World Boating Day, an international open day for the entire leisure boating industry, has already made waves across more than nine countries in 2024, supported by over 37 industry organisations. Building on its success, the event is set to grow even bigger for its second edition in 2025.
World Boating Day is a chance to open up the world of boating to more people, to celebrate our industry’s passion and successes, and to highlight the incredible career opportunities and experiences boating offers. From marinas, sailing schools to boat builders, this day invites companies, organisations, and individuals across the leisure boating industry to open their doors and hearts to the public.
The boating community in New Zealand is vibrant, resilient (such a good word!), and passionate. Whether it’s cruising the Bay of Islands, racing on Lake Taupō, or exploring our beautiful coastline, boating brings people together like nothing else. World Boating Day is the perfect chance to share this passion with others—whether by hosting an open day at your marina, offering sailing lessons, giving factory tours, or simply gathering for a day on the water with fellow boating enthusiasts.
Share your events and stories #WorldBoatingDay2025NZ
The beauty of World Boating Day is that it’s flexible. There’s no one way to participate—it’s about sharing your love for boating in a way that suits you. The bonus for Kiwis is that we get to celebrate Wold Boating Day well before most other countries in the world; this is an opportunity to get your story out early.
If you’re planning something special for the day, get in touch with the team at Boating New Zealand—we’d love to feature your event in our coverage of World Boating Day celebrations. If you aren’t able to invite the public in to see what you do, let us know and we’ll showcase what you do online.
Let’s showcase the best of Kiwi boating culture and inspire more people to embrace the water.
Here are some ideas for how you can get involved in New Zealand:
- Open Your Doors: If you own a marina, boatyard, sailing school, or any boating-related business, consider hosting an open day. Show the public what goes on behind the scenes—whether it’s boat building, maintenance, or the day-to-day operations of your business.
- Sailing, Foiling, Jetskiing Experiences: Clubs could offer introductory lessons or host taster sessions. Let people feel the thrill of the wind in their hair and the open water beneath them.
- Community Events: Host local gatherings at your marina or club with activities like knot-tying workshops, environmental talks, and social cruises. It’ll be almost mid-winter so how about planning a Pirate Party?
- Share Your Story: Get involved in the #WorldBoatingDay2025NZ #WorldBoatingDay2025 campaign! Post photos or videos of your event using the hashtag. Share what boating means to you and encourage others to join the celebration.
#WaveForBoating an inspired global initiative
One exciting initiative kicking off this World Boating Day is the #WaveForBoating campaign, launching globally to celebrate the day. This social media movement encourages everyone in the leisure boating industry—and beyond—to share a simple but powerful gesture: a wave! Whether it’s waving from your boat, marina, or dock, this campaign invites you to show your love for boating and connect with fellow water lovers around the world.
Find out more about this initiative.
Why World Boating Day matters
Beyond the fun and festivities, World Boating Day has three core goals:
- Attracting New Talent: By opening our doors, we can highlight the diverse career opportunities in the industry—whether it’s boat design, marine engineering, yacht management, or sailing instruction. It’s about building the next generation of boating professionals.
- Creating Media Buzz: The event aims to tell the boating industry’s story more broadly, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, economic contribution, and the passion we share for this lifestyle. Let’s get New Zealand’s boating stories into the spotlight!
- Expanding the Boating Community: Boating can sometimes feel exclusive, but World Boating Day invites everyone—whether seasoned sailors or curious newcomers—to experience the water’s magic firsthand.
For more information, to register your #WorldBoatingDay2025NZ event, contact us at ahoy@boatingnz.co.nz
