Boating NZ February 2026

It’s always a bit of an effort launching into a new work year, and to be honest, starting back to prepare this magazine for publication felt quite brutal. A couple of weeks’ break punctuated with the usual family and social commitments around Christmas simply didn’t feel long enough to truly unwind. We stayed home for the holidays, which is when Auckland empties out, becoming a nicer place that’s much easier to get around, with a vibe that is far more relaxed. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great, so the boat only got wet a couple of times, and there wasn’t much beachgoing either. And as always, the wind stopped blowing and the weather turned hot and sunny as soon as we headed back to the office! Oh well! So, welcome to…

Kate, the oldest still-sailing boat in Aotearoa New Zealand, a utilitarian Hauraki Gulf trading cutter, built in 1898 on the Kaipara Harbour, needed a new tender. One which would row straight and true and – seeing Kate is the working vessel of the Waiheke Working Sail Trust – carry a bunch of crew kids too. So Bernard Rhodes, restorer of the Kate and the driving force behind the Trust, built Tubby to his own design. Cost-effectively done, using hardware store construction-grade plywood and light too. Despite her name, Tubby is easily carried by two people, and more importantly, can just as easily be hoisted aboard the mothership. www.waihekeworkingsail.org “despite her name, Tubby is easily carried by two people…”…

The America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) has united five founding teams – Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), Athena Racing (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and K-Challenge (FRA) – to create a stable, unified future for the 174-year-old competition. This alliance, enabled by the recent Protocol agreement between Emirates Team New Zealand and Athena Racing, aims to preserve the Cup’s legacy while establishing a sustainable, innovative model for professional sailing. As Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, states, the goal is to keep the America’s Cup at the forefront of sport and innovation for years to come. The America’s Cup, first raced in 1851 and known as the ‘Auld Mug’, is the world’s oldest international sporting trophy, predating both the modern Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.…

The countdown is officially on for the Auckland Boat Show, 5-8 March, and 36° Brokers will be firmly on the dock with a lineup that speaks directly to New Zealand boaters. On display will be the Excess 11, a sporty, modern catamaran designed for hands-on sailors who want performance without sacrificing comfort. She’ll be joined by the ever-popular Beneteau Oceanis 40.1, a yacht that continues to set the benchmark for cruising versatility, space and ease of handling. Rounding out the display is the Beneteau Swift Trawler 41, a proven coastal cruiser offering excellent range, practical living, and confidence-inspiring performance in real-world conditions. Whether you’re actively boat hunting or simply enjoy stepping aboard the latest models, make time to visit 36° Brokers at the Auckland Boat Show this March. www.36degrees.nz…

CRN M/Y 145 Project Thunderball is a 147-metre, fully custom superyacht nearing completion. It is the result of collaboration between CRN, Ferretti Group’s Superyacht Division, Vripack Yacht Design, and Nauta Design. The yacht features five decks, accommodates 12 guests and 15 crew, and is equipped with advanced energy management systems and powerful MAN engines. The interiors and exteriors are seamlessly integrated, using high-quality natural materials and bespoke lighting. Construction is progressing on schedule, with launch planned for spring 2026. The project stands out for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and a truly bespoke approach to luxury yachting. www.crn-yacht.com…

The proposed Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill is a major opportunity to prevent drownings in New Zealand, say its supporters. Water Safety New Zealand and Coastguard Tautiaki Moana highlight that inconsistent regional lifejacket rules cause confusion and risk lives. They urge support for a single national rule requiring everyone, regardless of age, to wear lifejackets on recreational boats and craft. Currently, the Bill focuses on those under 15, but experts want it strengthened to cover all ages. Lifejackets are proven to save lives – since 2000, over 320 people have drowned without one, and 12 lives could be saved each year if wearing them became standard practice. Most fatalities involve adults, especially men over 40. While submissions have now closed, supporters are calling for the law to…