Latest from Boat Brief
Floating shed causes a stir in Whangamata harbour
Locals in Whangamata woke to an unusual sight this morning – a corrugated iron shed adrift in the harbour near the mouth of the Wentworth River.
Floating shed causes a stir in Whangamata harbour
Locals in Whangamata woke to an unusual sight this morning – a corrugated iron shed adrift in the harbour near the mouth of the Wentworth River.
Alternative sailing rigs: Mastfoil ketch | Inflatable wing sail | Kites
The majority of cruising sailboats are monohulls. This represents the conventional ‘wisdom’ of the yachting establishment.
Alternative sailing rigs: Mastfoil ketch | Inflatable wing sail | Kites
The majority of cruising sailboats are monohulls. This represents the conventional ‘wisdom’ of the yachting establishment.
Understanding and managing power consumption
Let’s begin by looking at some principles of electrical systems.
Understanding and managing power consumption
Let’s begin by looking at some principles of electrical systems.
Article
Map marine mammals on the move
It’s that time of year again when young fur seals start turning up in all sorts of odd places, from footpaths and paddocks to busy roads.
Article
Battery charging and voltage levels
Most people, including boaties, don’t fully understand the relationship between battery charging and voltage levels.
Article
Women in sport: Kelsey Muir helms the 104th Lipton Cup winner
Sailing is often perceived as an elitist sport dominated by men, and while it is much more accessible here in New Zealand, the achievements of women c...
Article
K Boats: Making dreams come true
Marlborough Sounds maritime legend Grant Orchard has put his fleet of ‘K Boats’ into service supporting Oceans Seven swimmers.
Article
Tight sailing for Etchells Cup
Following on from last year’s successful one-day regatta, the Bonus Contractors
Bay of Islands Etchells Cup, now a two-day event, took place over th...
Article
NZ’s finest race for glory
The 2025 Perpetual Guardian Classic Yacht Regatta, hosted by Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, saw a fleet of 20 of New Zealand’s finest classic yacht...
Article
Waikawa Boating Club WineWorks Marlborough Wine Race
February 14 saw the 2025 running of the WineWorks Marlborough Wine Race, organised by Waikawa Boating Club and co-sponsored by Liquid Action and Inter...
Tech Article
Battery charging and maintenance for an extended battery life
This article is intended
to help boat owners better understand a vessel’s batteries and how to correctly maintain them for maximum battery life.
Feature
50 years of service to the marine industry
Family Boats’ Tony Singe is marking
50 years in the marine industry.
Yamaha hydrogen power: Hydrogen-fuelled outboard
The world’s first hydrogen-powered prototype outboard will make its
New Zealand debut at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in May.
Article
Happy anniversary: 25th NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show
Blue skies, sparkling water, big crowds and a record number of interesting boats
of every sort made the 25th anniversary of this event extra-special...
Joystick demo a world’s first
Launching in May, Mercury’s joystick steering system for single outboards is a plug-and-play upgrade designed for Mercury outboards with electric stee...
Exclusive
The winner of the NZ Retro Boat 2025: Tugboat
The winner of Boating New Zealand magazine’s inaugural NZ Retro Boat Trophy went to Tugboat, a Savage Electra Glass ski-boat designed in Australia but...
Press Release
New Electric Fullers ferry: Future ferry
Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, has added an 8.9m, 100% electric foiling power catamaran to its fleet. Kermadec will offer 45-minute...
Article
Check for marine pests
Marine biosecurity teams are reminding boaties and all marine users to make sure they are across marine pest risks and rules before heading out on the...
Article
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 Z...
Article
Pioneering a green fleet: hydrogen fuel in the Royal New Zealand Navy’s future
Sailing towards sustainability
The RNZN has announced its intent to investigate the viability of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for future nav...
Article
Swirly World: Winners of the Andrew Fagan book
We are very excited to announce the winners of the Swirly World book competition you read about last week.
Melissa from Devonport and Tony who has ...
Article
Navy trials Whangārei reserve unit
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) is exploring a new avenue for community engagement and regional participation through its trial of a Reserve Unit in...
Article
Hull hygiene and marine pests: A guide for Kiwi boaties
Keeping your boat in shipshape condition isn't just about performance—it’s crucial for protecting New Zealand’s unique marine environment.
Article
RNZYS’ Megan Thomson set to make waves on the Red Sea
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) will have its eyes fixed on Jeddah this week as Megan Thomson and her 2.0 Racing Team take on the world a...
Article
SVR-Lazartigue Hits Trouble in Jules Verne Trophy Bid
The Jules Verne Trophy, one of the most challenging pursuits in offshore sailing, has presented an early obstacle for François Gabart and his team abo...
Article
RNZYS to Compete in 2025 Admiral’s Cup
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) has confirmed its participation in the 2025 Royal Ocean Racing Club’s (RORC) Admiral’s Cup, cementing its...
