Boating NZ March 2025

It’s ‘Show Time’ for new boats, marine equipment and services in Auckland this month. The Auckland Boat Show kicks off on Thursday March 6, running over the weekend until Sunday March 9. Held across central Auckland’s Jellicoe Harbour and the Viaduct Events Centre, it’s the only boat show in New Zealand to present boats in their natural environment: on the water. This allows manufacturers to sea-trial vessels and for companies to show off their latest technology on the water. As usual, there’s quite a line-up of vessels and equipment making New Zealand debuts this year. There are also plenty of new releases from New Zealand manufacturers and boat builders. In addition to on-water displays, demonstrations and multiple stands inside the Viaduct Events Centre, there’s lots to see outside on the…

An impressive fleet of tugboats and classic launches put on an exciting show for the crowds of spectators gathered on the Westhaven breakwater to watch the racing on Auckland Anniversary Day, January 27. While the windy conditions prevented many of the classic yachts and keelers from taking part, there was still plenty to watch and enjoy throughout the City of Sails on her 185th birthday. Among the stars of the day were the Waka Ama fleet who bravely paddled against strong winds from Orakei to Westhaven to start their race, with all ages from teenagers to those in their 70s represented among the crews. In the Viaduct Harbour the Dragon Boat racing was fiercely contested by scores of colourful crews, much to the delight of onlookers around the shore. Meanwhile…

Three days of racing for 2025’s Bay of Islands Sailing Week wrapped up on Friday, 24 January. Light morning winds built to afternoon sea breezes on all three race days, making the sailing both tactical and enjoyable. A total of 92 crews entered this year, including two divisions hosting their national championships: the 10-strong Flying Fifteen fleet and the hotly contested Sports Boat fleet. In a first for the regatta, crews from the British Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy lined up against each other in Chico 40s following a team exercise to deliver the boats up the coast from Auckland. The UK’s Mako II, helmed by Lieutenant Emma Barry, triumphed over New Zealand’s Manga II, securing second place in their division and earning Emma one of the…

36 Degrees Brokers invites Maritimo owners to an exclusive Maritimo Muster at Man O’ War Winery, Waiheke Island, March 29-30. Whether cruising on your own Maritimo or taking the ferry, enjoy two days of fine wine and dining, adventure and great company at Man O’War. Saturday, March 29 will feature a scenic cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to Man O’War Bay to enjoy wine tastings, a delicious four course lunch at the Tasting Room (RSVP required), and time to relax on the lawn or take a dip in Man O’ War Bay. Sunday, March 30 offers a Lucky Door Prize for the new Forest Flight Zipline, where winners will soar through ancient kauri canopies and stroll through native bush. This is an unmissable opportunity to connect with fellow owners and…

January 16, 2025, was a historic day for Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, with the charity’s radio operators recording 675 bar crossing reports – the highest number ever logged in a single day. So far this year, Coastguard has seen no major bar crossing incidents on the water. This reflects the impact of boaties’ proactive efforts to prioritise safety, supported by Coastguard’s Bar Watch service and education initiatives, such as its Bar Awareness Seminar Roadshow and bar crossing video series. Coastguard’s Bar Watch provides a vital safety net where boaties log their crossings via VHF or *500 from a mobile, ensuring someone is keeping watch. If a crossing report isn’t closed within 15–30 minutes (depending on the bar), Coastguard initiates a search operation, offering peace of mind and rapid response in case…

A fleet of Queensland-built luxury motor yachts valued at more than $45 million were driven onto a semi-submersible ship in the Port of Brisbane, ahead of their 8000 nautical mile voyage to Mexico and the east coast of the United States. A total of 10 Riviera motor yachts will utilise the unique DYT Yacht Transport float on/float off method rather than being craned in the traditional manner on to a container ship to be positioned either under deck or on deck amongst containers. Four of the motor yachts will be floated off the ship in Ensenada in Mexico where they will be driven north to their final destinations in California. The remaining six yachts will be offloaded in Port Everglades, the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Australia exported…