Latest Antiques & Classics
The New Zealand Raters – Export
In December 1898 a major yachting event was held in Auckland, the first with any true international content. The North Shore Native Regatta and Carnival was held alongside the Auckland Industrial and ...
The New Zealand Raters – Export
In December 1898 a major yachting event was held in Auckland, the first with any true international content. The North Shore Native Regatta and Carnival was held alongside the Auckland Industrial and ...
A spectacular showcase of classic boating at Lake Rotoiti
The 2025 NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes, was nothing short of spectacular. With more than 150 beautifully maintained vessels on display, the event was a celebration of ...
A spectacular showcase of classic boating at Lake Rotoiti
The 2025 NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes, was nothing short of spectacular. With more than 150 beautifully maintained vessels on display, the event was a celebration of ...
Farr reaching success: The Farr 1020 story
One of the most successful one-design keelers in New Zealand has been the Farr 1020. Designed by Bruce Farr and his team in 1981 and built by Sea Nymph Boats,
this is the Farr 1020 story.
Farr reaching success: The Farr 1020 story
One of the most successful one-design keelers in New Zealand has been the Farr 1020. Designed by Bruce Farr and his team in 1981 and built by Sea Nymph Boats,
this is the Farr 1020 story.
Classic yachts (and launches) as ‘Protected New Zealand Objects’
Formed in the mid-1990s, The Classic Yacht Association was at the forefront of protecting classic yachts from unlawful export from New Zealand. New Zealand’s fleet of classic yachts represents its sp...
Classic yachts (and launches) as ‘Protected New Zealand Objects’
Formed in the mid-1990s, The Classic Yacht Association was at the forefront of protecting classic yachts from unlawful export from New Zealand. New Zealand’s fleet of classic yachts represents its sp...
Article
Brest Maritime Festival 2024: World classics extravaganza
Every four years since the 1990s, Brittany’s largest port, Brest, has played host to a gathering of traditional craft from around the world. Over time...
Exclusive
James Bond Would Have Been Very Pleased with the NZ Retro Boats Gathering 2024 at Lake Tarawera
This past weekend, the shimmering waters of Lake Tarawera just outside of Rotorua were alive with nostalgia, as the NZ Retro Boats Lake Tarawera Gathe...
Arakana and Tamariki Jnr Standing Out from the Crowd
Passionate, enthusiastic boat owners and their devotees were everywhere you looked at the inaugural Wooden Boat Festival, held in Auckland’s Jellicoe ...
Gybe-O; The storms and sun rays of my days
D. Ault Salt closed his eyes, tugged his grey beard, and thought: Life is good.
Bill Couldrey Part 6: World War II
Under the shadow of likely war with Germany on the other side of the globe, 1939 was a very full year for Bill Couldrey’s yard.
One man and his boats: Harold George; Victory and the Norfolk Island adventure
By December 1928 the brothers Harold and Geoff George had the reputation of being game sailors, with a good sea-boat in Victory. They sailed her hard,...
HAROLD GEORGE: Celox and Victory
With connections to the Couldrey family and growing up in Northcote on Auckland’s North Shore, Harold George could hardly escape becoming a fine seama...
ONE FAMILY’S BOATING JOURNEY – How much power?
On land it is easy to forget about power and often we (particularly our teenagers) aren’t concerned about leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms, or le...
Mystic Miss: Forgotten Warrior
In 1969, offshore powerboat racing was about to break away from competing in production recreational runabouts.
VINTAGE VIEW – ONE MAN AND HIS BOATS; HARRY JENKINS, PART3 – Wartime Pacific cruises
Harry Jenkins could trace his ancestry through his mother’s side back to Sir Francis Drake. His new yacht, Golden Hind, the biggest private yacht yet ...
ONE MAN AND HIS BOATS; HARRY JENKINS, PART 2 – The golden years
After Shenandoah was launched in December 1929, Harry Jenkins had little time to enjoy his wonderful new launch peacefully. Two months before, the wor...
