Innehållsförteckning för June 2025 från Boating NZ

The standout story for me in this issue of Boating NZ must be John Macfarlane’s feature on the remarkable rescue and restoration of Kokoru, a storied 1960 Jack Morgan motor launch badly damaged in a marina fire in 2022. Kokoru had just undergone a two-year restoration and been relaunched weeks before the fire. For her new owners, the fire was devastating, and they couldn’t face rebuilding the badly charred classic yet again. Kokoru’s future was looking bleak, but what followed showed she was a lucky boat after all, and that – thankfully – there are people with the vision to see what’s possible and the dedication to turn possibilities into reality. One such person was Matthew Dudley, who bought the scorched and blackened launch from a boatbuilder experiencing second thoughts…

SailGP has revealed a first look at its 2026 Season calendar, which features the return of iconic fan favourite locations, plus a first-time trip to Perth. The full 2026 season calendar will be released in full at a later date. Beginning in January 2026 and unfolding over the calendar year, the 2026 season will see SailGP race across five continents. Kicking off in Australia with a first-time event in Perth, the season will include an action-packed tour of North and South America, the league’s third visit to New York, a return to Halifax, and the Championship’s long-awaited and delayed debut in Rio de Janeiro. There will once again be an unforgettable European summer, with confirmed returns to Saint-Tropez and Portsmouth, before coming to a close with back-to-back events in the…

The yachting industry knows it is important to begin phasing out traditional fossil diesel fuel. Hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) is one of the quickest, cheapest and most significant solutions readily available to decarbonise yachting now. HVO rreduces CO₂ emissions by 90% compared to fossil diesel. Manufacturers and operators typically have to offset CO₂ emissions by paying for carbon credits or other schemes that help neutralise the emissions they produce (e.g. tree planting etc). Since HVO only generates 10% of the emissions caused by burning diesel fuel, the offset cost is much lower.Diesel price + diesel offsetting cost represents the full cost when using diesel (fuel cost plus the cost to neutralise the emissions it creates) whereas when you switch to HVO, you’re paying the HVO fuel price and a significantly…

Over 70 keen sailors from Central Otago to the Far North are expected to compete in next year’s Zephyr Nationals, to be hosted by the Howick Sailing Club in Auckland, March 12 to 15, 2026 – the 70th Nationals for the class. The Zephyr is a single-handed, one-design 3.35-metre centreboard yacht, designed by Des Townson in 1956. Seventy years on, it is still the most active adult dinghy sailing class in New Zealand with up to 300 boats sailing. Built in wood for 65 years and now in fibreglass, the class continues to grow. Class President, John Kliffen, says, “The Zephyr is a very easy boat to sail, and it is great to see the growing number of younger sailors and women sailors entering the class, giving the experienced grey-haired…

Loosely based on the traditional Beaujolais Nouveau delivery from France to the UK each year, it was first run in 2001 between Picton and Wellington to deliver the first of the year’s Marlborough vintage to the capital and is one of the three flagship events on the Waikawa Boating Club annual racing calendar. More recently the race has been run from Picton to Resolution Bay. Yachts carry wine from the wineries that enter and race to see who can deliver this year’s vintage first. Racing is on a first-over-the-line and a handicapped basis. On Race Day the nine racers were greeted with steady breezes and bright sunshine ahead of a 10am starting gun. Things were looking good for a flying fleet start…until the wind dropped. Nonetheless, the starting gun went…

In 2019, her long-time owner, John O’Brian, reluctantly decided to sell her. An Auckland couple, Alan and Tracy Gilder, heard about Kokoru and flew to Picton to see her. Little did they know that O’Brian was equally busy assessing them as suitable custodians. All parties were happy, and a deal was struck. Kokoru was motored to Auckland via the West Coast and straight into a shed for a two-year restoration. Relaunched early in 2022 with gleaming new paint from bow to stern, Kokoru looked pristine. She was just as good internally, with all new plumbing, wiring, fittings, and best of all, new twin Yanmar diesels to replace her elderly BMC Commodores. Kokoru’s luck tragically ran out three weeks later under the worst circumstances. An adjacent launch at the marina caught…