Article
HMNZS Manawanui Interim court of inquiry report: lessons in leadership and safety
The HMNZS Manawanui incident marks a sobering chapter in the history of New Zealand’s Royal Navy. On 5 October 2024, the hydrographic survey vessel gr...
Article
From the ‘Its great to live in NZ’ file: boat returned before owner notices it’s s...
In an impressive display of police vigilance, Counties Manukau South Police have recovered a stolen boat and returned it to its owner—before...
Waka Ama world rocked by ‘untimely’ death of coach and paddler Kiwi Campbell
The waka ama world has been rocked by the death of one of Aotearoa's most successful paddlers, Kiwi Campbell.
A member of the Horouta Waka Ho...
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REDHOT MARINE Formula V Series
The REDHOT Marine Formula V Series returns for the 2024/2025 season with round one kicking off the season in Wanganui on the weekend of 23/24 November...
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You Can Take The Kiwi Out Of New Zealand, But Not New Zealand Out Of The Kiwi
This weekend in France the All Blacks are playing France.
Conrad Colman, the only Kiwi skipper in the Vendée Globe - Round The World Race - is nail...
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Stranded By Boat Problems: 4 Months In Dock For ‘Meet The Wynns’ Jason and Nikki Wynn
The family Wynn, Jason and Nikki, have been off the high seas for 4 months due to continued problems with their brand-new Catamaran.
The Wynns will b...
Tūtaia Launched: Waikato Regional Council’s New Vessel Ready For Action
Replacing An Old Workhorse: Farewell to Maroro
For 17 years, Maroro has been the backbone of Waikato’s navigation aid servicing around the Co...
Raising The Spar: New Standards Set In Historic 37th America’s Cup
Emirates Team New Zealand’s Triumph: A Legacy In The Making
Emirates Team New Zealand’s impressive third consecutive victory is more than jus...
That Sinking Feeling
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 jac...
Rarotonga Sailing Club: Unique As!
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, ...
New Zealand Marine Industry Celebrates America’s Cup Success
Today the New Zealand marine industry is celebrating Emirates Team New Zealand’s stunning victory in the 37th America’s Cup, a victory that reflects n...
America’s Cup Winning Cheer at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
In an amazing evening at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club on the waterfront at Westhaven Marina, overnight a large group (which the Boating NZ team wa...
A timeless treasure in the digital age: The Pickmere Atlas of Northland’s East Coast
In today’s digital world, where navigational charts are readily available at our fingertips, the Pickmere Atlas retains a special allure for those cru...
Mercury’s Reliability A Decisive Factor For Anglers
Powered by the robust Mercury 175hp V6 FourStroke on the back of a custom-built boat by Nicko, Season One saw the duo embark on a mission to determine...
McD Yachts: Low Volume, High Quality
McD Yachts is a new, boutique yacht sales and brokerage outfit named after its founder, Kiwi Paul MacDonald.
MacDonald has years of international exp...
Toyota Kiwicup To Develop Sailing Talent
Representing clubs from as far north as Kerikeri and as south as Wanaka, 51 young sailors aged 16-18 are part of what is New Zealand’s newest youth sa...
MRX still match fit
The MRX fleet has been a well-known sight on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour since the boats made their debut more than 30 years ago for the 1990 World M...
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Port Underwood: Marlborough’s tucked-away harbour
Discover Port Underwood, a tucked-away Marlborough Sounds harbour with anchorages, fishing, diving, ...
A damn good fry-up!
As a keen fisherman and cook, I am always looking for interesting and exciting ways to cook my catch...
The two yachts named Tawera
A very high proportion of commercial vessels, yachts and launches built in
New Zealand from coloni...
Biotherm stays perfect as fleet battles stormy finish into Nice
Paul Meilhat’s Biotherm win again in The Ocean Race Europe 2025 after a brutal Mediterranean leg, wi...
New Zealand marine forecast: rough seas and shifting winds ahead
Gale warnings dominate New Zealand’s marine forecast this week. Find out the best places to head and...
Forte Yachts sets sail with debut model 47
A bold new Italian brand enters the leisure yacht market, combining technical precision with refined...
New Zealand skiers stay strong at World Waterski Championships
Kiwi juniors keep the pressure on with more podiums as final standings are decided in Belgium.
Viknes 10 crowned Boat of the Year in Norway
Scandinavia’s standout cruiser sets new benchmarks for quality and design
Biotherm claim Leg 3 victory as Ocean Race Europe fleet arrives in Nice
Paul Meilhat’s crew extend their perfect record with another leg win, while Holcim-PRB and Allagrand...
Frames, fibre, and art that stays put
From frames to fibre, here's how to display art onboard safely, stylishly, and without breaking the ...
Biotherm break free as fleet accelerates toward France in The Ocean Race
After a sleepless night of light winds along Mallorca, Biotherm stretch an 11-mile lead over Holcim-...
