Innehållsförteckning för January 2026 från Boating NZ

Just three weeks after a 1,200m³ wastewater spill, Mahurangi oyster farmers faced another overflow. On 19 November, Watercare reported a discharge from the Elizabeth Street overflow, blaming 53mm of overnight rain. The spill began at 6:05pm on 18 November, but its duration is unclear after a sensor failed at 1:00am. Current estimates put the discharge at 86m³. Farmers say confidence in Watercare is eroding. “Fifty-three millimetres is not extreme. The network should cope,” says Lynette Dunn, President of the Mahurangi Oyster Farmers Association. Repeated sensor failures and poor transparency undermine trust. Watercare also received an alarm from Palmer Street pump station but has not confirmed if an overflow occurred. Earlier this month, Aquaculture NZ and the NZ Oyster Industry Association secured a $1m relief agreement with Watercare for losses from…

That’s where Outahere’s owner Mike saw a smaller, composite Dan Leech 980 powercat buzzing around the course (Boating NZ reviewed this boat in the April 2023 edition). He was so impressed with the fuss-free way it got about that he decided to approach Leech for a larger, fully-planing design for Offshore Boats NZ to build. Offshore Boats is probably better known for its high-quality aluminium monohull trailer boats, largely aimed at sport fishers – Boating NZ has reviewed several over the years. But while this Dan Leech cat is the largest vessel the company has built to date, it’s not the first catamaran – Offshore Boats NZ delivered a 7.35m trailerable powercat to its happy owners mid-2025, has a 9m ready to build, and there’s a 14m on the horizon,…

Sue started her sailing as a seven-yearold in P-class, then to Zephyr #150 Easterly – a new, Des Townson-built bare-hull her father Ian finished at home. She was the first lady sailor at Charteris Bay Yacht Club. The 1968 Zephyr nationals were scheduled to start on 11 April 1968 at Maraetai Beach Boating Club, Auckland. Sue and fellow Zephyr sailor Geoff Beaumont embarked on the Wahine in Lyttelton Harbour on the evening of the 9th as foot passengers – their boats had been sent to Auckland a week earlier. The departure was in calm conditions, but by time they were off the Kaikoura Coast, the wind had risen, and sea conditions worsened. Huge waves continuously whacked the side of the ship making loud reverberating sounds, followed by hull shuddering. The…

If you see an Asian paddle crab on your travels, you are unlikely to see many other species close by. It is aggressive and quickly out-competes our native paddle crabs for space and food. With a vicious bite when disturbed, the adults are strong swimmers and can spread attached to fouling on a boat’s hull, or as larvae in sea chests or ballast water where they can live for up to a month. This species is known to be in the following locations in Northland, Auckland and Bay of Plenty: Hokianga Harbour; Houhora Harbour; Waikare Inlet; Ngunguru; Tutukaka; Whangārei Harbour; Hauraki Gulf (including Waitematā Harbour, Tamaki Estuary), Aotea-Great Barrier Island, Kaipara Harbour; Manukau Harbour; Tauranga Harbour; Ohiwa Harbour and Raglan Harbour. HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS SPECIES • Large swimming crab…

Seek and ye shall find,” as the saying goes. But what I found in Waimukau was amazing. Of course it must be known to classic boat fans that Mr. Brookes is no rookie to wonderful workings in wood. It has been the love of his life – “an infinite capacity for taking pains,” as the saying goes for those who seek perfection. Peter has been messing about in boats since he was 12 years old. Although he was born in Auckland, he moved with his parents to England, where he followed in his father’s footsteps, started sailing, and also doing up smaller wooden craft, honing the already natural talent he had inherited. Already a seasoned sailor, Peter achieved the title of skipper at age 14, his first paid employment in…

A KIWI CLASSIC Wakatere came to us in a very original, near perfect condition time capsule. The original Volvo Penta KAD43 (230hp) although in almost perfect cosmetic condition was getting on and the owner wanted to increase horsepower for extended fishing trips and Lake Taupo holidays. Yes, the boat goes backwards and forwards between Kinloch and the Hauraki Gulf. The boat was trucked up to Ovlov Marine in Gulf Harbour to have the work carried out by Adam and his team, utilising local onsite contractors. REPOWER The call was made to repower with a D6-380 and DPI leg. The DPI leg has its own electric steering system, a substantial upgrade from the original cable steering. Other features including PTA (Power trim assist), cruise control, sensors for water in oil, water…

