This summary is found in the October 2025 edition.
From AC75 rule changes to heritage rescues, offshore racing, and whitebait season, this month’s stories celebrate the boats, people, and places shaping Kiwi life on the water.
Here’s what resonated most with Boating New Zealand readers this month — a mix of innovation, heritage, competition, and classic Kiwi adventure. On the sailing front, our explainer on the new AC75 rules for AC38 drew big attention: reused hulls, battery-powered systems, five-person mixed crews, and a returning guest seat signal a Cup cycle that prizes brains over budgets and racecraft over raw muscle.
AC75 rules published: what it means for the 38th America’s Cup
Our old boats coverage struck a chord too. The fate of Arahina, heroine of the Wahine rescue, reminded us how fragile maritime heritage can be, while the Aratere farewell captured the end of a rail-ferry era on Cook Strait.
Aratere set to end its days at recycling shipyard in India, Interislander says
Lighter notes came from Chillin’ in Taupō, where retro glass and kauri turned heads, and a deep dive on the 2018 Ron Given Econocat Kismet showcased efficient Kiwi design built to roam.
In racing, horsepower and resilience took centre stage. The Cowes–Torquay–Cowes delivered a popular shake-up as Good Boy Vodka claimed a breakthrough win, and closer to home Offshore Powerboat Racing returns to Auckland, with the Archer family trophy and a new Family Class inviting everyday boaties to join the fun.
Cowes Torquay Cowes Offshore Powerboat Race 2025: Good Boy Vodka claims breakthrough victory
Finally, going places / doing things reflected how Kiwis actually use their boats. Yamaha’s CrossWave blurred lines between PWC and utility craft, Port Underwood tempted cruisers with tucked-away anchorages and history, and our Coromandel storm dispatch showed what preparedness looks like when the gusts won’t quit.
Rounding it out, whitebait season opened — proof that for many, the best days afloat still end with a frypan and a grin.