ONE MAN AND HIS BOATS; HARRY JENKINS, PART 1. Strictly business
Harry Reginald Jenkins was a prominent Auckland businessman, launch owner and yachtsman for 30 years from 1916.
Harry was born in Eltham, Taranaki,...
GEORGE DIBBERN; THE 1934 TRANS-TASMAN RACE PT 111 / Te Rapunga versus Ngataki
At North Head, Te Rapunga led Ngataki by half a mile and drew steadily away in the broad lead up the coast into a rising easterly. Te Rapunga last sig...
GEORGE DIBBERN; THE 1934 TRANSTASMAN RACE / Symbol of freedom
The moment they arrived in March 1934 George Dibbern and Te Rapunga were good news in Auckland. George seemed to be a new face of Germany; not the com...
Rotoiti Wooden Boat Parade
The Classic Wooden Boat Association’s 25th annual boat parade and fun weekend is scheduled for February 4, 2022, Waitangi Weekend. The organisers woul...
The yacht a town built – Pleiades pride
Noel Priar was a boatman until the end. Even in his 80s, his rheumy old eyes would get a gleam on when someone dropped by to talk boats, or another re...
THE HARRY POPE STORY – Lived his dream
Many of Auckland’s boating community were saddened to hear that boatbuilder, surveyor and sailor Harry Pope had recently passed the bar. Fortunately, ...
Images reflect ocean’s anguish
Britain’s Mandy Barker is an international award-winning photographer raising awareness about plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, highlighting it...
CALLIOPE SEA SCOUTS’ CENTENARY Scouting for the generations
Founded in June 1921 at HMS Philomel, the Devonport Naval Base, Calliope Sea Scouts Troop is the oldest surviving Sea Scout troop in New Zealand. I ac...
The largest square-rigger
At some future point when Covid allows cruise enthusiasts back on board, you might want to check out the just-launched Golden Horizon. At 525ft long (...
THE JIM LOTT STORY Lifelong voyage
Jim Lott’s had a diverse career – teaching navigation and seamanship, helping establish boating regulations, advising national bodies and countless 10...
TRIPLE HAPPY
Words Alex Stone, Photos Lesley Stone.
Here’s a story of a boat and a bloke that couldn’t be kept apart. Even after two trial separations. N...
The beauty of junk
There are books and then there are dangerous books. Dangerous books cannot be forgotten and can change your life. Sailor/author Annie Hill wrote a dan...
Bill Couldrey – Nancye to Little Jim
Bill Couldrey came ashore in 1931 from his job as ship’s carpenter on the Government Island steamer Maui Pomare – and despite the difficult times quic...
The Duck that wouldn’t die
The little clinker’s been fitted with numerous propulsion systems over the years but, tantalisingly, the research suggests she was first electrically-...
Frostbites & Christmas cruises
I recently bought a photograph album on TradeMe with some cracking 1940s–1950s images of Frostbites. But who were the people in the pics and what stor...
Expect the unusual
Kiwis short of ‘staycation’ ideas should check out the NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show. Held annually since 1999 at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lake...
Ethel–John Street again!
John Street has been personally responsible for the saving and superb restorations of many of our classic yachts, both from the Logan and Bailey stabl...
THE SPANISH FLU OF 1918 Lest we forget
It’s a grim fact that the current Covid-19 epidemic is just the latest in the waves of pandemics that have swept through humanity regularly since reco...
Austin Powered
Low, sleek and powerful, an Austin-Healey sports car is a rare classic – prized by collectors all over the world. But rarer still – particularly in Ne...
The Jagger brothers & John Burns
When Capt. John Carrick Hewson was drowned off his steamer Waitoa at Clevedon in 1896, his wife Ellen was left with eight children aged between 2 and ...
Ida sails again
Around 125 years after she was first launched in Auckland, the 1895 58-foot gaff-rigged racer Ida is back on the Waitemata Harbour, sleek and gleaming...