ALLEYNE was the seventh entrant. She was almost new. She left the yard of Tyler & Harvey in Customs Street West in the first week of November 1908, another husky double-ender in the style made popular by the Logans. She was described in the press as “a very high-sided boat and should be dry in a seaway…….her equipment is very complete, even including a piano.” She measured 42ft loa by 9ft beam and had a 20hp Lozier marine engine. Her owner was journalist Arthur Roland Brett of the Auckland Star who was currently Commodore of the New Zealand Power Boat Association. Brett had an earlier launch, Alleyne, named after one of his daughters, which was a simple Milkmaid type, built for him by Chas Bailey Jr in 1906. His father,…

Like so many other children from Auckland’s North Shore, Jan grew up in a family that got out on the sea in a small runabout, both from local launching spots and on Rotorua’s plentiful lakes. But the marine industry wasn’t her first port of call when she set off on a career; before having children, she worked for a firm that printed cheque books. In was April 2000 that she started working for Brin Wilson Boatbuilders, a company established in 1952 by Brin Wilson and passed on to his sons, Bob and Richard. The business had just been purchased by Nick and Tania Saull. No-one was better qualified than Nick to run the business, which he had worked in since starting his apprenticeship there as a 16-year-old. Sadly, Tania died…

Look out for these marine pest species that are not known to be in New Zealand and report urgently if you think you’ve seen one. These pests are known to be in parts of New Zealand but we don’t want them to spread further. If you see one outside a known location, please report it. If you think you have seen something: 1. Take a photo 2. Collect a sample 3. Record location 4. Call 0800 80 99 66 or go to report.mpi.govt.nz marinepests.nz…

It’s full steam ahead for the Boating NZ-sponsored NZ Antique & Classic Boatshow on Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park on March 7 & 8, 2026. Sleek cedar kayaks, jet boats from the 1960s, clunky clinkers, and veteran sailing craft – hours of effort in meticulous restorations will be displayed in the spectacular setting of the alpine lake at St Arnaud village. Billed as a weekend of ‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation,’ there will be displays on land from early morning and races on the lake in the afternoon on both days. www.nzclassicboats.com…

Palm Beach XI’s rebuild is driven by Palm Beach Motor Yachts Founder and CEO Mark Richards, leveraging decades of ocean-racing expertise and 40 years of yacht-building innovation. Supporting him is a world-class team: Juan Kouyoumdjian (Juan K Naval Architects), famed for America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race designs; McConaghy Boats, leaders in composite race yachts; North Sails, providing a cutting-edge sail package; and other high-tech partners. Working with Yacht Manager Paul Magee and the shore crew, Richards aims to redefine what’s possible for a 20-year-old Supermaxi. Richards, who has skippered the yacht for 20 years and claimed nine Rolex Sydney Hobart wins, calls the project “the ultimate team effort,” reflecting Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ passion for innovation and precision. Lessons learned will feed directly into the motor yacht range, ensuring…

It’s this optimisation ‘that makes Flagship unique. Lying at R Marine Flagship – the New Zealand Riviera dealership base in Westhaven – the vessel was conceived to showcase how luxury motor yachts can be ‘tuned’ for cruising finesse and adapted to a buyer’s preferences. Flagship’s improvements are particularly interesting because they weren’t chosen from a brochure – they’re based on experience. Specifically, the experience of Dean Horgan (Dealer Principal), and his wife Suzie. Dean’s bluewater cruising experience extends to thousands of miles and many decades. His association with Riviera is almost as long. Together with Suzie’s lifetime of practical on-water experience they shaped Flagship into the ultimate spec for long-range cruising, fishing and an effortless lifestyle on the water. Refinements that saw the installation of additional/different equipment for easy use,…