Offshore powerboat racing celebrates 2025 season in style
The New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing community came together last weekend for its annual prizeg...
Sunpower Solar-eJet 3.3m redefines tender technology
Sunpower Yachts has revealed what it calls a world first: a tender that never needs fuel, shore powe...
Rayglass legend: the story behind New Zealand’s iconic 730
The grit behind the glory
If awards alone were the measure of success, Rayglass would have secured ...
The new Saxdor 400 GTS surprises by debuting at Cannes
A new interpretation of the 400 series
Saxdor’s 400 series already includes the performance-focused...
Experts ponder preservation of historic Edwin Fox at Picton
The Edwin Fox ship history reveals convict voyages, immigrant journeys, and modern preservation—an e...
Magic end to the 40th anniversary Hamilton Island Race Week
Hamilton Island Race Week 2025 marked its 40th anniversary with over 160 yachts, new Olympic skiff r...
Biotherm and Holcim-PRB break away north of the Balearic Islands
The Ocean Race Europe fleet battles shifting breezes and relentless tacking as Biotherm and Holcim-P...
Mercury’s new mid-tiller kit brings comfort and control to 25–30hp outboards
Mercury’s new mid-tiller kit extends reach, boosts comfort, and adds big-engine features to 25–30hp ...
Sialia 45 Sport: redefining the electric day boat
The rise of the luxury day boat has transformed coastal cruising from Miami to the Med. Now that tre...
Antifoul and hull prep: keeping your boat efficient and protected
Antifoul and hull prep made simple. Learn how to strip, choose, and apply antifoul with product tips...
Fleet powers out of Cartagena with uncertain forecast ahead
Leg 3 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 began in lively upwind conditions, but with a volatile forecast ...
September 2025 issue: boating for every season
The September 2025 Boating New Zealand issue blends boat reviews, heritage, and hands-on projects — ...
Southland Twin Rivers 2025 – Prestons sweep silverware as Wilton and Flett shine
Southland Twin Rivers 2025 showcased fierce jet boat racing, with Preston, Wilton, and Flett taking ...
New Zealand makes its mark at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Racing Championships
The 2025 IWWF World Waterski Racing Championships have kicked off in Hasselt, Belgium, and New Zeala...
Motor Yacht Service Centre appointed as Maritimo sales consultant in New Zealand
Motor Yacht Service Centre becomes Authorised Sales Consultant for Maritimo New Zealand, adding sale...
Inside Nic de Mey Yachts: where passion meets precision
Tucked away near the Port of Tauranga you’ll find Nic de Mey Yachts. This isn’t a production yard or...
Chillin’ in Taupō: retro boats make waves
Early starts for a big day
For many, Saturday's Chillin’ in Taupō began in the dark. Some had towed...
Wild Chix ‘Women’s Day Out on the Water’: a must-do event for women at the helm
Wild Chix 'Women’s Day Out on the Water' gave women the chance to helm, anchor, and learn vital boat...
Yamaha WaveRunner marks 40 years with 2026 lineup
Four decades of WaveRunner innovation
In 1986 Yamaha launched the WaveRunner 500, the world’s first...
A closer look at the 2018 Ron Given 10.8 Econocat Kismet
Built as a sistership to Taiaha Rua, Kismet showcases Ron Given’s renowned design and Craig Partridg...
52 Super Series Puerto Portals 2025: American Magic take third straight win as Kiwis shine in Mallor...
American Magic win Puerto Portals 52 Super Series 2025, with Kiwis Nick Egnot-Johnston and Don Cowie...
Cowes Torquay Cowes Offshore Powerboat Race 2025: Good Boy Vodka claims breakthrough victory
Good Boy Vodka triumphed in the Cowes Torquay Cowes Offshore Powerboat Race 2025, ending Silverline’...
See-sawing into spring: New Zealand weather for boaters this week
Sunshine, showers, and strong winds — the week ahead offers both perfect boating windows and patches...
Sail Amsterdam 2025: a voyage through time on the IJ
From the Age of Discovery to modern ambassadors, SAIL 2025 takes visitors on a journey through centu...
Holcim-PRB awarded redress after Kiel collision in The Ocean Race Europe
A jury ruling gives Team Holcim-PRB redress for Leg 1 after a collision forced retirement at the Kie...
Sea.AI protects whales
Whales are essential to the health of our oceans, playing a critical role in carbon sequestration an...
Russell Boating Club opposes marina proposal
Russell Boating Club members voted overwhelmingly at the AGM held on 15 June to oppose use of the Fa...
New rescue PWCs for Manukau
The rescue watercraft are introduced as a response to an increase in incidents in the Harbour. The a...
DOC removes wilding pines
To protect the Auckland icons unique nature, 1012 wilding pines have been removed from Rangitoto Isl...
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.