Innehållsförteckning för March 2024 från Boating NZ

Welcome to the March issue of Boating New Zealand! Isn’t it great to be enjoying a real summer? After northern regions endured endless rain and wind last year, complete with floods and deadly cyclones, it’s such a relief to be enjoying warmth and sunshine. Boaters, fishers and water users of every description are reaping the benefits, along with marine businesses, many of which did it tough last year. Of course, the weather has been a bit more mixed further south, but to be fair, compared to the rest of us, the South Island enjoyed a great summer last year – we were jealous – so maybe this season it’s just the south’s turn? Just kiddin! Hopefully the weather will be great for the return of SailGP to Christchurch’s Lyttelton Harbour,…

Rough conditions for the 184th Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta yesterday sent many of the keelboat entrants packing. But the high winds, at times gusting 25 knots or more, weren’t enough to dissuade the hundreds of hardy dinghy sailors who took to the water to race at locations across the city. One of the biggest fleets taking part in the regatta, which is New Zealand’s oldest sporting event, comprised 177 Optimist and Starling sailors. The regatta’s smallest sailors braved the elements to contest the final day of their three-day Auckland Championships hosted by the Royal Akarana Yacht Squadron. The miniature mariners battled heavy seas and strong winds, surrounded by a fleet of enthusiastic supporters and safety boats, with almost equal parts bailing and sailing witnessed throughout the day’s racing. Centreboard…

It will be an intense three-month racing period for the America’s Cup teams in Barcelona, although separate events or the Youth & Women’s teams will be preceded by long days of official training before their racing begins in earnest. All six America’s Cup teams will contest the Preliminary Regatta 22–25 August – the first time the new AC75s will line up together. Just four days later, as written in the Protocol governing the 37th America’s Cup, the Louis Vuitton Cup will begin with two Round Robins starting August 29, 2024, with all six competing teams racing, including the Defender. The double Round Robin racing is scheduled to finish on September 8 and will be the last time the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, will race the against the Challengers before…

SEALEGS INTERNATIONAL has announced plans to relocate a portion of its manufacturing operations to Malaysia. This move comes as the result of a comprehensive evaluation of factors, primarily driven by the need to address increased manufacturing costs in New Zealand following the COVID-19 pandemic. By establishing manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, Sealegs expects to achieve significant cost reductions. Which when realised are anticipated to translate into a decrease in the purchase price for consumers seeking the Sealegs experience. This move aims to expand the privilege and benefits of amphibious boating beyond an exclusive niche, making it more accessible to a broader market. Sealegs CEO, David McKee Wright, emphasised that new product development will continue to be carried out in New Zealand, as well as manufacturing for sales for New Zealand and…

TEMO, THE FRENCH SPECIALIST in electric motors for boats, has completed a €6 million Series A financing round with the US Impact Fund At One Ventures, the Ecotechnologies 2 Fund, managed on behalf of the French government by Bpifrance as part of the France 2030 programme, and business angels. Funding will be used to further develop TEMO’s range of electric propulsion solutions and help turn the recreational boating sector carbon free. TEMO motors continue to be manufactured in France’s Pays de la Loire region, and almost 70% of the components used in the motors come from French suppliers. To support its growth, TEMO plans to recruit 100 new staff over the coming five years. www.temofrance.com…

To start, it’s essential you have the correct equipment for the job to keep your surfaces looking their best for longer. For instance, did you know that the choice of cleaning products can adversely impact the durability and quality of coatings? The aim is to select cleaning products that are pH-neutral as anything too acidic or too alkali can have detrimental effects. Most household cleaners are not pH-neutral. Products containing bleach may leave permanent stains, even from splashes, so take extra care if these are being used anywhere. Metal polish, too, will damage painted surfaces, so if a metal polish is used, ensure it is fully rinsed off before proceeding with further cleaning. Brushes should have soft bristles, while natural sponges are best. Avoid abrasion pads at all costs. Higher…

