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HomeLifestyleBoat ProfileKUUJJUAQ: A Marten 72 that blends speed, style, and sophistication

KUUJJUAQ: A Marten 72 that blends speed, style, and sophistication

For anyone who believes that high-performance yachts must sacrifice comfort for speed, the Marten 72 KUUJJUAQ is a compelling contradiction. Designed by the renowned Reichel/Pugh and built by New Zealand’s Yachting Developments, this carbon fibre marvel is a masterclass in dual-purpose design. Combining the grit of an offshore racer with the elegance of a luxury cruiser, KUUJJUAQ stands out as a unique offering in today’s yacht market — and not just because you can buy it with cryptocurrency.

Fresh off a full-scale refit and rating optimisation at Escale Technique in France (2021–22), KUUJJUAQ is a head-turner with serious racing pedigree. If entered in a world-class event like the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, her spec suggests she’d comfortably place among the top 10 for line honours — an impressive claim for any vessel, let alone one this luxurious.

Keel on show – KUUJJUAQ is an upgraded Marten 72 // Photo credit: McD Yachts

At 24.45 metres (LOA) with a beam just shy of 5 metres, KUUJJUAQ is long and lean. Her construction — carbon fibre prepreg with Nomex and Corecell foam — is about as high-tech as it gets, delivering strength without unnecessary weight. With a displacement of just under 20 tonnes and a deep 3.95-metre draft, she’s optimised for speed and stability in a range of conditions. Hydraulic rig and deck controls operated via remote make her manageable for short-handed or even single-handed sailing. Whether you’re offshore racing or cruising down the coast, KUUJJUAQ adapts to your pace.

Dual helm for better control and visibility // Photo credit: McD Yachts

But KUUJJUAQ doesn’t just perform — she impresses. The exterior aesthetic is sleek and purposeful, with composite-finished surfaces and flexi teak-laid cockpits offering a contemporary but practical feel. Inside, the refit transformed the living quarters into something more akin to the pages of Vogue than your average racer-cruiser hybrid. The result is a uniquely sophisticated interior: chic, minimalist, and unmistakably high-end. Clean lines, modern textures, and a sense of space not usually associated with performance yachts elevate the onboard experience to another level.

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Busfield Marine
Bavaria E40 FLybridge -2018
Bavaria E40 FLybridge -2018
NZD $695,000
2018 Bavaria E40 Flybridge, 13.6m semi-displacement trawler. Volvo D4 300HP, dual helm stations, bow & stern thrusters, lithium batteries, watermaker, genset. Highly spec'd cruiser. Auckland. NZD $695,000.
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The main cabin // Photo credit: McD Yachts

With six berths plus crew accommodation, KUUJJUAQ welcomes up to 12 guests. The layout supports both social cruising and long-distance racing campaigns, offering the best of both worlds. A 125 hp Yanmar engine provides reliable auxiliary power, while a substantial water capacity (550L) and fuel tanks (425L) support extended trips offshore. There’s also a hot water tank and blackwater holding tank — important details for liveaboard comfort.

Looking through to lounge area // Photo credit: McD Yachts

The technical elements are top-tier. The CE Category A rating confirms her capability for extended offshore passages, while the full suite of hydraulic systems speaks to a design engineered for sailors who know their way around a deck. The control systems allow the helmsperson to fine-tune rig and sail trim from anywhere onboard, eliminating unnecessary labour while enhancing performance. This integration of smart sailing technology is what makes KUUJJUAQ equally suitable for adrenaline-filled racing or effortless island-hopping.

A well-appointed galley // Photo credit: McD Yachts

However, it’s the yacht’s unique positioning on the market that really sets her apart. As the owner is open to cryptocurrency transactions, KUUJJUAQ becomes an outlier in the brokerage world — a rare intersection of traditional yachting prestige and next-generation finance. This makes her especially appealing to a new generation of buyers looking to make bold lifestyle moves with a digital-first mindset.

Whether you’re a seasoned offshore campaigner or a modern-day explorer looking to blend racing excitement with luxurious living, KUUJJUAQ is an extraordinary opportunity. She’s not just a yacht — she’s a statement. A blend of speed and comfort, elegance and efficiency, old-world craftsmanship and future-forward thinking.

Good space, but importantly all furniture is built in allowing for performance sailing when needed // Photo credit: McD Yachts

Represented exclusively by MCD Boutique Yacht Brokerage in New Zealand and Australia, KUUJJUAQ is now on the market and ready for her next chapter. For those looking to stand out in the marina and on the start line — and who perhaps want to pay with Bitcoin rather than bank wires — this Marten 72 is one to watch.

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South Pacific Boat Sales
1990 North Wind 56
1990 North Wind 56
$495,000
1990 North Wind 56 with quiet luxury interiors, push-button sailing, and rare dual-cockpit for spacious entertaining. Recent major servicing and upgrades.

Find KUUJJUAQ at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show at Stand MB8 Marina Boulevard with Ocean Magazine.

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Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

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