Stories of the Month
MARCH / APRIL 2025
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.
Article
Breaking down the catastrophic wing failure of the Australian SailGP Team in San Francisco
As the Australians approached the starting line of the last fleet race in the event, their hopes of a strong finish—and possibly securing a spot in th...
Opinion
When the wing folds; how a known risk brought down two F50s
A second catastrophic wingsail failure in SailGP raises serious questions about team training, safety, and whether a known design flaw is being overlo...
High-stakes Masport Cup 100th rematch at Lake Ruataniwha
New Zealand powerboat racing is gearing up for one of the biggest showdowns in its history. This coming weekend, (March 29-30, 2025), Lake Ruataniwha ...
Masport Cup and Lucas Oil winners collide in Twizel Hydrothunder
The 100th Masport Cup rematch at Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel, held on March 29-30, 2025, marked an exciting return to the high-speed world of hydroplanes ...
The Ocean Race Returns to Auckland in 2027
The Ocean Race, one of the most gruelling and prestigious offshore sailing events in the world, is set to return to Auckland in 2027. In 2027 it will ...
‘Aotearoa Ocean Racing’ sets sail for global stage
In a significant development for New Zealand’s sailing scene, acclaimed offshore sailor Conrad Colman and marine strategist Rowan Gyde have announced ...
Conrad Colman: The relentless voyager
Conrad Colman, the New Zealand-born sailor with both Kiwi and American roots, has quietly made a name for himself as one of offshore racing’s most det...
Living beside the water
The Marine Precinct at Whitianga Waterways opens up a new era of waterfront living
After more than a year of experiencing it firsthand, I can say there’s something truly special about waking up beside the water—the ...
The case for the modern houseboat
When I mention that I live on a yacht, the conversation invariably drifts towards the comment, “I’d love to stay on a houseboat.” But in my mind, my 1...
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025
Finn Butcher Tribute
Finn Butcher’s tribute to his father wins hearts at Halberg Awards
New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment honours emotional Olympic celebration
Finn Butcher’s tribute to his father wins hearts at Halberg Awards
New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment honours emotional Olympic celebration
World-class waterskiing thrills Auckland at 2025 IWWF University Worlds
The 2025 IWWF University Worlds transformed Auckland’s Orakei Basin into a global waterskiing hotspot from February 26 to March 2, bringing together the world’s elite international competition, the be...
World-class waterskiing thrills Auckland at 2025 IWWF University Worlds
The 2025 IWWF University Worlds transformed Auckland’s Orakei Basin into a global waterskiing hotspot from February 26 to March 2, bringing together the world’s elite international competition, the be...
Bob and Nicky Parr: New Zealand’s record-breaking ocean rowers in The World’s Toughest Row
On December 11 last year, 38 teams departed from the Canary Islands, embarking on a 3,000-mile odyssey across the Atlantic as part of the World's Toug...
The wave, when it hit, must have been a monster; Nicky and Bob Parr tell us about their memorable en...
When rowing an ocean, precision in navigation is not an issue until you are closing-in on your destination.
25 years ago today: Team New Zealand’s historic America’s Cup defence and victory!
On March 2, 2000, New Zealand made sailing history, successfully defending the America’s Cup on home waters. The dominant 5-0 victory over Luna Rossa ...
America’s Cup – Breaking News: INEOS Britannia, and Sir Ben part ways
Athena Pathway, the British Challenger for the 38th America's Cup, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, was astounded to read today’s statement from INEOS and Merc...
RYS names Ainslie’s Athena Racing as official AC38 Challenger of Record
In a quiet update, the RYC have named Sir Ben Ainslie and Athena Pathway as the official Challenger of Record for the 38th America's Cup. Bring it on!...
The 100th Anniversary year of the Masport Challenge Cup ends in chaos at Lake Karapiro
The 100th anniversary of the Masport Challenge Cup was set to be a momentous occasion—a celebration of speed, history, and the best in New Zealand pow...
Rotoiti Powerboat Club 102nd Annual Regatta: Andy Knight’s return prompts another Lupton winning str...
The Rotoiti Powerboat Club’s 102nd Annual Regatta delivered an unforgettable weekend of powerboat racing on Lake Rotoiti, Nelson, hosting Round 4 of t...
CLASSIC BOATS
The Blue Pill makes a comeback in Taupō for the NZ 2025 Offshore Powerboat Series
After the first round of the 2025 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Championships was called off on the second day due to high attrition rates and challe...
Classic boats and historic culture celebrated at the 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival
This incredible spectacle and crowd favourite—experience the Australian Wooden Boat Festival through the lens of our hugely talented photographer and ...
A true find: a Riva Tritone at the New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show
To my delight I have discovered a 1960's Riva Tritone speedboat at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes at the 2025 NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show
Elite AT43: A Kiwi-built motor yacht that just makes sense
Experience the Elite AT43 at the Auckland Boat Show—a beautifully crafted Kiwi-built motor yacht that blends luxury, practicality, and performance.
The Sea Turner: A Kiwi innovation making dinghy stowing effortless
For numerous boat owners, overseeing a tender can be among the most significant tests one faces while on the water. The process of tooling about can d...
Grand Banks GT60: A masterpiece of luxury and performance for New Zealand waters
The Grand Banks GT60 luxury motor yacht is designed for New Zealand waters, offering sleek styling, V-Warp® Technology, and premium craftsmanship for ...
Sargo 33 – Tough, practical, and made for Kiwi waters
Built for adventure, the Sargo 33 debuts at the Auckland Boat Show—discover the Finnish powerhouse redefining performance, comfort, and Kiwi boating v...
Sail like a Prince: A Superyacht of Unparalleled Luxury
For those who demand nothing but the finest, the Wildcat Project is a superyacht that embodies pure opulence. This 42-metre masterpiece is now seeking...
Exotic caulerpa – stop the spread in the Hauraki Gulf
Help stop the spread of exotic caulerpa in the Hauraki Gulf and immediate surrounds.
Hull cleaning headaches: What Kiwi boaties really think
Keeping a boat’s hull clean is a necessary job—but one that comes with its fair share of frustrations.
THE NEED FOR INSURANCE
La Vagabonde’s major repairs: Haul-out, structural fixes, and the push to set sail again
After a collision in Japan left La Vagabonde with significant damage, the crew embarks on a massive repair mission to get their beloved trimaran seawo...
A safe haven shaken: Tauranga Marina fire disrupts a boating sanctuary
Tauranga Marina has long been a jewel of the Bay of Plenty—a safe and sheltered harbour where boats rest easy, their owners confident in the protectio...
How low can they go? Tender stolen from boat in the water at Whangamata
Earlier this week a family of four had their 2024 Highfield tender and Yamaha 15hp outboard stolen off the transom arch of their yacht, moored betwee...
Millennium Cup 2025: Kawil races to glory in the Hauraki Gulf
Since 2000, the New Zealand Millennium Cup has been a must-watch event on the international superyacht racing calendar.
Frank Racing dominates the 2025 PIC Harbour Classic with blistering pace
Frank Racing dominated in the 2025 PIC Harbour Classic today, as a fleet of 71 boats took on the challenge of the newly refined 14-nautical-mile sprin...
Evolution Sails NZ Women on Water Weekend: A celebration of women’s sailing at Gulf Harbour
A weekend of racing, learning, and camaraderie saw women from across New Zealand take to the water for the Evolution Sails NZ Women on Water Weekend (...