South Pacific Boat Sales Ltd services customers from Auckland to Houhora, including Whangarei, Tutukaka and the Bay of Islands. The Mossmans specialise in selling quality vessels in the $100,000 to $1,000,000 range and pride themselves on offering customers unmatched levels of personal service, whether they’re buying or selling, power or sail. “Our customers are our first priority, so we work with them to get them to where they want to go,” explains Ron. “For us, a client is not just a number – we aim to create ‘clients for life.’” Ron realises the importance of getting to know the seller’s ‘story’ – their reason for purchasing the boat, what adventures they’ve had, and their reasons for now selling. That allows the Mossmans to best assist their clients to a take…

Forgotten films and iconic speakers will feature at Auckland Wooden Boat Festival as part of the inaugural event this March. Te Toki Voyaging Trust, the Whiting family, modern-day oceanic explorers, star gazers, and veteran restorers of famous vessels will feature in the speaker line-up of the event, along with a range of short films. Eleven speakers, and eight films feature during the Festival. Full programme details can be viewed at www.aucklandwoodenboatfestival.co.nz All talks will be shown at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, and bookings are recommended, but the events are free to attend. The film festival will be shown throughout the day in the Museum theatre, no bookings required. The inaugural Auckland Wooden Boat Festival is part of Moana Auckland – New Zealand’s Ocean Festival. www.aucklandwoodenboatfestival.co.nz…

A new venue this year made the 21st Bay of Islands Sailing Week regatta in late January the best ever. Bay of Islands Marina B Division was won by Zephyrus on PHRF and general handicap. Menace was fastest on line. Black Magic took out Gurit E Division general handicap and PHRF. Spider Pigo took line honours in all but one race. In the Explore Sport Boats division, Animal Biscuits foiled home to line honours and general handicap wins. Five sport boats also competed for the Magic 25 one-design class trophy, won by Magic Dragon. The Mount Gay Young 88 division was won by Danger Zone on the line and Heartlight on handicap. In North Sails Island Racing A division, waterline length predictably triumphed over the line, with Mayhem taking out…

“You need to have lived and worked on the ocean to be able to paint the ocean.” So says Nelson-based marine artist Sea Garwood, of the speciality that he says is the “most difficult genre to master.” And master it he has done. All it takes is a look at his extra-ordinary paintings to appreciate this. These are works that transcend technical accuracy and verity, to become unique works of art as well. But it hasn’t been an easy passage for Sean to get here. “Fishing was my life,” he recalls. “I’ve done commercial fishing in many places and with many shipmate – Australians, New Zealanders, Norwegians, South Africans,.” Sean has been a deep-sea trawler skipper. He’s also done much scientific research on orange roughy for Sea Harvest. And exploratory…

THE DICKEY BOATS TEAM is eagerly anticipating the late autumn launch of its new Pacific 62, the most capable and versatile craft in the company’s history. This long-range sportfishing cruiser embodies Jason Dickey’s vision of an adventure-bound sportfisher. It combines supreme fuel efficiency, ocean-going self-sufficiency, and unparalleled versatility. With exceptional seakeeping abilities and generous living facilities, the Pacific 62 is tailor-made for extended sea voyages through the Pacific and beyond. The Pacific 62 boasts the same unrivalled build quality and meticulous attention to detail as the company’s acclaimed Semifly and Custom ranges and makes no compromises on safety or fuel efficiency. Dickey Boats offer extensive customisation options to meet the high expectations of owners. For more information contact Jason Dickey: email: info@DickeyBoats.com Phone: 021 577 781 www.DickeyBoats.com/boat-models/pacific-62 WATCH IT…

