Boating NZ September 2025

After the announcement (finally) of the Protocol for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Auckland recently, this historic event will likely never be the same again. Whether that’s good news or bad depends on your point of view, I guess. Many readers will likely welcome the increased frequency of the event – every two years – and the consistency the new Protocol promises. Some will likely also welcome the €75M cost cap, which should make the event far more accessible and attractive to potential teams and their investors. So too the use of existing AC75 hulls, or new hulls built to the same spec. Shades of SailGP, anyone? I’m sure Dalton and crew are very aware of that successful formula. The new provisions should level the playing field considerably…

Step onboard Boating New Zealand to share thrilling maritime adventures, improve your knowledge of powerboats and yachts, feel the challenge of offshore voyages and be inspired by DIY projects in garages throughout the country. Plus, see the latest new boats from New Zealand and overseas – all brought to you by our talented pool of writers and photographers. CALL 0508 692628 FREEPHONE CHOOSE THE OPTION FOR YOU $139 for a 1-year subscription Save 23% off retail! (inc $56.40 postage) $270 for a 2-year subscription Save 25% off retail! (inc $112.80 postage) www.boatingnz.co.nz/subscribe/ WATCH BOAT REVIEWS AT WWW.BOATINGNZ.CO.NZ AND ON YOUTUBE…

WHANGĀREI MARITIME FESTIVAL RETURNS The Whangārei Maritime Festival returns for its third year on October 11th and 12th, 2025, at the Whangārei Town Basin, continuing to celebrate the region’s maritime identity with over 20,000 attendees in 2024. The festival features hands-on maritime displays, interactive learning, marine career insights, a Kids’ Zone, live waterfront music, and maritime talks, supported by local businesses and organizations, with free entry for all visitors. EVENT DETAILS: OCTOBER 11th AND 12th, 2025 WHANGĀREI TOWN BASIN. ENTRY – FREE. www.whangareimaritimefestival.co.nz ‘POCKET SUPERYACHT’ TO DEBUT IN 2026 The YYachts’ Y6 is a new carbon-built ‘Pocket Superyacht’ designed for owner-operated sailing with ease and comfort, debuting in 2026. It emphasises simple sail handling, a clean deck design, and customizable interiors to suit personal tastes, catering especially to owners seeking…

WHAT’S HOT ON BOATING NZ ’S WEBSITE JULY SHOWED THAT NEW ZEALAND’S BOATING WORLD SPANS THE FUTURE, THE PAST, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. FROM ELECTRIC HYDROFOILS TO STEAM FERRIES, FROM OFFSHORE RACE DRAMA TO THE QUIET CONFIDENCE OF SINGLE-HANDED CRUISING, THE MONTH PROVED THAT KIWI INGENUITY AND SEAMANSHIP REACH FAR BEYOND OUR SHORES. SOME HIGHLIGHTS FIND ALL OUR MOST-READ ONLINE ARTICLES HERE AT WWW.BOATINGNZ.CO.NZ/STORIES-OF-THE-MONTH OR SCAN THE QR CODE TECH THAT FLIES AND DRIVES Innovation was front and centre, with Vessev’s carbon-fibre electric hydrofoils and Tectrax’s all-electric amphibious systems leading the charge. Whether flying silently across the water or rolling themselves out of the surf, these projects prove that sustainability and practicality can go hand-in-hand. BIGGER BOATS, BIGGER MISSIONS Bigger boats also had their moment. Bluebridge’s Livia revealed a powerhouse…

Looking like a Maritimo, feeling like a Maritimo, and then carrying the brand’s famous robustness and quality were core to all of the above. To say that the 50-foot segment is congested is no throwaway line. Differentiation is critical, and to that end the M50 might not be for everyone, but it will suit boaters who don’t always have a cast of thousands on board but do need to expand and contract like an accordion to meet fluctuating demand. The two-stateroom layout means both cabins get loads of room, and the owners will feel like they are in a much bigger craft since they use the entire 5.22m beam directly in front of the engine room. Similarly, the bathroom does not require one to shimmy past things to get in…

Introduced at an invitation-only media event in Florida, the new engines respectively complement the existing 400hp V10 and replace the first-generation 350hp variant, bringing what Mercury says is unprecedented power, torque and smooth, quiet operation to the power range. “These new V10 Verado engines reflect our commitment to giving boaters exactly what they’ve asked for – greater performance with the same smooth, refined experience they expect from Mercury,” said Mercury Marine President John Buelow. “With this launch, we’re raising the bar in the high-horsepower category and reaffirming the Verado family’s position as the pinnacle of premium outboard performance.” Like the first-generation 350hp and 400hp V10s, the new enhanced 350hp and 425hp Verados use the same 5.7L powerhead, the same advanced midsection to isolate the powerhead for a smoother, quieter ride,…