Boating NZ March 2026

This issue marks the 25th iteration of the Auckland Boat Show, March 5-8. Run by NZ Marine, the association representing New Zealand’s marine industry, it’s billed as a Festival on the Water, and this year’s show promises to be the most extensive ever. Boating New Zealand magazine is the official media partner for the show, and the magazine has been a sponsor since the very first event 25 years ago. In this issue we present a Boat Show Primer, plus a heap of boat show content from our partners in the marine industry. We will be at the show with a stand in our usual position just inside the main door of the Viaduct Events Centre, so if you are attending the show, please come by the Boating NZ stand…

After a week of wild weather, Auckland’s 2026 Anniversary Day Regatta featured blustery conditions, dramatic racing, and a vibrant harbour spectacle. Some fleets were reduced as competitors chose caution, but those who raced enjoyed memorable competition, especially in the modern keelboat divisions, which saw larger and more competitive fleets than recent years. Tugboats excelled in the challenging conditions, with nine vessels marking the 20th anniversary of their race. Classic launches followed, and My Girl dominated, claiming both line and provisional handicap honours. Dragon Boat racing broke records, welcoming four China-based teams and raising the standard. International crews won several titles, while local teams secured others, resulting in balanced outcomes and valuable learning. Kohimarama Yacht Club hosted around 160 young Optimist and Starling sailors, undeterred by the wind, contesting their Auckland…

The International Multihull Show will return to La Grande-Motte, France, from April 22–26, 2026, with an expanded on-water footprint and a renewed focus on innovation as multihulls continue to gain momentum across the global boating market. The 2026 edition will introduce a third marina and a new visitor access route, helping accommodate growing demand while improving flow and comfort for attendees on site. The redesigned and expanded exhibitors’ village will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest innovations in the sector and will notably host the Multihull Design & Innovation area, dedicated to nautical design trends and to the technological and sustainable solutions shaping tomorrow’s multihulls. At this stage, 20% of registered exhibitors are newcomers, all from abroad (non-French), representing equipment manufacturers, new multihull shipyards, architects, and service companies. The…

When the crew of The Famous Project CIC – Alexia Barrier, Dee Caffari, Annemieke Bes, Rebecca Gmür Hornell, Deborah Blair, Molly LaPointe, Támara Echegoyen, and Stacey Jackson – crossed the starting line of the Jules Verne Trophy near Ushant on 28 November 2025, they were acutely aware of the monumental record set in 2017 by the IDEC Sport maxi trimaran: 40 days and 23 hours. Their primary aim was to make history in women’s sport and sailing. They aspired to become the first all-female crew to complete this non-stop circumnavigation. They achieved their goal after 57 days, 21 hours, and 20 minutes of adventure. Their journey was punctuated by countless racing challenges and unpredictable adversities on the vast ocean. While British sailor Tracy Edwards and her 10-member female crew, the…

This March, Beneteau and Lagoon owners are invited to take part in the Harbour Classic Edition Owners Rally, hosted by 36° Brokers. With the Harbour Classic aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of boats in a single event, the rally is focused on building a strong Beneteau and Lagoon presence on the start line, and being part of something genuinely memorable. Owners can choose to race or cruise their selected Harbour Classic course before regrouping at Motuihe Island for a relaxed BBQ, drinks, and owners’ social. The weekend includes shared berthing at Jellicoe Harbour, the Harbour Classic opening event, coordinated on-water participation, and a social programme designed to suit both sail and power models. Beneteau and Lagoon owners can register via the 36° Brokers website,…

Emirates has renewed its naming sponsorship with Defender of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand, continuing as Lead Sponsor and Official Airline through the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and preliminary regattas. The partnership, established in 2004, has delivered three consecutive America’s Cup defences, most recently in Barcelona in 2024. Emirates branding will remain prominent on yachts, support vessels, bases, uniforms, and digital channels. The renewal highlights both parties’ commitment to innovation and excellence and reinforces Emirates’ ongoing support for New Zealand and global sailing, including daily A380 services to Auckland and partnerships with international regattas. www.emiratesteam.nz…