Boating NZ January 2025

Welcome to our holiday issue, packed with boat reviews and summer content. This issue includes a South Island trailer boat odyssey, pre-cruise bio-security precautions, preparing a traditional Christmas ham at sea, and even book suggestions for summer reading, plus all our usual features and columns. This issue I’d like to introduce our new digital editors, Chris Woodhams and Kirsten Thomas, who bring considerable expertise to managing Boating New Zealand’s online and social media presence. The couple’s professional backgrounds blend technology, design, and business strategy. Chris’s expertise lies in telephony technology, while Kirsten has carved out a career developing user interfaces for computer systems, alongside business analysis and marketing. After Covid, the couple sought to prioritise family time over the relentless demands of work. This led them to purchasing a 50-foot,…

Step onboard Boating New Zealand to share thrilling maritime adventures, improve your knowledge of powerboats and yachts, feel the challenge of offshore voyages and be inspired by DIY projects in garages throughout the country. Plus, see the latest new boats from New Zealand and overseas – all brought to you by our talented pool of writers and photographers. CHOOSE THE OPTION FOR YOU $110 for a 1-year subscription Save 28% off retail! $197 for a 2-year subscription Save 31% off retail! Or subscribe to Boating NZ for only 535 FlyBuys points! Visit www.flybuys.co.nz or call 0800 359 2897. www.boatingnz.co.nz/subscribe/ WATCH BOAT REVIEWS AT WWW.BOATINGNZ.CO.NZ AND ON YOUTUBE…

The countdown is on for Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025, New Zealand’s premier multi-boat regatta, scheduled for January 21-24. As the annual sailing competition approaches, event Chair Ian Clouston emphasises the importance of early registration. “Knowing the participants for each division well in advance allows us to plan the regatta more effectively. Our entire on-water infrastructure – from race officials to judges and mark layers – is staffed by volunteers. Advance planning is crucial for coordinating personnel, transportation, and accommodation.” Past editions have seen over 100 boats enter and Clouston is hoping this year will be the same. www.boisailingweek.co.nz…

The Bay of Islands father and son duo, Warren and Blake Hay, took out the snapper trifecta at the Extreme Boats Tournament fished out of Whitianga over the last weekend in November. It was Blake who was first past the post, winning the measure-based comp with an 80.5cm snapper caught straylining aboard Game On, comfortably ahead of Warren’s 75cm entry. Andrew McDade aboard AMC took out the kingfish section with a 112cm entry while the kahawai and trevally overall prizes went to Tania Radonich (60.5cm) and Jenn Thonton (51.5cm) respectively. The tournament is capped at 102 boats and the 350 anglers came from as far afield as Portugal and Australia, as well as the South Island. With over $140,000 in prizes thanks to the generous support of trusted suppliers and…

The 2024 Beneteau and Lagoon Owners Rally, hosted by 36 Degrees Brokers on November 23, was a resounding success, bringing together 27 boats and over 100 participants at Lidgard House on Kawau Island. The event featured a friendly sailing race, engaging beach games, and a vibrant social atmosphere, all celebrating Beneteau’s 140th and Lagoon’s 40th anniversaries. Participants enjoyed themed decorations, competitions, and a prize-giving ceremony. The rally concluded without a hitch, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a strengthened sense of community. 36 Degrees Brokers acknowledges the following sponsors, whose support made the rally possible: Clean Collective, Tamaki Marine Park, Marsden Cove, Beacon, Gloss Boats, Ovlov Marine, Coast New Zealand, Craft Covers, Island Cruising, North Sails, Aqua Plumb, Dawny Adventure Club, Boating New Zealand, Gold Class Marine and Burnsco. www.36degrees.nz…

The REDHOT Marine Formula V Series has returned for the 2024-2025 season, with round one kicking off the season in Wanganui on the weekend of 23/24 November. Run in conjunction with the New Zealand Powerboat Association, the five-round inaugural season had nine entries, providing very close and competitive racing. This season has 13 confirmed entries, which makes it the biggest class of powerboat racing in New Zealand. All competitors are returning from last season, with some new entries moving up from smaller classes to join the field. Mason Dunlop with his boat Kausin’ Havoc is returning as the defending champion and will be keen to hold off the stiff competition from his fellow drivers! Formula V boats are monohull-style boats with a stock 200hp outboard. The majority of competitors have…