Innehållsförteckning för January 2018 från Boating NZ

Millions of tiny particles of plastic have been detected in European waters in ground-breaking scientific research conducted as part of the Volvo Ocean Race. The research, using data collected by team ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’, identified over three million micro-plastic particles per square kilometre of ocean. The samples were collected using a state-of-the-art instrument on board the yacht. The initial results, gathered during the Prologue stage and Leg 1 of the Race, between Lisbon and Alicante, were presented by Dr Toste Tanhua during the first morning of the two-day Volvo Ocean Race Ocean Summit, held at the event’s Cape Town stopover. The samples collected during Leg 2 are currently being analysed and results will be revealed in due course. “Our initial findings suggest that the levels of micro-plastic in…

...a cruising yacht shouldn’t have to compromise on performance New Zealand interior design company Kit Carlier Design is part of a high-profile trio responsible for an innovative, high-speed cruiser soon-to-be launched in Australia. The 57-foot vessel – featuring carbon construction and electric propulsion – was designed by the legendary German (Mani) Frers and built by Australia’s McConaghy Boats. Her design,” says Kit Carlier, “was guided by the clients’ principle that a cruising yacht shouldn’t have to compromise on performance. Every aspect of the interior design was carefully considered to ensure weight was kept to an absolute minimum. If we couldn’t find off-theshelf solutions, we commissioned bespoke products to fit the brief.” The goal was to allow the cruiser to perform at its best, while still retaining the comforts of a…

Grand Banks has been building boats for more than 60 years, introducing both the recreational trawler and Downeast-style cruiser categories to the world. The company’s solidly-built, luxurious motor yachts are very popular in North America and Europe and have a strong following in many other regions, including Australia. The company’s recent acquisition of luxury Australian boat builder Palm Beach Motor Yachts has resulted in an exciting range of new designs, and a new direction for the shipyard. Reviewed here is the Grand Banks 60 – the first hull of a new breed focussing on performance and efficiency, while retaining GB quality and style. Renowned sailor and businessman, Aussie Mark Richards, started Palm Beach Motor Yachts 22 years ago. He is now CEO of Grand Banks Yachts, responsible for spearheading and…

When viewing for the first time the CGI video depicting the range of articulation in the foils for the various modes of sailing, one might think Optimus Prime would be an appropriate name for the vessel, given its resemblance to a Transformer robot – er, well, transforming. Comparisons to a lizard on hot sand have also been made, as well as comments to the effect that it looks like it might crawl up the beach and lay its eggs. There have been cries of ‘that’s not sailing’ and ‘we wanted proper yachts’, with an underlying sentiment that Grant Dalton has come up short in his promise to return to a form that’s ‘more recognisable’ to the majority of sailors. These views you can give a bit of credence. But the…

The revamped Lion will be sporting a comprehensive B&G instrument package supplied by Navico. “B&G equipment was fitted for Steinlager 2’s upgrade,” says Paul Powney, NZ Sailing Trust’s CEO. “It’s proved utterly reliable and we’re delighted to be repeating the exercise with Lion.” Providing the interface between all the components are two B&G Zeus3 MFDs – a 9” and a 12”. These easy-to-use chartplotter navigation systems incorporate a bright HD touchscreen display, high-performance electronics and offer broad functionality. They’re supported by seven Triton2 Digital Displays and a Triton2 Speed/Depth Pack, B&G 4G Radar, a ForwardScan Transducer and three 20/20HV Display Pack for viewing True Wind Angle, COG or SOG. Getting the crucial information in the right place is simple. The V50 Radio & H50 Handset comes with AIS reception and…

The boats will be based in Auckland along with the rest of the Ownaship Fleet, with the option to have them relocated to the Bay of Islands and other locations over the summer period. The Lucia will The Lucia will also be heading over to the Pacific Islands during winter, giving owners the chance to explore some of the world’s most pristine waters. And with an onboard dive compressor, gen set, and berths for up to 10, she’ll be making holiday dreams come true. “A share in the either boat is a great opportunity for people to get into luxury boating at an affordable price,” says Ownaship’s Simon Barker. “It’s also a fantastic option for people who are time poor; who want the convenience of just being able to show…

