FROM FUTURISTIC HYDROFOILS TO CLASSIC KIWI YACHTS, READERS FLOCKED TO BOATING NEW ZEALAND’S SITE THIS MONTH. VESSEV’S ELECTRIC VS–9 LED THE CHARGE, FOLLOWED BY RUGGED WHITE POINTERS AND A VINTAGE ELLIOTT 13. OFFSHORE RACING DRAMA, ANCHORING BANS, AND RENEWED INTEREST IN ALAN MUMMERY’S DESIGNS ALSO DREW STRONG READER INTEREST.

Over the past month, Vessev has dominated website-exclusive interest on our site with its groundbreaking electric hydrofoiling boats. From a behind-the-scenes factory tour to a first ride aboard the VS–9, readers were drawn to the company’s innovative blend of smart automation, modular design, and real-world practicality. The VS–9’s quiet, stable ride and hands-off hydrofoiling impressed even seasoned boaties, positioning Vessev as a leader in the future of commercial and green marine transport.

Also exceedingly popular was White Pointer, celebrated for its rugged aluminium builds and enduring appeal among offshore fishers. Their recent updates continue to blend strength with comfort, reinforcing the brand's respected reputation.

Rounding out the top three was Simply the Best, a classic Elliott 13 cruiser-racer. Still race-ready after 30 years, her combination of pedigree, performance, and charm captivated readers. With fresh upgrades and a storied history, she offers a rare opportunity to own a slice of Kiwi sailing legacy.

Alan Mummery, a quiet Kiwi design talent, created rugged, seaworthy yachts from his Waiheke Island workshop. Known for practical craftsmanship and real-world performance, his boats—like the Cape 40 and Waiata II—remain prized among offshore cruisers. Now enjoying renewed appreciation, Mummery’s legacy endures through durable, intelligently built yachts still voyaging worldwide.

One of this month’s most-read stories, the anchoring ban around Little Barrier Island, highlights growing public interest in marine biosecurity. Introduced to stop the spread of invasive caulerpa, the new rules restrict seabed contact and mandate cleaning. Boaties can transit the area, but anchoring now requires a permit or emergency.

The 2025 New Caledonia Groupama Race drew strong interest, delivering high drama, tight racing, and offshore grit. Kiwi entry V5 Racing led the monohulls, while five boats retired—including Rushour, which capsized, prompting a dramatic helicopter rescue. Tactical gambles, broken gear, and even mid-race birthday celebrations shaped the 654-nautical-mile contest. Crews battled heavy weather through Grand Passage, testing skill and resilience. A communication gap during the Rushour rescue sparked a formal protest, later dismissed, highlighting offshore safety challenges. Despite setbacks, the race showcased seamanship, camaraderie, and the spirit of ocean racing—proving once again why Groupama remains a standout on the Pacific circuit.

At Boating New Zealand, we’re always looking for ways to bring you something fresh. We’ve partnered with SailGP to share Uncharted — a high-quality docuseries on how the league was formed. It’s beautifully produced, fast-paced, and well worth watching. Episode 1 is already live, with Episodes 2 and 3 dropping on 15 and 22 July. This is a trial run, and we’re keen to bring you more premium video content like this, so your support means a lot. 👉 https://www.boatingnz.co.nz/uncharted

Exploring New Zealand's boating scene uncovers rich heritage, innovative vessels, and bold industry achievements. These online stories have captured Boating New2 Zealand readers' attention this month, highlighting the passion and progress shaping our maritime future — from timeless Kiwi craftsmanship to cutting-edge technology and global success.

Exploring our sister website TRADE-A-BOAT archives reveals more than just boat reviews — it uncovers stories deeply rooted in New Zealand's boatbuilding legacy. These four articles highlight how vessels like the Santa Maria, Gipsy and the Oyster 53, with its rich New Zealand history, and innovative work of Gerrand and Firman, connect us to that heritage. Each boat and builder reflects generations of skill, resilience, and passion. Whether newly restored or celebrated for pioneering designs, they illustrate how Kiwi maritime culture continues to thrive, linking past craftsmanship with present-day stories that still inspire and define New Zealand's boating identity.