ANURA, A LEADER in amphibious technology, will showcase its popular S25 amphibious system at the upcoming Auckland Boat Show – Anura’s inaugural participation at this renowned event. Anura offers a range of systems tailored to different craft sizes and applications, from small tenders to large vessels, with many marine manufacturers incorporating its systems into their latest craft designs. Anura’s display at the Auckland Boat Show will include a working S25 amphibious system. Featuring front and back wheel assemblies, along with an electric-over-hydraulic power unit. The setup allows visitors to observe the system in action, providing insight into Anura’s advanced technology. The Anura team will be available throughout the event to answer questions about design, functionality and installation. Visit Stand 101 near the show’s main entrance to experience the S25 amphibious…

FLITEBOARD, a division of Mercury Marine, has entered the Surf Foiling market with FLITELab, a new brand featuring an innovative range of assisted surf-foil boards. FLITELab AMP is the first product range from FLITELAB set to launch in 2024. The FLITELab AMP range offers battery assistance within a discreet device enabling foilers to catch more waves. Leveraging the advantage of motorised powered take-offs, it allows riders to access waves that were previously challenging to paddle into. The purpose behind FLITELab AMP is to expand the range of conditions suitable for surf foiling and wind wing activities. www.MercuryMarine.com…

We have a Cat 1 Safety Certificate requirement for New Zealand-flagged vessels departing on an international voyage. It dates back to 1956 and has had various iterations. In a nutshell, under the Maritime Transport Act, the Director of Maritime New Zealand must be satisfied that the vessel, its equipment and crew, are suitable for the intended voyage. Yachting New Zealand and its network of Inspectors fulfill this requirement on behalf of the Director. The issues surrounding the Cat 1 Safety Certificate are entrenched in the New Zealand international sailor’s psyche. Every year many hours are spent by what appears to be an increasing number of people debating the different issues surrounding yacht inspections. Whatever your opinion of Cat 1, it’s a requirement for a New Zealand-registered vessel intending to leave…

Because the Sessa C47 is indeed Italian, built by a company with a respectable boatbuilding history and a background in composites – Sessa was the first company in Italy to manufacture resins, in 1958. It has since expanded and merged, producing several thousand boats along the way. Sessa currently builds three distinct families of motor yachts, from 38 to 68 feet in length: Cruiser Line, Flybridge Line and Yacht Line. It also manufactures a range of outboard and inboard powered centre-console sportboats under the Key Largo brand. The Sessa C47 is new to these shores, and also to the company’s Yacht Line range. The New Zealand agents have also imported a Sessa C44 (see box), but the C47 is the more conventional of the two boats with its family-oriented, three-cabin,…

Hamilton’s Sam Newdick scored victory in the Building King Superboats Round 4 of the NZ Jetsprints Championship. It was a fitting victory on his home track, which will soon close permanently after the Auckland Jetsprint Club lost access to the venue. A course, which created a wake between two turns, proved tricky to negotiate, with boats losing grip and time in the wake. And that proved to be the difference for second placed Rob Coley, who threw everything at the course to go for the win. But Newdick found a way to beat the wake with a tighter line and shaved nearly a second off his previous best time to take the win in front of his PSP team and family. The biggest crash of the day went to Richard…

Marina capacity in the Marlborough Sounds has been boosted by nearly a third, with the opening of a new extension to the Waikawa Marina. The Waikawa North West development, which has been a decade in the making, is already filling fast with a range of yachts and powerboats. The addition of 251 new berths, in sizes ranging from 10 to 30m, brings the marina’s total capacity to just over 1100 boats. Anouk Euzeby, manager of Marlborough Sounds Marinas, which owns and runs Waikawa Marina, says this is a significant expansion of their marinas portfolio, enhancing its offering for commercial and recreational boaties wanting to enjoy the Marlborough Sounds. “It’s essentially added another marina the same size as Picton Marina,” she says. Waikawa North West was officially opened in December, with…