Navigation lights are legally required on any boat during the hours of darkness, or during reduced visibility such as a thick fog. Nonpowered vessels under 7m in length (i.e. small yachts, rowboats and kayaks) must show a white light or torch in time to avoid a collision. Powerboats under 7m must show an all-round white light, and if they can travel at more than seven knots they must have red and green sidelights on the port and starboard sides respectively. Port and starboard lights must be visible from directly ahead and through an arc of 112.5° on the appropriate side i.e. the coloured lights are not visible when a boat is heading directly away from you, while you will see both colours if it is heading towards you. Where different…

“OUR OBJECTIVES OVER THE LAST YEAR,” says Westhaven manager Kevin Lidgard, “have targeted specific components of the marina. They range from improving water quality and renewing/replacing piles, through better security and electricity/water reticulation, to the new public promenade and parking management.” Their collective impact, he says, has seen the marina’s latest customer survey leap to a 78 percent ‘very satisfied’ rating – up 10 percent from the year before. “There is plenty more to do, but we are moving in the right direction in the drive to develop the marina as a premier boating facility.” One of the marina’s most pressing problems is capacity. Home to around 1,500 vessels, the facility is full and has a current waiting list of more than 200 boats. Part of the solution, says Lidgard,…

American designer George Stadel was largely self-taught and launched his career in 1928. He also worked as a boatbuilder, boatyard manager and surveyor. In 1978 Stadel, along with sons George III and William, founded George H Stadel and Sons, a company noted for its diversity of work. Stadel’s best-known designs were his Pilot series ranging in lengths from six to 12m. He designed the Pilot 26 in 1939 but very few have been built. When building Tara, Herbert Krumm-Gartner of Classic Boats followed Stadel’s hull lines, but made changes to the sheer, cabin profile, construction and ballast. Tara was planked with edged-glued kauri, glued and screwed to laminated frames. Teak was used for the transom and cabin sides, with plywood for the decks and cabin top. The spars are all…

Drawing on the successful Semifly 32, the Dickey SF 36 rounds out the Semifly range, including the SF28, the SF40 and flagship SF45, as a mid-sized allrounder. She’s large enough to facilitate groups of five or six on extended liveaboard adventures. The most obvious alteration is the additional real-estate in the cockpit. With an extended saloon overhang to more completely shelter the rear lounger, the Semifly 36’s versatility is enhanced. Both the galley and wheelhouse benefit from incremental size improvements... It’s an outdoor area with generous respite from the sun, and one that doesn’t compromise the functionality required in a competitive sportfisher. The new Semifly 36 also offers the option of a greater range with a fuel capacity jumping by 250 litres to 1,000 litres. At that end of the…

Born in 1952, Paul couldn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, be labelled an enthusiastic scholar. Boats, rather than books, consumed his life – perhaps not all that surprising given the family’s sailing obsession. But proof that he was born with an innate talent and an exceptional eye is evident when you learn that he penned the Reactor’s lines (in 1968) when he was only 16 – completely untrained in boat design. Equally intriguing is his instinctive move to embrace what was then the new-fangled fibreglass construction, and become a pioneer in the era of New Zealand production boatbuilding – taking advantage of its inherent cost- and process-efficiencies. The mould for the first fibreglass Reactor was made (1968) from the wooden plug Whiting built in an old shed near his…

In a radical step to help the conservation of marine creatures such as whales, giant rays and turtles, Mexico’s government has created North America’s largest ocean reserve around its Revillagigedo islands, some 390km south-west of the Baja California peninsula. The 150,000 km2 protected area includes four volcanic islands – the Revillagigedo archipelago – which are part of a submerged volcanic mountain range. The local ecosystem supports some 400 species of fish, sharks and rays and is home to hundreds of species of animals and plants, lizards and migratory birds. It’s also the breeding ground for commercially-fished species such as tuna and sierra. These have suffered, unable to reproduce fast enough. With all fishing activities now prohibited, the new reserve will be key to their recovery. Mexico’s president, Enrique Peña Nieto,…