Hempel’s Silic One isn’t your traditional copper-heavy antifouling – it’s a biocide-free, high-solid fouling-release system built around silicone and hydrogel, a slick, low-friction surface that prevents marine growth rather than trying to kill it. In contrast to traditional antifouling coatings (which leach biocides like copper, zinc, or organic boosters), fouling-release coatings don’t poison fouling organisms. Instead, they use ultra-smooth, low-surface-energy and flexible surfaces (silicone/hydrogel) that organisms find hard to grip. Silic One incorporates hydrogel layers – polymers that act as an invisible barrier – an almost ‘liquid’ upon which organisms are less able to settle. Any that do manage to attach do so loosely and so are easily shed off by water flow (‘shear’) when underway or cleaned off when at rest. Silic One offers a long service life with…

EYACHTS, THE EXCLUSIVE Australian and New Zealand dealer for Axopar Boats, has unveiled the Axopar 38, the brand’s most ambitious model yet. Building on the legacy of the Axopar 37, the 38 introduces unprecedented modularity, enhanced comfort, and world-class drivability. It will make its world premiere at BOOT Düsseldorf in January 2026, with deliveries downunder to follow. Launching first as the Cross Cabin, the 38 range will expand to include the Sun Top, Cross Top, and CCX, catering to various lifestyles from all-weather boating to open-air entertaining and active leisure. www.eyachts.com.au/boats/axopar-38…

EXCESS CATAMARANS has introduced a hybrid propulsion option for the Excess 11, offering quieter passages, lower fuel consumption, and enhanced cruising. This system combines electric motors, advanced battery management, and regenerative charging under sail, providing smooth, silent handling and substantial range. Ideal for coastal families, weekend adventurers, and long-term cruisers, the hybrid package ensures cleaner operation without compromising the fun and performance the brand is known for. The Excess 11 Hybrid is now available to order through 36° Brokers, authorised Excess dealers for New Zealand. www.36degrees.nz…

AT THE 2025 CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL, Fountaine Pajot unveiled four new sailing catamaran models, revolutionising its range with timeless design, innovative functionality, and responsible sailing. The FP41, which arrived downunder in October 2025, sets a new standard in the 40-foot segment with luminous interiors and a versatile cockpit. The FP44 offers comfort, performance, and elegance with modular living spaces and sustainable options like electric propulsion and solar panels. The FP48, successor to the Tanna 47, features sleek profiles, light-filled interiors, and flexible layouts. The FP55, the brand’s first flybridge catamaran, combines luxury, performance, and exceptional comfort with up to six double cabins and extensive solar power. These new yachts, launching through 2026, reaffirm Fountaine Pajot’s ambition to become the global reference for premium sailing catamarans. Additionally, the Fountaine Pajot Group…

Like most boat reviewers, I really look forward to trying out boats that are truly innovative with unique features, and the Saxdor 400 GTO is exactly that. Unfortunately, Auckland’s unpredictable spring weather caused this review to be postponed three times, but when we finally made it down to Westhaven Marina, the conditions were perfect for testing this ‘adventure boat,’ as Saxdor describes it. At first glance, the hull appears both impressive and stylish, with its plumb bow and stepped hull – now a hallmark of modern European composite boats. It’s easy to see why Saxdor claims to be the fastest-growing European boat brand. The striking white gelcoat with black trim, complemented by a pair of gleaming white Mercury V10 400hp outboards, give it real presence. The hull design, shared across…

I have always thought “I swerve for seabirds” would make a great bumper sticker. Either way, I fully support the sentiment, as we really need to look after them. Around 33% of the world’s seabirds (that’s 145 of the world’s 346-360 seabird species) are either residents or visitors to New Zealand’s territorial waters. Of these, 95 species breed here, with a third of them breeding nowhere else. We should, therefore, feel some responsibility to look after them. I haven’t always felt this way. In the early days I vividly remember instances of being aboard boats that charged through groups of birds sitting on the surface, with the occupants often laughing at those birds ‘knocked arse over kite’ in our wake. But as time passed and I matured, I began to…

Danish boatbuilder/designer, the late Knud Olsen (1919 – 2010) designed what would become the OK in 1956. The commission for an inexpensive, lightweight, plywood planing dinghy, came from Danish architect, the late Axel Damgaard Olsen. The OK’s great sailing characteristics quickly made it a popular choice in Denmark, Sweden, the USA and, eventually, around the world. Early on, it was realised the OK was the perfect trainer for the Olympic Finn Class, boosting its popularity. The first two OKs in this country were built in Christchurch by the Oliver brothers in 1961. The Auckland fleet was kickstarted in 1962 by the late Jack Douglas of the Pt. Chevalier Sailing Club, who organised a group of parents to build 17 OKs in several batches under the Pasadena School Hall in Pt.…

