Innehållsförteckning för July 2024 från Boating NZ

For many, thoughts at this time of year turn towards overseas holidays or perhaps the attractions of New Zealand’s alpine regions. In the past, my attention pivoted towards our rivers and lakes, and the trout that lived in them. Now, with my 65th birthday behind me, flyfishing is a pastime I intend to take up again–perhaps even this winter – while I’m fit enough to enjoy it. That said, the reality of producing a boating magazine is that our boating goes on summer and winter – we need to feature boats and boating 12 issue per year. Interestingly, we increasingly review new boats kitted out with heaters and all the facilities required for comfortable winter boating. Fortunately, being obliged to climb aboard boats year-round has its upsides. For example, while…

New Zealand boaties are set to benefit from the elimination of tariffs on all EU-built boats entering New Zealand, which came into effect May 1, 2024. The duty has been removed from industrial products (including motor homes, plastics, furniture, kitchen appliances and other machinery, motorboats, yachts and other vessels), agricultural products (meat, dairy, horticulture and others, including chocolate), footwear and apparel, and cosmetics. It is is estimated the removal of tariffs will save importers $74 million in import duties every year.…

Exhibitor applications for the 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF), set to take place in Hobart, Tasmania, February 7-10, 2025, are now open. As the largest celebration of maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere, the AWBF invites boat builders, craftspeople, artisans and service providers to participate in the showcase of wooden boat community. Renowned for its rich maritime culture, the AWBF attracts thousands of visitors from across the globe, offering a unique platform for exhibitors to display their products and services, and a great opportunity to engage with fellow maritime enthusiasts. The 2025 AWBF theme will focus on maritime culture across New Zealand and the Pacific Ocean, with a large contingent of visitors expected to attend the AWBF from those regions. Applications for exhibitors will be accepted until September 2024.…

A floating fine-dining venue anchored in the Broadwater, on Australia’s Gold Coast, was the venue for the world premiere of Riviera’s new 6800 Sport Yacht. Onboard, Riviera’s VIP guests eagerly awaited the arrival of Riviera’s new flagship Sport Yacht, which appeared out of the darkness to a fanfare of music and lights. Guests awaiting delivery of their own 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition were then invited aboard to experience the new motor yacht. Riviera’s 6800 Sport Yacht has multiple separate entertaining areas and snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding and fishing enthusiasts are well catered for, with the ample water sports equipment storage in the tender garage The entertaining and dining centre of the 6800 Sport Yacht provides all-weather protection. The aft deck boasts a very capable alfresco entertainer’s galley and wide side decks…

Based in a newly-built facility in Gisborne, White Pointer Boats, with Rex Briant at the helm, has been custom-building highquality aluminium trailer boats for 32 years, constantly expanding, developing and improving the range. With more than 600 boats between 6.2m and 10.5m delivered so far, White Pointer has earned the respect of discerning customers in New Zealand and Australia, attracting a loyal and ever-growing following for its high-quality, rugged and totally dependable aluminium trailer boats. Many customers are on their third or fourth White Pointer boat. Although trailerable, Overdraft lives in the Coromandel seaside town of Whangamata, where she occupies a berth in the town’s marina partway up the river estuary. With 140 hours already on the engine, she’s often out enjoying the adjacent waters or chasing gamefish further offshore.…

The hardtop SP635 shares the same underpinnings as the popular SF635 which was a completely new model back in 2020 (see Boating NZ, November 2020 for a review of the SF635). SP stands for Sports Pursuit and SF for Sport Fisher. 3D-modelled by Nic de Mey and incorporating the latest GRP construction practices, the 635 is not just a development of an existing model. Foam-cored composite floors are bonded to the hull and the spaces between are foam-filled for quietness, rigidity and strength, while its vacuum-infused carbon fibre hardtop – a first for Haines Hunter – weighs just 22kg. The hardtop’s side-windows slide back into the carbon pillars at the rear. Except for teak capping on the gunwales and some teak trim, no timber is used in the boat’s construction.…

HAINES HUNTER HAS begun offering Seakeeper gyro stabilisers as an option in its 725 range, recently fitting one to a SP725 for an avid offshore fisherman owner. The capable 725-model range, available in five different configurations, is a popular choice with serious offshore game fishers. Over season, you’ll find many Haines Hunters, trolling lures far offshore, targeting prized gamefish species. Whether you are out wide in sloppy and uncomfortable conditions, or one of your crew struggles with seasickness, the addition of a Seakeeper gyro can transform your boating. A compact, lightweight Seakeeper 1 gyro stabiliser applies the physics of gyroscopes to dampen a boat’s roll in rough or sloppy seas. A steel flywheel spinning at speeds of up to 9,750rpm in a vacuum contained within a sphere produces angular momentum…