THE AWARD-WINNING LAGOON 60 has added another prestigious title to its name, taking out Best Sailing Catamaran Above 15m at the 2025 Yacht Style Awards. Held at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore, the ceremony gathered over 350 industry leaders, yacht owners, and VIPs to celebrate the best in international yachting. This latest accolade follows the Lagoon 60’s victory at the 2024 British Yachting Awards, where it secured Multihull of the Year with 44% of the public vote. Praised for its sleek deck layout, light-filled interiors, and innovative design, the Lagoon 60 continues to redefine luxury cruising. 36 Degrees Brokers proudly represent the Lagoon 60 in New Zealand, offering local sailors access to one of the most celebrated catamarans on the market. www.36degrees.nz…

WITH MORE THAN 25 YEARS in the marine industry and experience selling many brands, Dominic Lowe of Lowe Yachts has joined forces with European Marine Imports to market Sasga and Sargo motor yachts. Lowe joins company directors Ernest and Leighton Henshaw and seasoned marine industry veteran Bruce McGill, on the European Marine Imports team in a sales and marketing support role. Lowe met Ernest through a shared love of sailing many years ago, and with his broad experience in both power and sail, he was an obvious choice when the Henshaws went looking for some extra sales help. “They were after someone who would dedicate his efforts to raising brand awareness, marketing, and sales,” says Lowe. Sasga motor yachts are built in Spain, with semi-displacement hulls, traditional styling, and excellent…

THE WHISKEY PROJECT GROUP (TWPG) has unveiled VYCOR, a new line of high-performance commercial watercraft, alongside a refreshed brand identity, marking a pivotal step in its strategic growth. The launch of VYCOR introduces a versatile range of rugged purpose-built vessels, engineered to meet the demanding operational requirements of the commercial maritime sector, from offshore support and patrol to emergency service search and rescue. The introduction of VYCOR is underpinned by a bold brand refresh that reflects TWPG’s commitment to delivering highly specialised vessels defined by innovation, reliability, and maritime excellence. To bolster its presence in key markets, TWPG is set to begin manufacturing VYCOR vessels at its Edenton, North Carolina facility, enhancing service capabilities across the Americas. TWPG also operates manufacturing sites in Picton, New Zealand, and in New South Wales,…

Successful beach launching demands knowledge of the beach and sea conditions, suitable tow vehicles, an appropriate trailer, the right boat, and good skills. Here’s a roundup of issues to think about, gleaned from a tour of the Wairarapa’s top sportfishing beaches. The first step is to find out what other boaties have learned. Talking to locals avoids embarrassment, saves money, and may prevent accidents. What works? What doesn’t work? Is there a better spot nearby? If there’s a local fishing or boating club, it’s worth joining up and talking to club members before trying to launch at an unknown location. If you see a row of tractors or bulldozers with boat trailers parked on the beach, that should tell you a ute or SUV probably won’t get the job done.…

This annual regatta is a showcase for New Zealand’s unique classic yacht fleet. With a number of the gaff-rigged classic yachts, both large and small, now over 120 years old, it is a marvel to see them being raced as they were intended to when launched so many years ago. Such is the esteem in which Auckland’s classic yacht fleet is held, several Australian classic yachting friends again made their annual pilgrimage to sail on these yachts. They marvel at the number of truly classic yachts we have sailing and racing hard on the Waitematā. The fleet enjoyed good breezes over the extended weekend. Sailing was centred around the Northern Leading area with a good mix of courses across most of harbour marks out beyond North Head, down to Iliomana…