Australian company Seawind continues to produce capable cruising boats from its yard in Vietnam, and for 2024, its newly built yard in Turkey. The new premises have spurred a revamped range and a substantial increase in output. Seawind models range from the 52-foot 1600 to the 39-foot 1170. It’s the mid-range boats really pushing the brand’s popularity, both in this part of the world and in its largest overseas market, the USA. The standout has been the newly designed 1370 which has more than 70 orders as we go to press. For 2024, it is joined by the 39-foot 1170 which company owner Richard Ward has been evaluating. These two boats epitomise a new era for this 42-year-old company. Sleek aesthetics with reverse bows, backed-up by lighter-weight infused construction and…

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED launch of the second foiling power cat in the Valder Yachts series by Scott Lane Boatbuilders is on track for a mid-2024 launch, and the builders are expecting excellent results. The flight deck is now glossed, deck gear is being fitted and the exterior is in its final undercoat. Interior progress is in full swing, with floorings and panelling underway. Excitement is building as the foil design team finalises Version 2 of the Valder Yachts foil which promises enhanced performance and speed. Foil construction is set to commence shortly. Scott Lane Boatbuilders is wasting no time in its relentless pursuit of excellence: once the second power cat hits the water, construction of a third, flybridge model, will begin immediately. Follow Valder Yachts Series build progress at: www.facebook.com/valderyachts…

CARBON YACHTS, with offices in Pittwater, Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland, is bringing Germany’s ASTenders to the Australian and New Zealand markets. ASTenders offers a selection of carbon fibre dinghies, with sizes ranging from 2.8m to 4m and an impressively low dry weight starting at just 30kg. Models include the groundbreaking 340 Revolve with its Mitek electric engine system, capable of reaching a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 120nm, and the remarkably lightweight Beach 280, tipping the scales at an astonishing 30kg (dry). The 340 Revolve and the new 400 Coast models made their world premieres at the recent Boot Düsseldorf exhibition in January. The ASTenders range will make its Australian debut at the Sydney International Boat Show, August 1-4. www.carbonyachts.com.au…

A key event in 2024’s inaugural Moana Auckland – New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, the Auckland Boat Show celebrates the city’s deep connection with the water through a wide range of luxury motor yachts, sailing yachts, RIBs and trailerboats, including numerous new relaeases. One of the things that makes the Auckland Boat Show special is the chance to experience vessels on the water, including taking sea trials. On land, exhibitors comprise a range of brands across the industry, including engines, commercial, electrical and paint and antifoul. Heading up this year’s new releases are Italian yacht brand Sessa Marine, Haines Hunter’s recently released SP635, three new Princess Yachts models, a first look at the Finnish all-seasons Sargo boat range, Yamaha’ new F350 V6 outboard and Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilder’s new 18m luxury launch…

In June 2016 we sailed from French Polynesia to Tonga on the well-trodden path westward with brief stops inside Beveridge Reef and in the buoy field of Niue. In August we decided to head back from Tongatapu (21°S, 175°W, the southernmost archipelago of Tonga) to the Gambier Islands of French Polynesia (23°S, 135°W). Sailing southwards to latitude 30 or even 40 to find the westerlies and face cold weather and gales was not an appealing prospect. Neither did we want to sail hundreds of additional miles up to Samoa where the trade winds are supposedly lighter and from where the Society Islands (French Polynesia) lie on a better angle. The trades may be lighter up north, but they are also more persistent than in the south where they are frequently…

Puzzle no.316 Across 1. Frame used to support boat when out of water (6) 5. Ship_____ – builder of boats (6) 8. Microscopic organisms drifting in sea (8) 9. Become submerged below surface of sea (4) 10. Dr Ingrid _____ – NZ marine biologist who studies orcas (6) 11. Caught fish on line (6) 12. ____ Island – marine reserve near Leigh just north of Auckland (4) 14. Small storage containers commonly used in ships in bygone times (4) 16. Measures depth of sea (6) 19. Watercraft enthusiast (6) 21. The bounding ____ – literary expression for open sea (4) 22. Marine creature found in NZ estuaries and harbours (5,3) 23. Lighted or unlighted fixed navigational aid (6) 24. Well-known manufacturer of outboard motors (6) Down 2. _____ hitch –…