I am often surprised at how skinny the contracts are, given the sums and complexities involved in some of these transactions. This is particularly so when the parties depart from documenting larger sales using well-known international sales forms such as those by the Mediterranean Yacht Broker’s Association (MYBA) and the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA). A typical call we receive from a buyer (Joe) would go as follows: “Peter, I have signed an Offer to Purchase on yacht X on Broker Y’s ‘standard form’ and would like you to give it a quick review – it is just an offer.” Me (as diplomatically as possible): “Joe, had you thought to approach me before you signed the Offer?” Joe: “Ah, no, because it is only an offer – and I have…

The 186-year-old Auckland Anniversary Regatta returns on Monday 26 January, continuing its legacy as New Zealand’s oldest sporting event. This year introduces a new twist: an official After Party at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. For the first time, sailors, powercraft crews, paddlers and dinghy racers can gather post-race for food, drinks and live music from the Royal New Zealand Navy Band – the country’s only full-time professional military band, renowned for its versatility and vibrant performances. Regatta Chair Bill Lomas says the After Party is a modern addition to the historic event: “The Regatta remains an Auckland icon, but today’s crews want somewhere to relax and connect after racing. The After Party offers that – a chance to share stories, meet other teams and enjoy the harbour community.”…

Emirates Great Britain clinched the 2025 SailGP season after the Grand Final race in Abu Dhabi, where all three teams led at different stages. Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos started strong, followed by the Black Foils, before the British team seized the lead midway and held on. Earlier, Denmark’s Rockwool Racing won the Abu Dhabi event, but Emirates Great Britain topped the Rolex SailGP Championship overall. Despite the outcome, Black Foils Co-CEO and Driver Peter Burling praised his team’s efforts and vowed to build on this season. The 2026 season kicks off with the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix in Fremantle on 17–18 January, followed by the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland on 14–15 February, giving the Black Foils a home race. See the Boating NZ website…

As the Pacific sailing season is approaching, Maritime NZ is reminding anyone intending to take a recreational craft overseas that your vessel must be registered and have an International Voyage Certificate (IVC). Please apply for your IVC at least three months before your intended voyage departure to allow time for the necessary safety assessment of the boat, safety equipment carried and crew. If you plan to travel next year and intend to haul out your vessel in the coming months, we recommend applying for your IVC early. This may allow your IVC vessel assessment to be completed at the same time and help you avoid hauling out twice. The safety system changed in July 2024. Since then, skippers (Masters) apply to Maritime NZ for an IVC and safety assessment (previously…

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race celebrates its 80th edition this year, having grown from a casual cruise in 1945 into a global maritime icon. The 2025 race features over 130 yachts, including top maxi yachts, past winners, and international talent. Originating from Captain John Illingworth’s suggestion to “make a race of it,” the event has become a true test of sailing skill and endurance. Starting annually on 26 December from Sydney Harbour, competitors navigate challenging waters down the New South Wales coast, across Bass Strait, and finish in Hobart, where every participant is warmly welcomed. The coveted Tattersall Cup is awarded to the best yacht on handicap, with winners ranging from the smallest, Screw Loose and Zeus II, to the largest, Wild Oats XI. Freya uniquely won three years…

Fin Chaser principals Ross and Max Christensen and their team are happy to fit whatever outboard a customer desires. However, since Fin Chaser holds agencies for Suzuki and Mercury, they stuck with two-stroke and four-stroke models from those two manufacturers when they decided to compare 40hp outboards for the benefit of their customers. THE SETUP The team at Fin Chaser rigged four identical FC430s with tiller-steer Mercury and Suzuki 40hp outboards, a two-stroke and a four-stroke outboard from Suzuki, and a two-stroke and a four-stroke model from Mercury. Fin Chaser offers all four of these engines to customers at different price points. Both four-strokes offer electric power trim and electric start; the Mercury two-stroke has power trim (but on the side of the motor, not on the tiller), electric start,…