BENETEAU has announced an overhaul of its Gran Turismo range to create a new generation of luxury ‘Crossover Express Cruisers’ that better meets the evolving needs of its customers. The ambitious plans will see the launch of three new models in just six months: the Gran Turismo 35, the Gran Turismo 40 and the Gran Turismo 50. Built to be a modern entertainment platform with dynamic looks, the new Gran Turismo models blend performance and stylish comfort with high-end materials, connectivity, and the option for personalised touches and finishes. The long-term partnership between BENETEAU and Alpine, the high-end sports specialty brand, will also see limited-edition collaborations released across the new Gran Turismo range. www.beneteau.com…

Boating NZ photographer Roger Mills captured part of the fleet leaving Auckland for a Maritimo Muster event, held over the weekend of 29-30 March, 2025. It brought together a fleet of Maritimo Luxury Motor Yachts, their owners, family, and friends to experience the warm hospitality of Man O’ War Winery and other fun-filled activities. With 20 boats and around 110 participants signed up, the fleet left port on Saturday in two groups: the leisurely 8-knot cruisers leaving earlier and a second, faster group leaving later. The event was a great success, also attended by NZ’s Maritimo representatives 36 Degrees Brokers and Ownaship. At the end of the day, attendees could make their own way home or take a ferry back to town, but many elected to raft up for the…

Before Auckland boat owner Ben Tothill set sail to the Bay of Islands this February, he made sure that he was armed with everything he needed to know about exotic caulerpa: he downloaded info to his device, familiarised himself with how it looked on the MPI website, and made sure to only anchor in safe locations. This meant he was surprised when he pulled up a substantial amount of seaweed that looked like it could be exotic caulerpa in Paradise Bay at Urupukapuka. “Paradise Bay is a safe anchorage, and we anchored one night,” he recounts. “In the morning a good chunk of weed came up on the chain. It looked very like the images of caulerpa on the MPI website, but as it came up, it rolled off and…

Following a full inspection and review, SailGP can confirm a series of upgrades are now underway to all 12 wingsails in the championship’s fleet of high-speed F50 catamarans. Ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix (June 7-8, 2025), each boat will receive an upgraded ‘main element 1’ – the area of the wingsail that bears the most load in racing conditions – with further upgrades scheduled throughout the season. The news follows confirmation of a bonding issue in some shear webs across the F50 fleet, which are being replaced alongside the upgrades. Works will ensure all 12 boats are not only in top shape for New York, but perfectly matched too – a critical part of SailGP’s commitment to even, one-design racing. Changes will bolster the strength of…

The boat we got to play in on a breezy autumn morning was a range-topping Profish model painted in striking Stabicraft red with an array of options that Stabicraft expects will be representative. For instance, our boat had the larger, double-width console, positioned amidships, and a two-person bench-style seat with useful storage underneath, rather than twin suspension seats, which are optional. The Frontier can also be ordered with the console set further aft, opening up mid-deck space, or with a narrower console with a single plinth-mounted or suspension helm seat. BIGGER, BETTER Stepping aboard the Stabicraft 2050 Frontier is something of a journey of discovery. Everywhere you look you’ll find innovative design features, imaginative storage options, and clever layout solutions, all of which contribute to an exceptional sportfishing boat that…

WELCOME TO ‘A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF…’ RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF EVERYDAY MARINE TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND EVENTS KIWI BOATIES LOVE (OR LOATHE). GO KIWIS! We Kiwis can be justifiably proud of all our achievements over the years. From being the first country in the world to give women the vote to being first (-equal) to reach the highest summit on earth. Another homegrown success story is the humble marine jet unit that now powers all sorts of watercraft on almost every ocean, river, lake, and sea. FRUSTRATION BREEDS INNOVATION Seeking better access to the remote corners of his Mackenzie Country sheep station, Bill Hamilton was trialling different propulsion designs that would give him a craft that could access the regions shallow shingle rivers. Earlier attempts at waterjet propulsion typically had…

