Table of contents for November 2024 in Boating NZ

The real deal After all the build-up and seemingly endless preliminary regattas, the actual 37th America’s Cup event is suddenly upon us. In fact, it’s already well underway and will likely be all over by the time you read this. Whatever you might think of the America’s Cup – and it is by no means to everyone’s taste – the event itself is undeniably spectacular. Watching those huge 75-foot yachts gliding around the course at velocities that would earn them speeding tickets on New Zealand’s highways never gets old. There is something surreal about seven-plus tonnes of boat ‘flying’ above the waves on tiny hydrofoils. The venue has proven to be an inspired choice. For all the controversy and bitterness when it was announced the Cup would not be contested…

One transformed multihull and the return of a race-winning favourite are headline acts in this year’s PIC Coastal Classic, where despite economic headwinds and a date clash with the 37th America’s Cup, a quality fleet has committed to the start line. Fat Freddy is a rebuilt Formula 40 racing trimaran, strengthened and updated with AC 45 boards, rudder and sails, a new mast and rigging and relaunched just weeks before the race. V5 and Wired are veteran ocean racers that took line honours in 2022 and 2023 respectively and are back hunting top honours this year. They all have the same goal: to get to Russell first in the annual 119 nautical mile race up the coast – an event that is a sprint or a marathon, depending on your…

There was a moment during our test of the Saffier SE 33 Life when I lowered my camera, drew breath, and simply watched as a spectator, not a critic. It came as the Code Zero unfurled majestically in the spring seabreeze, its tangerine sailcloth glistening like lustrous neon as it inhaled the first gust. The sleek, shiny blue hull quickly pulled away, frothing at the bow. For a sailing aficionado starved of delicious daysailers like this, it was a moment that deserved orchestral accompaniment and a cymbal crash. If we’d been filming a commercial, the director would have cried “Cut! That’s a wrap!” and headed off for a latte. You see, such sights are increasingly rare in a world where naval architects often prioritise accommodation before pondering how to make…

IN LATE SEPTEMBER, Yamaha hosted an industry gathering at the Wynyard Pavilion in Auckland to celebrate Hugh Stewart, who is retiring after serving 43 years at Yamaha. Hugh has been an industry icon for most of that time – the go-to man for anything to do with servicing and rigging Yamaha outboards. NZ Marine Executive Director Peter Busfield thanked Hugh for his instrumental role in developing of the now MAST Powerboat Rigging and Powerboat Systems qualifications for rigging and servicing outboard motors. Peter advised the audience that part of Hugh’s legacy are the 150 MAST apprentices currently enrolled in these qualifications. www.yamaha-motor.co.nz…

OVER 130 MARINE INDUSTRY guests and Rayglass team members gathered on Wednesday 25 October to celebrate the official opening of Rayglass’ purpose-built production facility in Heb Place, Takanini. The new 7,000m2 factory will handle manufacturing of all Rayglass and Protector Boats, allowing Brunswick’s Boat Group to significantly increase production and shorten wait times in response to huge growth in international demand for the brands. Rayglass previously had five facilities spread throughout Auckland and one in Hamilton, as well as three additional facilities operated by a third party. The company will consolidate all those facilities into its Rayglass headquarters in Mt. Wellington and the new Heb Place factory, both of which are Rayglass-operated. Rayglass president Dean Harris (pictured addressing guests) said, “We’re extremely excited about the future of Rayglass. Brunswick’s investment in…

It’s true that Kiwis and Cook Islanders consider ourselves cousins; and so the Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC) could be thought of as one of ours. Well, sort of. For there are also distinctive elements of independence about the Muri Lagoon-based club, as we shall see. Like their unique-in-the-world sailing boats, the Tangaroa class. They could be proas, but they don’t shunt end-to-end like true proas do, instead tacking just like a regular catamaran, with the rudder at one end and the bow always at the other. And the ama to windward on one tack, to leeward on the other. Which must make balancing them, and stacking out for their three-person crew, a tad idiosyncratic. They can’t be catamarans either, for the two hulls are quite different from one another. The…