This month our readers have enjoyed exploring a fresh wave of marine innovation with five standout projects shaping New Zealand’s boating landscape. Innovision Boats introduced the IV616 Venture, a versatile 6.25m craft balancing inshore agility and offshore capability with practical features like a full walkaround and spacious cabin. Rayglass unveiled the Legend 2700, a trailerable all-rounder refined for comfort and customisation. Voodoo Yachts launches the XF75, a luxury powercat that blends 50-knot speed with impressive fuel efficiency and advanced hydrofoil design. Form & Float offers accessible DIY kitset boats for builders of all skill levels, while Valder Yachts pushes the boundaries of high-speed luxury with its foil-assisted catamaran project. Together, these developments showcase cutting-edge design and engineering aimed at enhancing boating versatility, performance, and experience.

The 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) showcased the strength and smarts of New Zealand’s marine industry. ‘Kiwis shine at record-breaking SCIBS’ highlights collective success—record-breaking attendance, strong sales, and widespread acclaim for Kiwi innovation in electric and amphibious tech. ‘Looking outward, powering ahead’ zooms in on OC Tenders’ personal story of grit and ingenuity: denied a spot, they leveraged partnerships, sold nearly $500k in boats, and proved how a lean, relationship-driven model can thrive globally. Together, the two stories reveal a unified theme—Kiwis thinking big, acting bold, and showing the world what’s possible when innovation meets persistence.

From wartime heroes and blue water rescues to ownership issues, these are the stories that have captured readers' attention this month.

Boating New Zealand readers have been diving deep into stories of the past and present—stories with salt, steel, and soul. Whether it’s a tribute to the vessels that shaped history or real-time rescue missions at sea, the most popular articles this month span nostalgia, drama, adventure and ownership insights.

History and heritage: Stories that endure

Maritime history continues to resonate. Our tribute to NIWA’s RV Kaharoa, retired after more than 40 years of scientific service, drew a strong response from readers who recognised her quiet legacy. Our retrospective on Dunkirk’s “Little Ships” also struck a chord. Marking 85 years since the extraordinary civilian-led evacuation, it’s a reminder of how ordinary boats can do extraordinary things—something New Zealanders instinctively understand.

Closer to home, our magazine feature on the Yates family and their Bailey & Lowe launches celebrated a uniquely Kiwi boating legacy. Likewise, the profile on John and Linda Parrish—stalwarts of race management—highlighted the unsung heroes of sailing, and proved just how appreciated their contributions are by the wider boating community.

Drama at sea: Rescue and resilience

The most-read article of the month revisited the tragic 2024 loss of three fishermen off Gisborne, as discussed on the NZSFC Pod and Reel podcast. It was a sobering read (and listen), exploring how changing conditions and critical decisions shaped the final moments of that ill-fated fishing trip.

Another high-traffic article covered the Australian Navy’s rescue of four sailors after their yacht lost steering en route to Fiji on the Island whilst on the Pacific Rally 2025. It was a timely reminder of the risks involved in offshore cruising—and the skill it takes to prepare well.

Rounding out the theme was a short but impactful piece on HMNZS Taupo, which interrupted training to respond to a mayday call near Rangitoto. A compelling example of how quickly exercises can become real-life missions.

Exploration and environment: Where boating leads us

Not all stories were heavy. DCNZ’s Lake Tarawera dinghy raid and Jet Boating NZ’s upcoming Bridge to Nowhere weekend offered inspiring snapshots of adventure boating in remote locations. These stories continue to appeal to our readers’ love of freedom and the backcountry.

On the ownership front, our coverage of antifoul regulation delays prompted a lively debate. Boaties are concerned about ineffective coatings and the lack of viable alternatives—a hot topic as marine biosecurity becomes a growing concern.

This month’s top articles on our website cover a range of exciting developments in the world of boating and sailing. From the Australian SailGP team’s dramatic wingsail collapse in San Francisco to the intense 100th Masport Cup at Lake Ruataniwha, we explore some of the most thrilling moments in the sport. We also highlight New Zealand’s return to The Ocean Race in 2027 and the rise of innovative waterfront living options, including modern houseboats and marina homes.