, and their second ‘worlds’ win in Cascais. This 2022 championship is also special to tactician Terry Hutchinson and the whole crew as it is the first won with owner-driver DeVos on the helm. Hutchinson said, “The entire event was close. You take the good with the bad. It’s ironic today as the previous four days we started really well and today we didn’t start so well. We were a bit conservative.…

All the signs pointed to Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson picking up their first medal at an international regatta – and the pair delivered. Wilkinson and Dawson finished second in the Nacra 17 at the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 European Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, in July. This rounded out a block of racing in Europe that has seen consistent progression. The pair have recorded results of sixth, fifth, fourth and now second against the world’s best. But know they have some work to do to catch Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti who have dominated the class in 2022. The Italians finished 65 points ahead of the Kiwis, only once finishing outside the top two in the 33-boat fleet across 15 races. Wilkinson and Dawson have worked hard to understand…

Wellington Electric Boat Building Company was delighted to receive Innovation Gold at the Wellington Gold Awards. The Wellington Gold Awards, in association with The Dominion Post, have been celebrating the excellence and enterprise of businesses in the Wellington Region since 1999. The company was recognised for its work on Ika Rere, the southern hemisphere’s first fully electric fast ferry. Described by Managing Director, Fraser Foote, as a ‘mind-bendingly difficult’ project, the Award is testament to the work and commitment of WEBBCo’s team of boatbuilders, project managers, admin staff, suppliers, as well as the project’s innovative design and tech team. “We’ve had fantastic support from the Wellington community since we started this project,” says Fraser Foote. “And we’re delighted to be acknowledged in this way.” After two months’ operation, WEBBCo’s client…

The Sydney International Boat Show returns from 28 July to 1 August 2022 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney and Cockle Bay inside Darling Harbour. From paddleboards to powerboats, kayaks to catamarans, snorkelling to sailboats, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the 53rd Sydney International Boat Show, billed as Australia’s largest recreational boating lifestyle event with hundreds of exhibitors set to attract more than 60,000 visitors. The five-day event has something to offer the whole family. The 5000m2 Event Deck has a purpose-built 35-metre pool for on-water demonstrations of marine products where visitors can see and trial kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedalboards and kids can enjoy free bumper boat rides and participate in a treasure hunt. The open-air Event Deck is also home to the Rooftop Bar,…