Puzzle no.324 www.puzzlebeetle.co.nz Across 1. Middle part of ship between forecastle and quarterdeck (5) 4. Light breeze forming ripples on water’s surface (4-3) 8. Practical skill or expertise in sailing, eg (4-3) 9. Fife _____ – barrier strips around masts or bulwarks (5) 10. Exertion of sailing races might build up these! (3) 11. ____ __ ___ winds – central point of compass is sometimes called this (4,2,3) 12. This is used for letter “A” in marine radio communications (5) 14. Makes vibrating noise like quiet boat engine (5) 16. This describes yacht using full wind-power (5,4) 19. Sand ___ – hazard that could ground vessel (3) 20. Lowest deck on ship (5) 21. Could be bed option on board boat (7) 22. Marine reptiles with bony or leathery shell…

In a bid to stimulate the market and support increased boat sales this summer, NZ Marine has embarked on a targeted ‘Go Boating’ television campaign. Starting in late October and running through until the lead-up to the March 2025 Auckland Boat Show, the promotion will target 50 to 79-year-olds with the means to buy a boat. The promotion is based around a 15-second TV advertisement that emphasises the lifestyle benefits of boating, including creating everlasting memories with family and friends. The advertisement will screen on Sunday evenings during TV One’s Country Calendar, One News at 6pm, and in other documentary-type programmes. www.nzmarine.co.nz…

Mojo is another exemplary example of the Profab 1200 power catamaran out of Profab Engineering of Palmerston North. The design comes from the drawing board of designer Roger Hill, well known and respected for providing high performance and efficient hull designs paired with well-considered interior layouts. The 12m design features asymmetrical hulls and on this example, a hydrofoil provides additional lift to reduce drag allowing for greater performance and economy. The construction and assembly are exceptional and all vessel systems have been well considered, positioned, and executed. Stepping onto the teak sole of the cockpit and moving inside, the muted colours and superb interior finishes provide the feeling of luxury and comfort. This is a boat where function and form meet up with style. The Profab 1200 is the ideal…

Mariner Insurance’s Aaron Mortimer has some useful advice on what to do should you ever find yourself in a sinking situation. Secure your life jacket or PFD Your safety is paramount. If everyone on board is not already wearing a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD), now is the time to get it on. Address the breach Use bungs made of rubber or wood to plug holes in the hull. These are available in various sizes at your local chandlery and you should consider carrying these on board your boat at all times. If the hole is just below the waterline, try shifting weight around the boat to lift it above the waterline for a temporary fix. Make a distress call Use your VHF radio to call for help…

Mine came around 30 years ago when I was towing the family’s 6m cabin boat to Lake Taupo’s western bays, taking the back road from Te Awamutu to Kinloch which involved negotiating numerous steep hills. My two-litre automatic Toyota Cressida was not the ideal tow vehicle, which I found out on the first decent incline. Cresting the top of the hill at around 75kph I headed down the other side, gradually picking up momentum. I touched the brakes to bleed off some of the speed, but it had little effect, other than the tail starting to wag the dog. With braking only exacerbating the situation, I tried accelerating straighten everything up, but to no avail. TOYOTA HILUX KINDLY SUPPLIED BY TOYOTA NZ The upshot was the towbar ripping away from…

THE $540 MILLION MARINA and boatyard industry is on a mission to minimise its environmental impact, particularly in relation to coastal water quality. Seventeen New Zealand marinas were recognised for their progress in the Clean Marina programme at the New Zealand Marinas and Boatyard Conference – representing nearly 30% of members of the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA), the industry’s trade association. Clean Marinas in New Zealand include 10 that fly the Clean Marina flag at Level 3 status, the highest possible level as fully-accredited Clean Marinas: Half Moon Bay Marina, Gulf Harbour Marina, Westhaven Marina, Whitianga Marina, Whangamata Marina, Tauranga Bridge Marina, Seaview Marina, Te Ana Marina in Lyttelton, Nelson Marina, and Bay of Islands Marina. Five marinas are at Level 2, which means they are progressing towards…