WEBER MARINE IS FAST becoming one of New Zealand’s most reputable boatbuilders. The company is also expanding. The Hibiscus Coast-based boatbuilder is now the proud new owner of Hibiscus Marine Coatings. Since boatbuilders always needs painters, this acquisition makes perfect business sense. Weber took control on April 1, 2024. For customers of both businesses, it is ‘business as usual’. Weber Marine and Hibiscus Marine Coatings offer custom new builds, refits, maintenance, servicing, extensions and now also antifouls/Propspeed, repaints, paint repairs, touch-ups, cut and polishes, mast and boom painting, timber varnishing and more. www.webermarine.co.nz www.hibiscusmarinecoatings.co.nz…

Puzzle no.320 Across 8. _____ about – expression indicating boat is going to tack (5) 9. Sail with maximum sail surface to wind (3,4) 10. Type of salmon introduced into Waitaki River catchment in 1902 (7) 11. Figure of _____ – nautical knot (5) 12. Poetic word for small land masses in ocean (5) 14. Moor boat at wharf (3,2) 16. Make headway by sail despite apparent lack of wind (5) 18. Moves vessel by hauling on lines attached to dock (5) 22. Accurate scale model of historical vessel (7) 24. Fish with large wing-like pectoral fins (7) 25. Marine plants including seaweeds(5) Down 1. _____ the Line – ship ceremony when going over equator for first time (8) 2. Wrap strip of tarred canvas around rope - traditional method…

Every time a screw or bolt contacts another type of metal there is a potential for galvanic corrosion and future problems. This can also affect fibreglass, plastic or wooden boats, although they obviously have fewer points of contact between different metals than do aluminium or steel hulls. The best way to reduce the possibility of issues arising in the future is to insulate the junction between unlike metals. Galvanic corrosion requires both an electrolyte between the different metals and an electrical connection between them, and if either of these is missing then the cycle cannot start. It is also usual practice to apply a form of setting compound to ensure the fastening does not come free over time from vibration or use. And the industry standard for this purpose is…

Roger Mills shot this photo of Spirit of New Zealand with the yards manned by navy trainees exchanging salutes with the base at Devonport. As part of their leadership and command training, the 2024 navy recruits spent five days under sail on Spirit. On the final day, the commanding officers from Devonport boarded to see how the young recruits could take command of the ship with sailing drills and using the ship as base for a search and rescue mission. The navy stated they were very impressed with the training given by the Spirit staff and how the recruits carried out the demanding challenges. www.spiritofadventure.org.nz…

The first-ever Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix is to take place on the iconic waters of Lake Geneva on 20-21 September, 2025. The announcement marks the third confirmed event on the global racing championship’s hotly-anticipated Season 5 calendar. The event will also be the home debut of the Switzerland SailGP Team, including Geneva-born Sebastien Schneiter, who will return as driver for Season 5. The news was revealed at an event in Geneva and was attended by key officials from SailGP, including global CEO Sir Russell Coutts, Switzerland SailGP Team members, title partner Rolex, and representatives from Geneva City and State - all of whom worked together to bring the event to Lake Geneva, Switzerland. www.sailgp.com…

Groper (hapuka) fishing 20 kilometres off the Canterbury Coast, navigating the rugged coast of southern Fiordland, and circumnavigations of Rakiura (Stewart Island) and even D’Urville Island. Not bad for a young bloke in a 3.6m inflatable dinghy with an 18hp Tohatsu engine on the transom. And you can add to all this his expansive hunting trips for deer, tahr, chamois and other animals game throughout the South Island. All of this provides rich video material for the fast-growing NZ Wild Adventures YouTube channel, run by Christchurch-based 25-year-old Tasman Denize. While there’s a seemingly endless parade of boating, fishing, diving and hunting material on YouTube and other social media platforms, Tasman’s NZ Wild Adventures channel continues to strike a chord with viewers due to its simplicity, humour and remarkable adventures. Tasman…

Some readers may remember the story of a former New York property developer who forged documents to sell an indebted yacht that was subsequently repossessed, reported in the NZ Herald, November 2022. With over 20 years’ experience in boat insurance, Aaron Mortimer of Mariner Insurance has heard of many nightmarish scenarios, from costly mechanical failures right through to gut-wrenching repossessions like the one above. In a recent video Aaron shared several tips tailored specifically for Kiwi secondhand boat buyers to help them buy with confidence – scan the QR code opposite to view. HERE ARE HIS RECOMMENDATIONS. Avoid ‘too good to be true’ deals Aaron highlights the importance of assessing the seller’s credibility. Those after quick sales, those with reluctance to meet at their home, or those unwilling to provide…

