Boating NZ May 2025

Welcome to the May 2025 edition of Boating NZ. It is almost as if someone up there flipped the switch a week or so ago, replacing a long period of settled weather with rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. With Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff shenanigans, that’s not a bad metaphor for the world economy! Uncertainty reigns, and Trump’s next moves are impossible to predict. Let’s hope the New Zealand government keeps a steady hand on the tiller and its eyes fixed firmly on the horizon through these uncertain times. But there’s no point dwelling on what might or might not be. It’s been a good summer for boating and judging by the level of enquiry at the recent Auckland Boat Show, we are feeling better about spending money on boats and…

Every ticket purchased online before Monday 12th of May gives you a bonus entry into the draw. The Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize is back for 2025 – bigger and better than ever before! Simply purchase your tickets to The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show online and it could be yours. Every ticket purchased online before Monday 12th of May gives you a bonus entry into the draw. To enter, buy your tickets to The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, attend the show and make sure your ticket is registered, and scan your ticket at ALL scan points before 4pm Sunday 18 May. Buy your tickets online before 12 May to get a BONUS entry into the draw. The winner will be drawn live on May 18, 2025. Early Bird Online Tickets:…

Acclaimed offshore sailor Conrad Colman and marine strategist Rowan Gyde have announced the formation of Aotearoa Ocean Racing. Boating New Zealand sat down with Colman and Gyde in Auckland to discuss their plans. The syndicate is set to compete in the 2027 Ocean Race and later transition into the Vendée Globe. Colman, a veteran of the Vendée Globe and multiple round-the-world races, has long envisioned establishing a sustainable New Zealand campaign. The recent confirmation of the Ocean Race’s return to Auckland in 2027 provided the perfect moment to launch this ambitious initiative. Colman’s 2016-2017 Vendée Globe campaign, where he finished under jury rig after a dismasting, cemented his reputation for perseverance and resourcefulness. His most recent Vendée Globe campaign, where he finished fourth for the non-foiling IMOCA class, reinforced his…

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand seriously explored the possibility of hosting the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland, pending sufficient funding support from local and central government, according to a media statement last month announcing that Auckland was no longer in the running. “The team was happy with the level of private support and had been working with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, which was proactively spearheading the bid. So, it is with both disappointment and understanding to hear MBIE and Central Government have decided not to back the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2027. “While the significant economic benefits of hosting the America’s Cup and other major events are well proven, such as €1.034b ($1.9b NZD) of economic benefits in Barcelona in 2024, we understand…

Over 120 fishing enthusiasts gathered in East Auckland on Sunday, March 16, aboard 90-plus Sea-doo PWCs – the largest assembly of Sea-Doo FishPros in New Zealand. Hosted by fishing legend Andrew Hill, the event marked the launch of Sea-Doo’s Social Club in New Zealand. Participants enjoyed a group ride that finished in a carpark meet-up, where Sea-Doo owners admired each other’s units and fishing equipment while mingling in a relaxed environment. The event highlighted the growing popularity of personal watercraft (PWC) fishing, which offers advantages such as cost efficiency, manoeuvrability, and access to shallow or hard-to-reach fishing spots. Sea-Doo is a pioneer in PWC fishing with the Sea-Doo FishPro range originally designed in conjunction with homegrown talent Andrew Hill. https://sea-doo.brp.com To see Andrew Hill’s story, scan the QR code or…

Glamour and world-class marine excellence return for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), May 22–25, 2025. With exhibitor space almost sold out and new partnerships with Gold Bullion Australia, Moët Hennessy Australia and General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV), this year’s event is shaping up to be the most spectacular marine lifestyle experience yet. Expect the latest and greatest boating tech and equipment, exclusive waterside experiences and 330+ exhibitors, 760-plus boats and 2,500-plus marine products, making it a massive celebration of the marine lifestyle. Tickets are on sale now via the SCIBS website. www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au…