HURRICANE BOATS, the number-one selling deck boat in the United States, have arrived in Australia and New Zealand. McRae Boats in Wodonga, Victoria, is the first official dealer, offering the full range of Hurricane Boats, including the popular Fundeck and Sundeck product lines. With sizes ranging from 18ft to 26ft, there’s a Hurricane Boat to suit every boating enthusiast’s needs. Further authorised dealers across the two countries will launch later this year, making viewing and demonstrating Hurricane Boats accessible to all customers. “We are thrilled to bring Hurricane Boats to Australia and New Zealand,” said Sales & Operations Manager, John Potter. “Our boats are designed to provide unparalleled comfort, versatility, and fun on the water for the entire family. We’re excited to partner with McRae Boats and look forward to…

The Ancient Greeks were never short of a good idea. They gave us mathematics, philosophy, science, medicine and even the alarm clock. They also had the most innovative mythological creatures, and lots of them. These were hybrid creatures that combined the best attributes of both parents. One of the most memorable was the centaur with a horse’s body down below for speed and strength and the smarts and opposable thumbs of a human up top. The Greeks understood many things, but perhaps the power of the hybrid form is the most relevant to this boat reviewer who is up against a deadline. While these human-animal hybrids were everywhere in Greek mythology, they are very rare in 6.5m powerboats. That is until Rae Line rolled out its newest offering in the…

Looking at new boats is always a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s fun to check out the latest new innovations and marvel at the latest engineering and amenities. On the other hand, most of us can’t help but think how much we’d like to have these great features, but on our current ride instead of a strange new hull with its attached learning curve. Then of course there’s the whole price tag thing. While a new boat might be lovely, sometimes it just isn’t on the cards no matter how badly we want it. The good news is that it’s surprisingly easy to add all kinds of fresh goodies to the current family runabout, bringing all-new excitement to the boat we already enjoy. Instead of pining…

The Galápagos archipelago – comprising around 13 islands – belongs to Ecuador. It lies on the equator some 1,000km off South America’s west coast. At that latitude you’d expect lush, tropical vegetation, impenetrable rain forests and oppressive humidity. The islands are anything but. Born of wild volcanic activity, their dominant feature is solidified lava. They are bleak and arid and vegetation is sparse. The seas are frigid because the icy Humboldt current (originating near Antarctica) sweeps up through the islands. In short, an unlikely home for fauna and flora – of any sort. But that is the paradox of the Galápagos. The islands are teeming with life of the most extraordinary variety, the diversity more remarkable given the modest geographical footprint. The wildlife includes species that are endemic (not found…

“To get to this point has taken 10 years of hard work so I am incredibly proud of the team.” INEOS Britannia has emerged as the top Challenger and secured their place in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match, where they will face the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, with racing beginning on October 12. Sir Ben Ainslie, skipper and Team Principal acknowledged the moment, one of the finest in British sporting history, saying: “It’s a huge moment for the team and we knew we were always going to be in for a massive battle against Luna Rossa – so hats off to them, they have been incredible competitors. To get to this point has taken 10 years of hard work so I am incredibly proud of the team.”…

While Ineos Britannia earned the right to challenge for the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, a few hours earlier another cup was being contested on local waters. With 10 youth teams from across New Zealand hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), Friday October 4 saw the final day of racing in the Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta. “I am so proud of the teams, with three days training and then the two-day regatta in the Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7s. At the start of the week a lot of these kids hadn’t sailed together or in keelboats before,” said RNZYS Performance Sailing Manager Zak Merton.“ The week-long intensive ended with the two-day regatta and some fierce competition. In the end it was down to the two Auckland…

A purpose-built grandstand will give fans a whole new perspective on sailing, with SailGP unveiling a first look at its Race Stadium for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, Auckland, 18-19 January 2025. From the shoreline to the skyline, the grandstand will temporarily transform the City of Sails into the City of SailGP, offering world-class race viewing metres above the shore. Fans will experience the global racing championship’s largest fleet to date, with 11 F50 catamarans flying at speeds upwards of 100 kilometres per hour, right in the heart of the inner Waitematā Harbour. Tickets to SailGP’s hotly anticipated Auckland debut went on general public sale on Wednesday 25 September. A limited presale release saw thousands of tickets snapped up in hours. Last season’s ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix…