It was a victory that captivated a nation, so it was little surprise when Emirates Team New Zealand was named Executive Travel Sailor of the Year at the recent Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards. ETNZ beat Oracle 7-1 in Bermuda in June to win the Auld Mug, and received the Sir Bernard Fergusson trophy at a gala dinner at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have won previous Sailor of the Year awards and had a big hand in ETNZ’s America’s Cup campaign as key sailing members. Neither were able to attend the Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards with both chasing a rare treble – the Volvo Ocean Race to go with their Olympic gold medal and America’s Cup win. Burling also picked up a performance award…

The combination of the government’s two years’ free apprenticeship training initiative and the demand created by the America’s Cup will create a boom in marine industry jobs, predicts the NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation (NZMACITO). NZMACITO’s apprenticeship training is held in high regard internationally and is seen as a key component of the country’s marine industry’s success. Current industry turnover is $1.7billion – and this includes exports of $800million. The industry says it has the potential to grow exports to $1.66 billion over the next seven years on the back of the 36th America’s Cup being hosted in Auckland. “There’s been discussion of the value of the America’s Cup and the superyacht spectators which will accompany it to New Zealand. While some people might see superyachts as just…

A 30-year friendship between two talented yachtsmen, including camaraderie and competition, has found fresh expression. Mark Richards and Matt Mason (pictured left) are accomplished sailors, competing in the 1992 and 1995 America’s Cup, match-racing together and against one another, going head-to-head in the Admiral’s Cup, and sailing together onboard Wild Oats XI, the famous Australian SuperMaxi in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart race. Of the eight times they’ve sailed the Sydney to Hobart together, Wild Oats XI has claimed line honours four times, including two race records and two handicap wins. Based in Auckland, Mason was recently appointed by Richards, CEO of the group, to represent Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts. “With the excitement surrounding the upcoming America’s Cup and the strong interest in what we’re doing,…

It was the first of many pleasant surprises. I put a snap of the John Welsford Navigator Korora on my How to sail a Boat Facebook page mentioning that I was doing a boat review. Having no grip on social media marketing, my followers are normally confined to my family. The next morning I had over 1,600 views and 25 likes and a sneaking suspicion that there was a whole cult following of Welsford cruising dinghies out there. John Welsford has been quietly designing cruising dinghies, yachts and rowing boats for over 35 years. Like many good New Zealand designers he has a popular following overseas but is less well-known here. The Navigator has been one of his most popular designs with over 700 plans sold. Its popularity has also…

Timed to coincide with the arrival of the VOR yachts in early March this year, the three-day regatta has been scoped by Gary Sugden, manager of the 11- boat MRX fleet. “It’s a fun event that celebrates the history of these 10.2m yachts and the lives and careers of the scores of New Zealand sailors who’ve trained in them. They’ve been an incredible asset for many of our best sailors – a tool for honing their tactical and competitive skills. “I’m hoping this regatta will attract and bring together many of the ‘MRX graduates’ and their mates – as well as the people who were involved in developing and building the fleet in the early 90s – and even a few of our sailing celebrities or stars. “The event would…

Buccaneer Boats has expanded its dealer network to include Firmans Marine in the Hawkes Bay. “Buccaneer is one of the most reputable manufacturers in New Zealand with a reputation earned over many decades for build quality, innovation and attention to detail,” says Brian Firman, owner of the Napier-based dealership. Firman is particularly interested in Buccaneer’s wide range of trailer boats, which at 17 models is unmatched by any other GRP boat manufacturer in New Zealand. Buccaneer’s models range from the 470 runabout to the big 735 hardtop and include bow riders and walk-around options. “Buccaneer has models to suit saltwater and freshwater boaties, or both,” says Firman. “As a dealer of both Mercury and Yamaha outboards, prospective Buccaneer buyers are spoiled for choice.” He predicts the Buccaneer range will be…

