Boating NZ

Boating NZ inspires boating enthusiasts with reviews of new boats, coverage of technical innovations, maintenance advice, columns and cruising stories.

Navigating new waters

Boating NZ

BOAT WORLD

TORBAY’S BLAKE REGATTA

NEW SWIFT TRAWLER 43 FLY DEBUT

LE FRANÇAIS REFIT WITH INTERNATIONAL

CHLOE TURNER WINS SECOND INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SAILING BRONZE

NEW SEASON FISHING LICENCE AND NEW RESOURCES

PRINCESS X90 WORLD DEBUT

30 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

SAIL EXPO 2026

AQUILA CATAMARANS 35 SPORT

SAIL AMERICA’S CUP DOCO

NEW VHF CHANNEL BOOSTS SAFETY AT MANGAWHAI BAR

‘Oscars of the marina industry’ • The New Zealand Marina Operators Association has announced the finalists in the 2026 NZMOA Awards, recognising outstanding performance, leadership and initiative across New Zealand’s marina and boatyard industry.

TOP CATCH • Trailerable powercats are rare beasts in this country, with only a handful of models available from an even smaller number of manufacturers. But for Kingfisher Boats, powercats are its core business, and if the impressive new 670 Powercat is any indication, the Tauranga aluminium boat builder is surely onto something.

The origins of the Personal Flotation Device (PFD) • Wearable personal flotation devices or lifejackets have come a long way and are now an essential piece of kit.

SWEETENING AN OLD SALT • Forty years after she was first launched, the 17.7m launch Enterprise Lady has just emerged from an extensive, much-needed face-lift, returning her classic features to their full splendour.

PROA-ACTIVE • They could be the oldest sailing boats we know. They can be the fastest. Here’s a short history of proas – Pacific, Atlantic and melded versions.

BOAT BUSINESS

ONE VISION, TWO HULLS

SEALEGS AI FOR NZ

13.5M ELITE EXPRESS SPORTS CRUISER

STABICRAFT GRAND PRIZE BOAT

AVIKUS, VISION MARINE TESTING NEUBOAT WITH E-MOTION ELECTRIC PROPULSION

VESSEV HITS USA

NAVICO PARTNERS WITH ELETTROMEDIA

SCIBS 2027 EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS OPEN

YANMAR AWARDED FUEL CELL TYPE APPROVAL

FLEMING YACHTS APPOINTS NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE

SEEKING PERFECTION • Was it Einstein who said genius means “an infinite capacity for taking pains”? In early life Alan Young may not have qualified as a genius but his inborn creativity came close throughout his long career in the marine industry.

GAME ON • Don’t fix what isn’t broken is exactly the right approach for the revamped Caribbean 40F, writes our Australian-based boat reviewer Kevin Green.

BOAT BLING

GREEN CRUISING WITH ALL AMENITIES • Fulltime cruising couple Birgit and Christian are interested in alternative energy systems for their yacht. Solar seemed ideal, but it was quite a journey getting to where they could enjoy cruising with all the amenities.

Care of the catch • Whether returning fish that are too small to legally keep, or fish of any size we wish to see continue with their lives, how we handle them greatly affects their welfare.

BUILT to EXPLORE • Bladerunner Boats is well known for its foil-assisted power catamarans. The latest example is an expeditionstyle 12.5m vessel designed for serious fishing and diving trips around the South Island, but in considerable comfort.

HYDROFOIL VERSUS FULL-FOILING CATAMARANS

RETRO BOATS

Back in Civvy Street • After returning to New Zealand after the Great War, Trentham Charles Webster immediately launched into civilian life, marriage and a legal career.

The consolidation years: 2004–2026 • Last month, we looked at the history and growth of Westhaven and Hobson West Marinas, as well as the events that led to Auckland City...