BUY A NEW LAGOON with 36° Brokers prior to the end of August and they’ll shout you a trip to Europe for the 2024 Americas Cup in October, taking care of flight, accommodation, entry fee, plus more. Or… Fly to the Cannes Boat show and experience the Lagoon Range first hand with the 36° Brokers team. When you confirm your offer before September 31, 2024, you’ll receive up to $30,000 back on your travel expenses when you purchase the multihull of your dreams. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to combine the thrill of owning a Lagoon yacht with a luxurious European getaway. Register today and start your journey with Lagoon and 36 Degrees! www.36degrees.nz…

IN AN ERA WHERE outsourcing is common, New Zealand-based Anura continues to invest in local, in-house innovation. As the leader in amphibious technology, its modular systems transform watercraft into land-conquering vehicles, Anura is introducing cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities into its own facility in the form of state-of-the-art 3D printing and laser engraving equipment, significantly expanding its already impressive in-house manufacturing capabilities. This strategic move allows Anura to produce ‘impossible parts’ – intricate amphibious system components that are challenging to make using CNC machining technology. With the addition of 3D printing, Anura can now use a wider range of materials, including carbon fibre, to push the boundaries of what’s possible in amphibious technology. By bringing these advanced technologies in-house, Anura not only retains its intellectual property but hopes to dramatically accelerate its…

JUNE 7, 2024. Australia’s luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has defined the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as ‘exceptional’. Twelve motor yachts from Riviera’s wide range were selected for the company’s display, which was visited by more than 600 Riviera owners and 3000 visitors. The four-day event is the only boat show Riviera is taking part in in 2024. “This year has been a truly memorable show for the Riviera family,’’ owner Rodney Longhurst said. “The world premiere of our 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition received great accolades from new owners and all who have stepped aboard. “From our three gala dinners celebrating the launch of our 6000th motor yacht, to the fun-filled Women of Riviera luncheon, this has been a true celebration of Riviera.’’ Riviera’s three-day Festival of Boating…

SEA RAY’S SDX270 SURF, the company’s first wake surf model, takes full advantage of its spacious layout and ample storage so everyone in the family can catch waves in style. Unlike traditional wake surfing boats, the SDX270 boasts a high freeboard so you can make it home safely when the weather turns, enjoy superior ride quality, and never risk getting that sinking feeling. Storage for people, toys and gear is optimised in dedicated spaces throughout the SDX270 Surf and a storage area under the cockpit bench seat keeps boards secure when not in use. www.sportsmarine.com…

“I knew there had to be a way to integrate satellite technology and GPS with existing weather forecasting models…” Launched around 15 years ago by Auckland’s Jon Bilger, PredictWind is a subscription-based global wind/weather forecasting service – accessed via a phone/tablet/laptop app. With various ‘feature levels’ corresponding to a tiered price structure, it now has more than a million users worldwide. Getting to this point, says Bilger, has been quite a journey. A mechanical engineer, Bilger is also a former America’s Cup sailor with decades of successful dinghy and keelboat racing experience (underscored by numerous national titles). Inevitably, second-guessing the vagaries of the wind became embedded in his DNA. During his AC tenure as Weather Team Manager with Alinghi (2003 – 2010) he began mulling over the possibility of adapting…

Emirates Great Britain took the win in a weather-hit final at the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix – with driver Giles Scott claiming his first SailGP victory since stepping into the driver’s seat in January of this year. The win moves Emirates GBR up to sixth on the overall season standings, now 13 points off third as all teams push towards the lucrative $2 million Grand Final in San Francisco in July. The day’s conditions also caused drama off the water – with high winds forcing SailGP to adopt an adjusted format after being unable to safely crane all ten F50s into the water in time for the start of racing. With team’s prioritized in order of day one standings, Switzerland and the U.S. were unable to race on day…

In a surprise announcement at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Maritimo revealed the all-new M50 Flybridge and S50 Sedan Motor Yachts to the world. These new models exhibit the latest evolution of refined, elegant, practical, and luxurious spaces, combined with high-efficiency propulsion, reduced drag hull forms, legendary build quality and valid blue-water credentials. Maritimos are known for their fine ride, comfort and handling, born from a pedigree in racing. The new Maritimo M50 and S50 are no exception. The new M50 and S50 exhibit elegant lines and the largest completely enclosed flybridge in the class. Efficient and dependable Scania Di13 800MHP powerplants are standard and fuel capacity is an incredible 3800 litres. The Master Stateroom, ensuite and storage spaces are not only larger than in the previous model, but…

As I write this, I’m sitting in the comfortable saloon of Celestine, my Carambola 38, an aluminium, centreboard masthead sloop. We’re in the tiny fishing harbour of Kalanto, at the southern tip of the Greek island of Naxos. We are sheltering from the rotating storm Daniel, a ‘medicane’ in the Ionian Sea, sending 45-knot Meltemi winds down through the Greek Islands. Some areas of Greece which had just survived raging bush fires, then experienced 730mm of rain in 24 hours, causing recordbreaking flooding of ‘biblical proportions’ and 17 deaths. I’d been so focused on finding the perfect harbour to ride out the storm, I’d failed to notice it was just a fishing harbour – no shops, no buses, nothing, apart from the tinkle of goats’ bells in the sun-scorched hills.…