BoatSmart HQ, the app service which ensures a vessel is safe and waterready, has teamed up with Gulf Group Marine Brokers to provide vessel support and maintenance services to their clients. The companies offer complementary services to boat owners and aspiring seafarers – Gulf Group acting as brokers for yachts, launches and commercial vessels, and BoatSmart HQ managing all of the critical service and maintenance elements of boating so owners can enjoy a worry-free life at sea. Gulf Group Marine Brokers has 10 branches in New Zealand and an office in Fiji. The group offers a large portfolio of yachts, launches, commercial vessels and marina berths, along with competitive marine insurance rates, finance and vessel appraisals. BoatSmart HQ’s Scott Richardson says the app-based service solves many challenges for boat owners…

Named Fat Freddy – not a woman’s name, says Shelly with feeling – she is a Regal 28 Express supplied by New Zealand agent Tony McCombe from Integrity Marine in Nelson. She’s the culmination of a thorough search, during which the Thomsons considered several other US-made models, including boats from Four Winns, Bayliner and Sea Ray. “Our last boat was a Four Winns and we liked it a lot, but we were after something bigger, and of the boat’s we looked at, the Regal offered the best mix of size, features and price. “We’re stoked with it,” says James. Fat Freddy lives in Kinloch’s pretty and sheltered marina close to Lake Taupo’s Western Bays, renowned for great trout fishing and spectacular scenery. The Regal 28 Express is legally trailerable on…

As director of Mariner Insurance, one of New Zealand’s only specialised marine insurers, Aaron Mortimer’s seen some pretty wayout claims in his time – and says people might be surprised by what their insurance policy will pay out on. Many of the claims he handles are for the usual things – “hitting other boats, hitting rocks… coming into an unfamiliar bay or even a bay you’re familiar with and just being a bit careless. Also, it’s not so much theft of boats but theft of items from boats or trailers. Someone comes along with a sharp knife and cuts through your covers and rips out the electronics, or they kick in the companionway hatch and steal the lifejackets and other safety equipment. Sometimes boats will get completely cleaned out, and…

I’ve seen Queen Charlotte serene. I’ve seen it sour. But either way, I love the place. Because the area offers some of the finest boating in the South Island, if not the country. Here, the boating, camping and fishing are only part of the attraction; an added bonus is the fascinating window into the history and culture of New Zealand. I’ve burnt a lot of fuel in these waters over the past seven years but by no means consider myself an expert boatie nor someone with special knowledge of the area. But I’ve certainly taken the time and effort to explore as much as I can within the limitations of our 5.3m Fi-Glass Senator. Picton Marina is a wonderful gateway to Queen Charlotte; sheltered, roomy ramps, floating jetties, ample parking…

Puzzle no.243 Across 1. Bring vessel to standstill (5,2) 5. ____-rigged - rigged in improvised or temporary way (4) 8. CV of champion sailor, maybe? (3) 9. Members of ship’s crew whose duties include cleaning, mooring etc (9) 10. ____ Murray, retired medal-winning NZ rower (4) 11. Cautious common sense - wise approach when sailing (8) 13. Boat line fastener (5) 14. Neptune - god of sea in _____ mythology (5) 16. Use this to launch small vessel (4,4) 19. Front part of ship (4) 22. Long level promenade for walking beside seashore (9) 23. Another name for yellowfin tuna (3) 24. ____ painter - additional rope used for fastening vessel (4) 25. Large fleets of warships (7) Down 1. Class of small racing twin hull boat (5) 2. Coat…