These days, many vessels, from mid-size trailer boats through to almost all larger vessels, have onboard refrigeration. In recent years this has pivoted towards direct DC compressors that run one cabinet per motor unit. For larger boats that could mean multiple fridge and freezer systems. The great thing about direct DC is that onboard refrigeration is now just the same as it has been for years at home – turn it on and simply forget about it. Your only requirement is to monitor your batteries and deal with recharging them with engine, solar, or other charging equipment. If, on the other hand, your vessel still is reliant on older, engine-driven refrigeration technology, it may be time to consider updating your boat with a more modern system that does not require…

GREENLINE YACHTS has launched the Greenline 42, a model that marks a new chapter in the brand’s evolution. Known for its hybrid technology since 2008, the Greenline 42 features new styling, advanced technical build, and a focus on performance and comfort. Positioned between the 39, 40, and 45 models, it offers versatile cockpit options, a refined interior, and a new highperformance hull. Designed by Marco Casali and engineered by Micad, it boasts contemporary European styling and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Available with diesel or hybrid propulsion, it includes up to 4.3 kW of solar power for constant 230V onboard. The hybrid system allows silent cruising in electric mode and diesel for longer passages and battery recharging. www.eyachts.com.au or contact the Eyachts team at boats@eyachts.com.au…

RIVIERA HAS EXPANDED into the European market by appointing Doğuş Marine as its dealer representative in Türkiye. Riviera now exports over 60% of its production through a global network of 55 dealerships across five continents. Doğuş Marine, part of Doğuş Otomotiv, will represent Riviera’s yachts from 39 to 78 feet in Göcek, Bodrum, and Didim. They debuted as a Riviera dealer at the Bosphorus Boat Show, showcasing the new Riviera 4300 Sports Express. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey welcomed Doğuş Marine, highlighting their shared values in creating the ultimate boating experience. Ali Bilaloğlu of Doğuş Otomotiv expressed pride in representing Riviera and emphasised their commitment to customer satisfaction and after-sales service in Türkiye. www.rivieraaustralia.com…

SIMRAD MARINE ELECTRONICS has announced the expanded compatibility of its innovative AutoTrack feature across the full range of Simrad recreational HALO radars, excluding HALO 20, and now including select Lowrance and B&G radar systems. Originally launched for the HALO 2000 and HALO 3000 open array radars, AutoTrack is now fully supported on Simrad HALO 20+ and HALO 24 Dome Radars, Lowrance and B&G-branded HALO 20+, and HALO 24 Dome Radars. AutoTrack automatically detects, tracks, and prioritizes moving targets, overlaying them on the radar display with intuitive visual cues and trajectory lines. Even when the radar screen is not actively in use, a dynamic widget highlights only the most critical, intelligently prioritised alerts – keeping captains informed without distraction. It has the ability to track up to 50 targets simultaneously, at…

VOLVO PENTA has announced the launch of its next-generation marine autopilot system. Fully integrated with its Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system and offering unique integration possibilities with other smart solutions, the new boat autopilot system delivers intuitive performance and an enhanced boating experience. The next-generation Autopilot is available for all Volvo Penta propulsion packages with electric steering across the Volvo Penta IPS, Aquamatic and inboard ranges. Specific features include seamless drive functionality that helps the captain hold a steady course and heading even through turns, enabling confident, effortless handling; haptic feedback on steering and course; precise heading control, unaffected by magnetic interference; and optimised navigation, including improved and more reliable radar overlay and a more accurate orientation of the navigational chart. The next-generation system is compatible with Volvo Penta propulsion…

Christchurch-based Huntsman Boats understands this perfectly and over the past 30-plus years has continued to evolve and grow. Back in 1992, the start-up boat-building business was just that – a boatbuilder – but today, under the leadership of owners Mike and Courtney Bamber, the company has evolved and diversified beyond producing just top-quality fibreglass boats. In particular, boat restoration and renovation projects are becoming a more important part of the business, and when Boating New Zealand visited Huntsman, there were three boats in for significant restorations, while a fourth had just been returned to its owner. In particular, a Sea Nymph Hustler is in the process of a complete restoration. Purchased brand-new from Christchurch Marine in 1987, it had spent its life at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds, owned by…