Growing up, I was a lucky lad. I rode my bike. I hit, chased, and caught a ball on grassy playing fields. Then one day in 1961, when I was eight years old, my dad – an aeronautical engineer, a former U.S. Air Force navigator of a B-17 Flying Fortress, and a WWII prisoner of war in Germany – brought home a 14-foot fibreglass sloop. I didn’t know what to make of it. A boat? Soon we were out on our first sail, my dad, mom, and older brother and I seated on the windward side in an 18-knot sea breeze. I had the jibsheet in my hand, my dad had a grip on the mainsheet. “Now we are going to tack,” he announced. We, the crew, exchanged glances and…

THE NAVETTA 53 exemplifies superb liveability, sophisticated luxury, and effortless seakeeping. Expansive windows enhance the immersive marine experience, while thoughtful design ensures ease of movement with minimal use of steps, high ceilings, and space-saving sliding doors. Inside, prestigious materials favour warm tones while rounded corners enhance both style and comfort, complemented by refined details, such as leather inserts adorning handrails and handles. The spacious cockpit terrace is designed to welcome guests and can be tailored with modular furnishings. Protected pathways with integrated lighting lead forward, enhancing safety and ambiance. The flybridge features a helm station complemented by comfortable settees – ideal for sociable navigation and relaxed dining with family and friends. At the bow, the sunbathing area and settee offer another open-air setting. The main saloon has 360-degree panoramic views…

ACCORDING TO THE AUCKLAND-BASED company, Sealegs’ 8.6m Alloy Cabin MAX represents the pinnacle of performance, versatility, and cutting-edge amphibious design. Sealegs’ Amphibious 8.6m Alloy Cabin MAX was developed to meet customers’ real-world needs, with feedback and collaboration from boating enthusiasts and professionals around the world. Key features include greater stability from its 2.5m beam, more range from a 300-litre fuel tank, a larger cockpit, a tighter turning circle, a new helm console with Yamaha Helm Master, and an extended cabin roof with a lock-up cabin option. In addition, Sealegs’ 8.6m Alloy Cabin MAX boasts external and internal washdown pumps; single button ‘all wheels up’ and ‘all wheels down’ functionality; large port and starboard storage lockers; new LED mood lighting; an integrated 2200-lumen lightbar; more seat options including drawers, fridge &…

Kupe is the second 12-metre Cabin RIB (12RC) the company has launched, and the first destined to stay in New Zealand. (In October 2022, Boating NZ checked out the first 12RC, which went off to France.) This craft is named after the great Polynesian explorer Kupe, said to be the first to discover the islands of Aotearoa, and next summer it’s off on its own voyage of exploration around the motu. The 12RC is a collaboration between Sealegs, Hall Marine Design (HMD) and boatbuilders PureKraft, the last two based in Papamoa in the Bay of Plenty. Hall’s marine designer Simon Middleton worked with Sealegs to design the 12m, PureKraft built the hull and superstructure and the whole thing was painted by Super Yacht Coatings in Tauranga, then the amphibious kit…

It took just one phone call to identify the mystery yacht and her owner – boatbuilder, designer, and sailor Dave Jackson. “I call her Rose for no reason other than I liked the name,” Jackson told me in his deep, gravelly voice when we met at his shed a few weeks later. “It all started when I sailed a Herreshoff 12 ½ three years ago. A beautiful wee thing.’’ Designed by the late Nathaniel Herresoff in 1914, the Herreshoff 12 ½ had an LWL of 3.8m (12 ½ feet, hence the name) with an LOA of 4.88m. Jackson loved everything about the 12 ½ but its 750mm draft, which he found challenging to launch and get aboard. Rose is his interpretation of the 12 ½, designed to be lighter, easier…

THE JOHN SPENCER STORY – CHAMPION OF THE AMATEUR BOAT BUILDER A COLLABORATION BETWEEN PETER TAIT AND THE TINA RAWA TRUST IT’S PERFECTLY appropriate that the book about John Spencer, New Zealand’s yacht design genius of light plywood boats in the days we all built our own boats, is a slim volume. Also entirely appropriate that it’s a real yachtie’s no-nonsense book, containing the images that really matter – detailed line drawings, profiles, sections, scantlings and sail plans. Just like John himself would have said: “See for yerself, mate.” If laconic on the extraordinary racing record of his boats, again it’s in the showing of it that matters – like the legendary photo of Infidel winning the Trans-Pacific racing, crossing the line under a full moon; or Buccaneer comfortable in…