The Hewsons part 2: The Jagger brothers & John Burns
When Capt. John Carrick Hewson was drowned off his steamer Waitoa at Clevedon in 1896, his wife Ellen was left with eight children aged between 2 and ...
The oldest outboard
A reader came across an article in our September 2019 issue about members of the Antique Outboard Motor Club Incorporated (AOMCI) and the origins of t...
Leading the way
The Hewson family had a major involvement in the development of the sport of yachting in Auckland from the latter part of the 19th century until well ...
NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show 2020
Jacqueline – a 22-foot 1964 Riva Ariston once owned by former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy – captured the hearts of the judges and took the top award...
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Lewmar offers lifetime warranty on Ocean and EVO® winches
Lewmar®, a name trusted by sailors for over 70 years, is backing the legendary quality of its Ocean ...
ZeroJet announces major power improvement to electric jet system
ZeroJet, a world leader in electric jet propulsion, today announced their upgraded 22kW (30 HP equiv...
Refurbishing the Start Tower – Westhaven’s iconic timekeeper gets a modern upgrade
Auckland’s Westhaven Marina is more than just a place to berth boats – it’s one of the city’s enduri...
Westhaven Marina recognised for excellence, community commitment, and future-focused initiatives
Westhaven Marina has been awarded Highly Commended at the prestigious 2025 Marina Industries Associa...
Summary and Boating/Fishing Outlook: 22–26 May 2025
We woke to a stunning morning here in Whangamata, on the Coromandel Peninsula – sunshine, barely a b...
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht – global launch
Maritimo, Australia’s world-class luxury motor yacht builder, expands its next-generation model line...
Maritimo S60 Sedan Motor Yacht – global launch
Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, will proudly display the first S60 Sed...
Valder Yachts engineering update: Behind the scenes of a high-speed revolution
In the world of high-performance marine engineering, every decision counts. From hull geometry to dr...
Sunpower Yachts International acquires Alva Yachts: Ushering in a new era for solar-electric yachtin...
A bold acquisition positions Sunpower Yachts as the global leader in clean, luxury maritime travel
A walkthrough of the Kingfisher 725 Hardtop: Built for serious adventure
Kingfisher Boats has released a fresh video walkthrough of the 725 Hardtop on YouTube, showcasing th...
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...
Rayglass 3500 – 1/6 share
A rare opportunity has come up to secure a 1/6 share in one of the most sought-after vessels in the ...
Foil4TheGulf: Why boaters should learn more about the Bill behind New Zealand’s biggest foiling even...
On 24 May 2025, foilers from across Aotearoa will gather at The Royal Akarana Yacht Club for Foil4Th...
Small boat. Huge impact. Senator Boats launches the game-changing 550 Hardtop
The all-new Senator 550 Hardtop, launched at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.
Voodoo Yachts formally launches XF75
Kiwi boat builder (I am editorialising but extraordinaire!) Voodoo Yachts mark the beginning of a ne...
World premiere Riviera’s 72 Sports Motor Yacht – Series II , long-range and legendary
Riviera celebrates two world premieres at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The ne...
Proposed closures at Tangoiro/Waihirere and Motuoroi signal call to protect a fragile coastline
Ngāti Wakarara – Ngāti Hau Takutai Kaitiaki Trust seeks two-year ban on fishing to allow marine life...
A new chapter for offshore racing: RORC launches Cowes Offshore Racing Series
In 2025, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has added something fresh and exciting to its programme ...
Mexican Navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, strikes Brooklyn Bridge, injuring 19
The Mexican Navy training vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, which recently visited New Zealand, collided with ...
2025 Hutchwilco Boat Show Hall of Fame gets two inductees tonight
At tonight’s Hall of Fame ceremony, held as part of the annual Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, two...
Rayglass launches the all-new Legend 2700 at Hutchwilco Boat Show
Unveiled this past Thursday at the 2025 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, the brand-new Rayglass Leg...
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Serie2: A versatile weekender for Kiwi waters
A refined cruiser blending performance, comfort, and innovation
At the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boa...