I cannot tell you why specifically, but I always wanted Katana. Whether it was because she was a boat I grew up on or for some other reason, I don’t know. Maybe it was because I was at an age where all I wanted to do was become a boatbuilder? What I do know is that she’s now back home and working again, albeit not in the industry she was designed for, but as the title suggests, proudly helping people’s dreams come true in their pursuit of the Ocean’s Seven Challenge, along with charter work during the cooler months. The Oceans Seven is a marathon swimming challenge consisting of seven open water channel swims. It comprises the North Channel (Scotland), the Cook Strait (New Zealand), the Moloka’i Channel (Hawaii), the…

MAREX IS TAKING FAMILY CRUISING to a new level with the Marex 390, designed as an addition to the 330 and 440 Scandinavian range and offering a perfect balance of open and enclosed spaces. Feedback from the previous Marex owners was collected, and thoughtful details were incorporated into the new model. The Marex team worked closely with VOM Creations and Alpha Engineering to create a more open and comfortable space featuring functional design, a welcoming cockpit, and sleeping accommodations in two cabins. Long, sleek windows run along the hull, giving the profile a fresh and elegant look. The new 390 has a variable-v, warped hull design with an innovative structure that ensures superior stability, efficiency, and performance on the water. Owners can choose between several engine options, single or twin…

EXPERIENCE UNPARALLELED deck space, ingenious storage solutions and endless configuration options with the new 6.3m 2050 Frontier from Stabicraft Marine. Stabicraft’s new 2050 Frontier offers a huge raised casting platform with 600-litre lock-up storage space underneath, an additional top-accessed dry bin in the forward deck, two shallower tackle storage bins in the outer deck and lockable side pockets long enough to house 2.5m (8ft) rods. Usable space from bow to stem is the stand-out feature of the 2050 Frontier, making practical use of every bit of its 6.3m overall length. The optional 2.8m2 scupper-drained bow deck area is enormous, creating a large, stable platform to stand and cast from. A new wide-body tube frame design provides additional internal beam. An assortment of layout options is available to suit a variety…

EYACHTS, THE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF GREENLINE YACHTS in Australia and New Zealand, has been named Greenline Dealer of the Year and awarded Best Marketing & Content Creation at the prestigious Düsseldorf Boat Show. This global recognition comes as Greenline’s responsible yachting philosophy continues to gain momentum across the region, with Australians and Kiwis leading Greenline sales worldwide, making Eyachts the top-performing dealer. The range of yachts sold includes Greenline 39s, 40s, 45s, and 48s, with deliveries Australia-wide, and the latest Greenline 40 hybrid seen at Auckland Boat Show, as well as overseas handovers in Slovenia and even the USA, where an adventurous couple plans to cruise the Great Loop. With over 1000 Greenline Yachts worldwide, the rapid adoption of these yachts downunder, reflects Kiwis growing interest in hybrid propulsion and…

MOTOR YACHT SERVICE CENTRE (MYSC) has announced its acquisition of the exclusive New Zealand distributorship for ARG Gyro Stabilisers. With over 14 years of experience installing the ARG range on luxury motor yachts, MYSC has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance stabilization solutions. Designed originally by Mitsubishi for use on the space station, ARG gyros are renowned for their rugged simplicity, functionality, and cost-effectiveness – making them a serious option for boat owners seeking a heavy-duty, no-maintenance stabiliser. To learn more, visit www.mysc.co.nz…

As Annika Haywood shifted lines and jerry jugs around Apres Ski’s busy cockpit, her cat, Cappuccino, lifted his fluffy head and gave us a stern look. The Smith-Haywood family was racing to finish projects and stow everything before their late-November departure with the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, the World Cruising Club’s annual 2,700-mile transatlantic rally from the Canary Islands to St. Lucia. The bustling activity on the Las Palmas docks had Cappuccino slightly put out, and you can’t blame him. There’d been a lot of hustle for the Smith-Haywood family and a lot of miles under the keel of their 1991 Tayana 47 in the previous five months; the 20-plus day Atlantic crossing was next. When you see a New Zealand-flagged sailboat on a Spanish island west of Africa, you…