I first saw the Sea Blade some three years ago, when it was presented as a concept at an Auckland boat show. I knew instinctively it was something different, something that could change our expectation of how a boat should look and perform. Conceived by Honolulu-based design group Navatek, the hull is designed with an ultra-fine-entry that feeds down to two entrapment tunnels through the midsection. This process creates a 15 percent reduction in wetted surface and greater lift – generating efficiency and speed. Navatek’s original brief has a military origin to reduce injury and damage to equipment, which for the recreational boatie translates as a seriously comfortable and seaworthy boat. This is achieved by the advanced hull design for deadrise and planing surface breaking the water in a manner…

Barefoot Sailing Adventures – based in the Bay of Islands – is New Zealand’s first recipient of a newly-created category in the Blue Flag Accreditation programme. Blue Flag is a world-renowned eco-label operating in 45 countries with over 4,000 marinas, beaches and sustainable boating operators flying the Blue Flag internationally. It’s new category – Sustainable Boating Tourism Operator (SBTO) – was awarded to Barefoot Sailing Adventures thanks to its “strong environmental focus throughout all their activities and sustainable boating tourism.” Company spokesman Rachael Biggins says the environmental education component of the programme attracted her to Blue Flag. “We are passionate about providing support and educating others on conservation initiatives, such as ‘Project Island Song’ in the Bay of Islands; the Blue Flag criteria aligns well with this commitment.” Three Auckland…

Marlborough volunteer David St John took home four of the seven gongs at the recent Coastguard New Zealand Awards of Excellence – including the supreme Hutchwilco Coastguard Volunteer of the Year. The annual ceremony recognises Coastguard volunteers and units across seven award categories, acknowledging the rescues undertaken on the boats as well as the work that goes on behind the scenes on land. Says Coastguard New Zealand CEO, Patrick Holmes: “Last year 6,797 New Zealanders were brought home to their families thanks to the selflessness and dedication of our 2,052 volunteers around the country. They really are good people doing extraordinary things in our communities.” In addition to the supreme award, David also won the Community Relations Activity of the Year, the Century Yuasa Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year…

Beneteau’s series of Swift Trawlers is gaining popularity as a contradiction: despite the name, they’re pitched as an excellent compromise for sailors wanting to shift into power, or motor yacht owners wanting a more cost-effective cruising option. And yet the vessels are aptly named: each of the four models reaches speeds above 20 knots and features loads of practical touches in their spacious, asymmetric hull designs. Rather than jam the largest possible engines into the vessels, says Beneteau, each of the trawlers is designed to work in harmony with its power plant to deliver maximum performance without sacrificing comfort and durability. Available from 36 Degrees Brokers, the Swift Trawler range from 30ft to 50ft in length. For more information contact the 36 Degrees Brokers team at 09 903 1001 or…

Yachting Developments’ just-launched 39.5m build is the world’s largest all-carbon sportsfisher. Owned by a passionate fisherman, Hull 1015 combines luxury styling with exceptional performance capabilities and speed and an all-inclusive fishing setup that will allow her to undertake extended fishing trips. Naval architecture and exterior design is by Michael Peters Yacht Design (MPYD), with a custom interior by the owners together with Yachting Developments and Naylor Booth Associates. Interior work, structural engineering and design is the work of the specialist team at Yachting Developments. The vessel spans four decks, with accommodation for 10 guests – a large master suite, VIP, double and twin with Pullmans – and six crew. She features a contemporary, classic-styled interior that has been tailored to family living. Plentiful onboard spaces include the large main saloon…

Around six years in development, the Hydrofoiler XE-1 is an ingenious, hybrid machine comprising components of a bike, a propeller and carbon-fibre hydrofoils. It ‘rides’ on water – at quite a decent speed – and as an ‘all-terrain’ model it’s suitable for lakes, rivers and sea. The brainchild of a pair of Waikato designers/inventers/ entrepreneurs – Guy Howard-Willis and Roland Alonzo – the Hydrofoiler is now in production at their Cambridge-based company, Manta5. Getting one for this year’s Christmas stocking might be a little tricky, but you won’t have to wait too much longer. Their respective skills have proved a winning combo. Though a keen cyclist, Guy also has a passion for watersports. He also has business nous – he established Torpedo7 a few years ago and it’s now a…