World Match Racing Tour 2025 heats up with Porto Montenegro showdown and Irish debut on the horizon
The 2025 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is in full swing, and the recent Porto Montenegro Match Race...
Waitemata Racing books their place at the 2025 Youth Match Racing World Championships
Josh Hyde and team to represent New Zealand at 2025 Youth Match Racing Worlds in Poland.
Float & Form: Building boats, building memories
From backyard builds to weekend adventures, this Kiwi-made kitset boat company is making waves with ...
Lowrance software update adds Recon™ Trolling Motor control and sonar enhancements
Lowrance has released a new software update for its ActiveTarget® module and a range of its high-per...
The revolutionary wallyrocket51 reveals its dual soul and outstanding performance during sea trials
Inspired by owner-driver one designs and optimised to win in IRC/ORC racing, the revolutionary wally...
Back-to-back yacht rescues highlight growing maritime challenges in the Pacific
Just six days after the Australian Navy rescued four sailors from Lucky Jonny in the Pacific, the Fi...
Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2025: A solid showing from an industry steadying its course
There’s something satisfying about stepping into a boat show and seeing so many boats in one place. ...
Naples to host 38th America’s Cup in 2027
Italy secures prestigious regatta as the Cup returns to Europe
Emirates Team New Zealand sets course for the 38th America’s Cup
Outteridge confirmed as skipper, Tuke and Maloney return, and surprise selection Chris Draper brings...
Two takes on tough: Stabicraft launches the 2350 Ultra Centrecab and Ultracab WT
The 7m offshore platform gets a serious upgrade with two newly designed models—each delivering a dif...
Tristram Marine opens its doors for a rare inside look
An exclusive four-day event invites boaties to explore one of New Zealand’s most celebrated trailer ...
What happens when the rudder fails?
Losing your rudder hundreds of miles offshore is a serious situation. Your ability to control the bo...
Lucky Jonny rescue sparks offshore sailing debate
The recent rescue of four sailors from the German yacht Lucky Jonny, 100 nautical miles southeast of...
Surtees 720 Game Fisher: Built for more than just the catch
Surtees Boats has taken another bold step in its evolution with the launch of the all-new 720 Game F...
The Stabicraft Frontier 2050 – centre console brilliance, review coming soon
There’s a reason Stabicraft’s new 2050 Frontier is already turning heads ahead of its full review in...
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show : A celebration of all things boating
New boats, big names, and hands-on learning—Auckland gets set for the ultimate marine showcase.
Island Cruising: New Zealand group depart on Pacific Rally 2025
Island Cruising are excited to announced the departure of the New Zealand group on the Pacific Rally...
UK project powers ahead with grid-to-boat-to-grid technology
Electric boats that charge and support the national grid? A pioneering UK project brings bidirection...
NZ Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar
Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.
FISHING
Hook Me Up Fishing Competition - Matakana vs Hillside, 7 Mar 2025 in Whakatane
The Kubota Billfish Classic, 12 - 15 Mar 2025 in Mercury Bay, Whitianga
ITM Fishing Competition, 13 - 16 Mar 2025 in Whangaroa
NZ Lure Masters (Catch, Measure and Release competition), 3 & 4 Oct 2025, New Zealand wide
REGATTAS
Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland
PIC Harbour Classic, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Auckland
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour
PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell
Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2025 starts in Sydney, Australia
HYDRO THUNDER
JET BOAT RACING
2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch
WATERSPORTS
IWWF University Nationals (waterskiing), 26 February to 2 March Orakei Basin, Auckland
MEET UPS
Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Cruising Rally, Easter 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, BOP
SHOWS
Moana Auckland - New Zealand's Ocean Festival, 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025 in Auckland
Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15-18 May 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland
NZ Boat, Fish and Dive Show, 30 & 31 Aug 2025 to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Waipa
NEWS TIPS?
Send your photos, videos, stories, and tip-offs to ahoy@boatingnz.co.nz or call us on 022-023-7507.