Barry was the resident marine electrician at Hobsonville Marina for more than 30 years, beginning when the marina was named Westpark Marina and had only about 10 berths occupied. Barry often saw money wasted on replacement batteries that could have lasted very much longer if they were the appropriate type and correctly maintained. Only deep-cycle batteries should be used for ‘House’ battery applications, and only starting batteries should be used for engine starting, sheet winch, windlass, etc. applications. This article was prompted by a comment made by a supplier of auto electrical equipment with whom I frequently used to deal. After a discussion with the manager of the company about correct battery use and maintenance, the manager said, “Do you know that, of all the people who come in here…

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these submarines can dive to depths of 300 meters… U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels herald a new era of marine exploration and scientific discovery. These cutting-edge submersibles are not only offering guests an unparalleled glimpse into the deep but also serving as critical tools for oceanographic research. Viking and Seabourn have actively engaged in research initiatives using their onboard submarines, facilitating studies that contribute to environmental preservation and scientific advancement. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these submarines can dive to depths of 300 meters, granting scientists and conservationists unprecedented access to marine environments once beyond reach. Expeditions with U-Boat Worx’s subs have led to significant findings, including the documentation of the rare giant phantom jellyfish in Antarctica, the discovery of the…

In a collaboration between Exteta and Riva, a co-branded line of furnishings has evolved, offering a lifestyle inspired by the nautical world. Exteta x Riva is the new outdoor furniture collection that transforms any living space, injecting the iconic allure of yachting into the world of interior design. Designed by Massimo Castagna, the collection draws inspiration from Riva’s heritage and history spanning over 180 years. Every detail bears witness to the company’s fine expertise, from the legendary symbol of the “dolce vita” of the 1960s to the technological innovation and the full-custom approach that have underpinned the brand’s most recent evolution. Riva has shaped a whole lifestyle of its own, both on and off the sea. This approach aligns perfectly with Exteta, a company that crafts products using the highest…

ANTIFOULING: TIME TO CLEAR THE DECKS ON REGULATORY DELAY MARINA OPERATORS and New Zealand boat owners are facing an increasing challenge in the form of antifoul effectiveness. Anecdotally, we are now hearing that some vessels are accumulating barnacle growth in a matter of weeks after antifoul application – not only in Auckland but further afield We understand and support the EPA’s 2013 review, which removed products harmful to the environment and to human health, which resulted in some products being removed from circulation immediately and others from 2023. However, we are very concerned about the lack of viable alternatives making it to the local market, the impact of this on our customers, and the potential consequences for the environment. We need a choice of safe and effective antifoul products on…

You realise you’ve reached the navigational limit of this Up the Creek trip following the Kerikeri Inlet in the Bay of islands, when you see a line of birds, ducks and gulls, standing on the water. And it’s not a hallucination – rather, actually, they’re perched on the rocks just below the surface that mark the end of the boat passage, and the ecotone between salt- and freshwater systems. For here is where the sweet water of the Waipekakoura River spills over that rock sill into the tidal Kerikeri Inlet. It’s one of five waterfalls in this area, all connected by walking trails. So this could be the waterfalls-themed Up the Creek too. And in this case, it’s quite appropriate that the birds standing on the water are a mix…

Afamily affair founded by Dean and Glynis Ryder and also employing the couple’s daughters, Alice and Sophie and son-in-law Shanon, MYSC’s genesis dates back 40 years, when Dean was the service manager for Riviera motor yachts in New Zealand. Later, when Bill Barry-Cotter left Riviera to start Maritimo, Dean Ryder was approached to fulfill warranty and after-sales service functions for Maritimo, a partnership MYSC has now maintained for more than 20 years. These days, in addition to Maritimo, MYSC looks after a wide range of motor yachts, including models from Riviera, Grand Banks, Azimut, Palm Beach, and more. The company provides maintenance and management services, as well as facilitating more major structural and mechanical work, including upgrades, refits, repaints, repowers and more. MYSC can cater for up to three boats…

