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Profiles on Key Figures

Features on influential people in the local boating scene (e.g., long-time sailors, boatbuilders, or marina managers).

Article

Tribute evening for Kiwi yacht designer Paul Whiting

A public tribute evening honouring one of New Zealand’s most influential yacht designers, Paul Whiting, will be held at the Ponsonby Cruising Club on ...

6 May 2025

Boating Clubs & Associations

Farewell to a legend: Bill Goodwin’s incredible legacy in surf lifesaving

Bill Goodwin, until recently New Zealand’s oldest active surf lifeguard, has passed away at the age of 96. His dedication to surf lifesaving spanned n...

27 February 2025

Boat World

Dick Marquand 1948-2025

The fishing community has just lost a giant of a legend in Dick Marquand. He was at various times a professional sportfishing guide, fishing writer, f...

2 February 2025

Boat World

Terrance (Terry) Cookson 1932 – 2024

Born in 1932 in Merseyside, England, Terrance (Terry) Cookson completed a shipwright apprenticeship in nearby Liverpool. After finishing his apprentic...

2 February 2025

February 2025

Chris Robertson 1927-2024

Many in the marine industry were saddened to hear of boatbuilder Chris Robertson’s passing on December 9, 2024. A long-time, highly respected boatbuil...

2 February 2025

Boating Clubs & Associations

Honouring a Sailor’s Legacy: Remembering Mark Gibbs

The sailing community is mourning the loss of Mark Gibbs, a past Commodore and inspirational sailor who passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at ...

21 January 2025

Article

Profiles on Key Figures

Sir Peter Blake: A legacy of sailing and conservation

On this day, 5 December 2001, New Zealand lost one of its greatest maritime legends, Sir Peter Blake, to an act of piracy on the Amazon Rive...

5 December 2024

Features

Sailing Away: The Brett Bakewell-White Story

Bakewell-White’s boating story begins with his grandfather, the late Richard (Dick) Bakewell. A lifelong sailor, in 1961 he bought the 11m keeler Jea...

8 October 2024

Behind the Scenes

Gemma Jones: The Nacra 17 Specialist with Olympic Pedigree

Gemma Jones is a remarkable talent on the New Zealand Women's America's Cup team, bringing an impressive resume of competitive sailing experience.

6 October 2024

Liv Mackay Rising Star of the New Zealand Women's America's Cup Team. Photo credit Emirates Team New Zealand

Behind the Scenes

Liv Mackay: The Rising Star of New Zealand Women’s Sailing

Liv Mackay is a dynamic force on the New Zealand Women's America's Cup team, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

6 October 2024

Behind the Scenes

Erica Dawson: Pioneering Sailor of the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup Team

Erica Dawson is a dedicated and highly skilled sailor representing New Zealand in the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup.

6 October 2024

Molly Meech Rising Star of the NZ Women's America's Cup Team. Photo credit : Emirates Team New Zealand

Behind the Scenes

Molly Meech: Rising Star of the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup Team

Molly Meech is a standout member of the New Zealand Women's America's Cup team, known for her exceptional sailing skills and competitive spirit.

5 October 2024

Jo Aleh Veteran Sailor and Trailblazor for the NZ Women's America's Cup Team. Photo credit : Emirates Team New Zealand

Behind the Scenes

Jo Aleh: Veteran Sailor and Trailblazer for the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup Team

Jo Aleh is a distinguished member of the New Zealand Women’s America's Cup team, renowned for her remarkable sailing career and pioneering spirit.

5 October 2024

AC37

“Mr America’s Cup”, Veteran Sailor Jimmy Spithill, Announces Retirement Following ...

Australian sailing legend Jimmy Spithill has announced his retirement from competitive sailing after Luna Rossa’s defeat in the Louis Vuitton Cup duri...

5 October 2024

August 2024

Obituary: Daniel Gabriel Cottrell

The boating world has lost another legend, an incredibly well-respected boatbuilder. Dan was the foreman and co-owner of John Lidgard Yachts & Co....

30 July 2024

February 2024

Obituary: John Street, MNZM

John Street created a fleet of yachts that are the envy of the world.

25 January 2024

April 2023

Ron Given: 1937-2023

Given’s enthusiasm for twin hulls was infectious, and his more than 70 voyages between New Zealand and Noumea gave him an unparalleled real-world expe...

28 March 2023

Boating Heritage

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,...

19 September 2022

August 2022

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...

20 August 2022

Weekly Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest developments shaping New Zealand's Boating world.

Social Media

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

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

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.

Profiles on Key Figures

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Weekly Newsletter

Social Media

Farewell to a legend: Bill Goodwin’s incredible legacy in surf lifesaving

Dick Marquand 1948-2025

Terrance (Terry) Cookson 1932 – 2024

Chris Robertson 1927-2024

Honouring a Sailor’s Legacy: Remembering Mark Gibbs

Sir Peter Blake: A legacy of sailing and conservation

Sailing Away: The Brett Bakewell-White Story

Gemma Jones: The Nacra 17 Specialist with Olympic Pedigree

Liv Mackay: The Rising Star of New Zealand Women’s Sailing

Erica Dawson: Pioneering Sailor of the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup Team

Molly Meech: Rising Star of the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup Team

Jo Aleh: Veteran Sailor and Trailblazer for the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup Team

“Mr America’s Cup”, Veteran Sailor Jimmy Spithill, Announces Retirement Following ...

Obituary: Daniel Gabriel Cottrell

Obituary: John Street, MNZM

Ron Given: 1937-2023

One man and his boats: Harold George; Victory and the Norfolk Island adventure

HAROLD GEORGE: Celox and Victory