Can you believe it! Lion New Zealand is 33 years old. Sir Peter Blake’s fourth Whitbread thoroughbread from the 1985-86 race is getting a thorough refit to see her safely navigate her way into the future. A Ron Holland design, she is 23.9m LOA and weighs nearly 40 tonnes. Originally built to withstand the rigours of racing in the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn, she now has a different role to play. Lion is now owned and operated by the the New Zealand Sailing Trust, along with Blake’s other yacht, Steinlager 2. The trust was established in 2008 as a charity to preserve Lion New Zealand and ensure she was available for as many young New Zealanders to experience sailing and learn about New Zealand’s sailing history. Trust CEO,…

The sound is unbelievable… Pushed by a pair of Mercury 350 Verado outboards, this 6.8m CamCraft sport fishing boat touches 64 knots. It’s turning heads along Mornington Peninsula, near Melbourne, where it is being run regularly to get hours up on the engines. “When I push the throttle, the sound is unbelievable – not loud – just unbelievable,” says owner Neil Robertson, who also cites brilliant fuel economy for the rig. The original plan was to put the 350 Verados on a different, larger CamCraft boat, but when the 8m boat was delayed, Neil asked CamCraft to put the Verados on a 6.8 he could use in the meantime. “As soon as I had it in the water, I thought ‘forget about the 8m; this is perfect’.” A lot of…

Sailingscanner is a global boat rental search site, where people search and compare thousands of boat options at the best prices. The founders created the site to meet the needs of consumers frustrated by having to search multiple sites/brokers to find best deals. Today’s customers want the chance to compare boat rental prices and features to find the best and cheapest options, just as they do for flights and hotels. Sailingscanner offers a fast search function so users can compare prices from more than 10 websites with over 15, 000 boat rentals options. The site provides boat information, pictures, prices, filters and other features to help customers make the right selection before leaving the site to book a boat. Sailingscanner is not a boat rental company, but connects people directly…

An Auckland boatbuilder has partnered with a Bay of Plenty iwi and a local mussel farming company to build an innovative new vessel and offer training scholarships for local youth. McMullen and Wing is taking on up to six school leavers from Opotiki, where employment options for young people are limited, to learn boat building through onthe- job training. The partnership with Whakatohea Mussels and the Whakatohea Maori Trust Board also includes a contract to build a new customised vessel for the mussel farming business based in the Bay of Plenty. “McMullen and Wing is taking a history of innovation and partnership to a new level with Whakatohea Mussels and the Whakatohea Maori Trust Board. Not only will we build a fantastic custom-made vessel for them, we will involve their…

Long-time readers may recall my story on Kerstin Novero (now Mueller) and her yacht Tara some 11 years ago. Back then, it was Kerstin’s indomitable will, along with the boat’s name, that prompted the title of my story – Going With the Wind – a play on Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone With The Wind. And it’s uncanny how the last 11 years of Kerstin’s life has mirrored that of the book’s fictional heroine, Scarlett O’Hara. Both have three children, both suffer hard times, both separate from husbands and both own something dear to their heart named Tara. Kerstin’s Tara is a 7.92m gaff-rigged cutter, and Scarlett’s is a 640-acre cotton plantation. For both Tara represents a refuge, a place to call home. We left Kerstin in 2006, married to Crispin…

More than 20 dories, clinkers, launches, yawls, skiffs and schooners were on display at the Akaroa recreation reserve and took part in the sailpast. With a cruise ship in port there was much interest in the gathering from onlookers who marvelled at the collective detail, workmanship and history. Both New Zealand’s first Optimist (KZ1) and what is thought to be the first R-class were on display. Nimrod was built in 1934 and raced by the Webb brothers up until WWII. She has remained in the Webb family since then and was in surprisingly good condition with her original spars, sails and hull. Conditions for the afternoon sail-past/ race were perfect with a moderate southwesterly harbour draft. With the support of the Ferrymead Mitre 10, the Canterbury Classic Boat group was…