Nine teams entered and Principal Race Officer Tony Hanlon put the crews through their paces with three races on each of the two days. Saturday was a light air day, with the start delayed by about an hour as competitors waited for a six-knot breeze to fill in from the south. By the time the second race began, the breeze had backed around to the north, keeping the crew of the mark-set boat busy. The first two races were windward-leeward courses, two laps each. For the third race, the northern channel markers were added as an extra reaching mark following the windward set mark near Kororāreka Point. Sunday turned out to be much breezier with 15-20 knots from the south, making for physically demanding conditions for the sailors who reported…

TENOB MARINE, manufacturers and distributors of quality marine products, has added two highly experienced professionals to its team, both with strong backgrounds in the marine industry. Samara Glover joins as Warehouse Operations Manager. With extensive experience in logistics and marine-related operations, Samara’s wealth of knowledge and results-driven approach will greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Tenob Marine’s operations. Lisa Grant joins as Sales Executive, with a focus on expanding the company’s portfolio by introducing new marine agencies. Lisa brings significant industry insight and a proven track record in the marine sector, building strong client relationships and driving strategic growth. “Samara and Lisa’s expertise and dedication will be valuable assets to our continued success,” said Danny Bassi, Managing Director of Tenob Wholesale Marine. www.tenob.co.nz…

AUSTRALIA’S PREMIUM luxury motor yacht builder will proudly host the world premiere of two new motor yachts as part of a vast showcase at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show beginning on May 22. Selected models from the Riviera fleet from 39 to 78 feet will be on show, flanked by the exciting and new 4300 Sports Express and another new model that is yet to be announced. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst said, “The Sanctuary Cove show gives our great team the opportunity to showcase the magnificent Riviera fleet of today and to demonstrate the amazing ease of boating that our team have created, which is now being enjoyed by more than 6000 Riviera owners around the world.” The Sanctuary Cove display will provide a unique opportunity to…

This year the 104th Lipton Cup, held in March, was won with a woman at the helm for the very first time. Kelsey Muir and Taka Hewett have sailed and raced Rangi Manu for 10 years or so after Hewett and Rob Warring rebuilt her. Their hard work and experience finally paid off when the six crew – Kelsey Muir, Taka Hewett, Tim Merkens, Matt Sugden, Matt Collins, and Mike Parker – were able to make their mark on this magnificent trophy for the first time. It is also the first time the race has been won by a husband-and-wife team – Kelsey’s husband Tim was also crewing. Kelsey descends from a long line of sailors. Her grandfather was the legendary boatbuilder, designer and sailor Jim Young, and her grandmother,…

Puzzle no.331 Across 1. Lines on nautical chart linking points of equal underwater depth (8) 6. Triangular sails set forward of foremasts (4) 8. ____ weather sailor prefers calm conditions (4) 9. Sailed past competitor during racing regatta (8) 10. Takes vessel out of service for repairs etc (4,2) 11. Expanses of spilt or leaked oil on surface of sea (6) 12. Vertical edge of square sail or aft edge of triangular sail (5) 14. “O” in phonetic alphabet used on marine radio (5) 16. Fills with water due to huge wave, eg (6) 19. Octopus, squid and cuttlefish have one (3,3) 21. Loot of pirates and shipwrecks! (8) 22. Arab lateen-rigged sailing vessel (4) 23. Description of second-hand boat (4) 24. Endangered NZ shorebird that is type of plover…

It’s called the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, but boating enthusiasts simply call it ‘The Trad.’ Established in 1978 to preserve the boats of the Thames that were already threatened by the grip of time and neglect, the event has evolved into a great British celebration – one of those with a capital C. Today, the event puts family fun and a passion for beautiful things at its heart. And it’s not just about classic boats, though they remain the main protagonists, but also vintage cars and motorcycles, antiques at large, vintage clothing, militaria, dog competitions, music and more. There really is something for everyone. Not even the little ones risk suffering boredom thanks to various activities and games organised for them. The beauty of Henley-on-Thames and its excellent geographical location…