The challenger series for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup began at the end of August. After three years of waiting and speculating, which gradually intensified as the teams set their feet in Barcelona and revealed, one by one, their third generation AC75s, the real racing was finally on. The first few weeks of racing proved that fans, spectators and other stakeholders were in for a real treat. CARDS FLIPPED The first round-robin of the challengers’ series, which also included the Emirates Team New Zealand (their matches didn’t count towards the final score), took place just a few days after the preliminary regatta. The French team, Orient Express Racing, started fiercely and, against everyone’s expectations, beat Alinghi Red Bull Racing and stole an important first point from them. The Swiss…

We left Auckland in a one-way rental car at 4.00am to make it to Tauranga Marina for a planned 7.00am dock out. Me and Brett Patterson from Boating NZ, and Bruce McGill from European Marine were tasked to deliver the new Sasga Menorquin 55FB to Auckland, ready to hand over to her new owner. Sasga Yachts are built in Menorca, one of the Spanish Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. The company manufactures the Sasga 35, 42, 48, 55 and 68 models. My initial reaction on approaching the boat on the marina was, “Oh! That’s an impressive boat!” Partly because of its imposing physical presence, but its classic lines also catch the attention, inviting you to look along the sheerline. Stepping aboard, you notice the beautiful Flexiteek decks complemented…

OFFERING AN UNPARALLELED sailing experience, the new Dufour 48 is a superb achievement by naval architect Umberto Felci of Felci Yachts Design. With an emphasis on outdoor living, the model has a range of exterior living spaces, elegant lines and remarkable volume. Its aft cockpit delivers instinctive, safe and hospitable sailing. There are two dining tables and an optional hardtop for additional comfort and protection. The popular aft platform returns, an outdoor galley is equipped with all the essentials for alfresco dining, including a plancha grill, and the yacht also features an innovative forward lounge with optional sunlounges. The Dufour 48 is available in three or four-cabin layouts with either a forward or lateral galley, premium comfort furniture, including saloon tables by Ardizio Design, and extensive storage. Coachroof glazing has been…

PEGASUS YACHTS HAS announced the appointment of Kevin Wallis to head the new Pegasus Yachts Australia and New Zealand dealership, based in Sydney, Australia. Marko Pas, Managing Director of Pegasus, said, “We are excited to have Kevin represent us ‘down under.’ He has a passion for customer service and quality sailing yachts, which is exactly what Pegasus stands for.” The Pegasus Yacht suits the Australian and New Zealand cruising lifestyle, where there is more emphasis on the outdoors but with a protected cockpit, said Wallis. “Pegasus Yachts come fully optioned with many features regarded as additions in most other European-designed and built blue-water cruisers,” Wallis explained. Often referred to as ‘The Gentleman’s Racing Yacht,’ the P50 will be surfing at 12.5 knots with 20 knots true wind speed and 100o…

YAMAHA MARINE has appointed Auckland-based indie agency Onfire Design to drive sales of its recreational range of on-water machines, as well as its finance and insurance products. Onfire recently launched a new retail campaign for Yamaha Outboard, Wave Runner and Finance. Including digital, print and above the line, the campaign identifies Yamaha as the ‘Real Deal’ with a series of impressive retail offers. Capitalising on Yamaha’s market leading credentials and superior dealer network, the campaign aims to ignite sales for the coming boating season and help Yamaha reassert its #1 position. The Yamaha outboard promotion also features a powerful endorsement from Kiwi fishing legend Matt Watson who claims, “Your boat just goes better with a Yamaha.” The Yamaha win is an endorsement of Onfire’s credentials in the marine industry. Having…

TESORO YACHTS STOLE the limelight at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival when it unveiled its largest and most ambitious project to date, the stunning new T50 Speciale. The T50 Speciale is the result of an exclusive collaboration between the Spanish shipyard and the renowned Armani/Casa design studio. The Armani/Casa studio’s philosophy of elegance and style is unmistakeable throughout the T50 Speciale’s design. The superb walk-around model delivers breathtaking speed and singular lines that position it in a new dimension of marine design. Tesoro Yachts has incorporated the Cullinan T Top, built entirely in carbon fibre as a single piece integrated with the windscreen, achieving a sleek aesthetic. Available in seven unique layouts with custom options, the T-50 Speciale can also be ordered in a choice of propulsion systems, including an…