Latest from Boat Brief
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.
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.
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.
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 steering.
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 steering.
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 manufactured in Christchurch in the 1970s.
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 manufactured in Christchurch in the 1970s.
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...
Island Cruising: The Musket Cove Regatta 40th Anniversary is a huge hit!
Over the last few days, the Island Cruising Pacific Rally participants and other cruisers in Fiji have been celebrating the Musket Cove 40th anniversa...
Starlink To Increase Price Of ‘Starlink Roam’ package (the one that Boats use)
Starlink, the satellite Internet provider owned by SpaceX/Elon Musk, is increasing the functionality of the package available for Boats and RVs in New...
Inside the America’s Cup: A Closer Look at AC75 Masts & Rigging
Southern Spars has played a leading role since entering the America’s Cup fold in 1995, with the supply of Team New Zealand’s innovative high-performa...
Mercury Racing Unveils New 150R And 200R V6 Outboards At Cannes Boat Show
New Mercury Racing 150R and 200R
During a media event at the boat show in Cannes, Mercury Racing announced the all-new 150R and 200R outboard engines...
Stranded Barge at Carters Beach Has Been Refloated
The MMA Vision from New Plymouth pulled her out to sea. The tug will tow the barge to Nelson, accompanied by a smaller tug, the Kurutai, from Napier.
...
Westport Mineral Sands Boss Breaks Silence
The statement said the Manahau was a “critical component” of efficient and sustainable sand shipping from Coast river ports to bulk export ships off t...
Navigating Your Future: Studying Naval Architecture in New Zealand
As New Zealand continues to make waves in the America’s Cup with its cutting-edge AC75 designs, aspiring naval architects can find inspiration and edu...
Beached Barge’s Niue flag a concern – O’Connor
The barge arrived in New Zealand in July. When it beached on Carters Beach on Sunday, questions emerged about why it was flagged in Niue, which has no...
Westport Barge Beaching – The Manahau: fit for purpose?
David Barnes, who was a Buller District Council (BDC) harbourmaster for a decade, told The News the Manahau was never fit to navigate the West Coast’s...
Barge questions unanswered
Maritime NZ, owners Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) and Buller District Council (BDC) are all tight-lipped about the events that led to it beaching in th...
Westland Mineral Sands Barge Manahau Grounded Near Westport
After today's grounding of the Westland Mineral Sands barge Manahau near Westport has raised several concerns about maritime safety and operational pr...
Emirates Team NZ’s Very Talented Shore Crew Targets Sailing Tonight
It's only two days since Emirates Team New Zealand's AC75 Taihoro was catastrophically damaged in an event involving a crane and a 6-metre fall to...
Latest Statement From Grant Dalton on Taihoro vs. Crane
After a night of analysis, Grant Dalton has issued a statement this evening (morning in Europe) with a little more information on the state of Taihoro...
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.