This summary is found in the March 2026 edition
From crash drama to comeback stories, SailGP and beyond delivered high stakes racing, resilience, and classic Kiwi boating spirit.
The 2026 SailGP season opener in Perth delivered early drama. Spain withdrew after a training crash, and heavy breeze tested the fleet. Artemis and France showed pace, while Emirates GBR claimed the event. For the Black Foils, damage ruled them out, sending Amokura home for urgent repairs before Auckland.
Then the mid-Feburary 2026 SailGP Auckland event delivered one of the most dramatic weekends seen on the Waitematā Harbour.
Auckland SailGP collision: Review confirms rapid foil ventilation sequence behind Black Foils crash
Racing began with Australia striking first in Race 1 before the Black Foils responded in Race 2. However, Race 3 was abandoned after a high speed collision between New Zealand and France. Both F50s suffered significant damage and two sailors were hospitalised. The incident reshaped the regatta. France and the Black Foils withdrew, Louis Sinclair underwent successful surgery, and SailGP introduced a split fleet format for Super Sunday.
Off the water, Amokura’s rebuild story captured attention. Damaged in Perth, reconstructed across three countries, and reassembled in Auckland, the Black Foils were initially cleared to race before the crash halted their campaign.
On day two, Emirates GBR dominated Group A racing, while Tom Slingsby steered the BONDS Flying Roos to Group B success. The United States capitalised on penalties to secure a split race win. Australia then claimed the Auckland final in a dramatic three boat showdown under a squall, seizing the season lead.
Auckland delivered tension, resilience, and a reminder of SailGP’s fine margins.
New Zealand SailGP Team out for unspecified period after Auckland crash
Beyond SailGP, the past month showcased the full breadth of New Zealand boating life.
In Taranaki, Round 4 of the NZ Jetsprint Championships delivered high octane river racing, streamed live to fans tracking every split second run. Further south, Napier’s Westshore hosted the third round of the NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship, where pace, preparation and consistency defined the front runners as the season builds momentum.
Napier tests pace and preparation as NZ Offshore season continues
Back in Auckland, heritage took centre stage with the final vessel selection confirmed for the 2026 Auckland Wooden Boat Festival. Classic hulls and historic craft will soon line the waterfront, celebrating traditional boatbuilding and maritime craftsmanship.
Historic vessels confirmed as boat selection finalised for 2026 Auckland Wooden Boat Festival
On the cruising front, multihulls continued their rise from niche to mainstream. A feature exploring their global growth highlighted efficiency gains, design evolution and changing buyer preferences. Meanwhile, the much loved cruising yacht La Vagabonde hit the market, signalling the end of one chapter and the start of another for one of sailing’s most followed stories.
From niche to norm: multihulls emerge as a dominant force in global boating
Closer to home, a reflective Waitangi Weekend piece from Whangamatā captured the rhythm of Kiwi boating life, where fishing competitions, crowded harbours and long summer evenings remain at the heart of our connection to the water.
A long weekend on the water as fishing competitions crowd the Coromandel
