Boating NZ August 2025

Welcome to the August issue. If there’s a theme for this edition, I guess it’s bringing old boats back to life – or at least turning a vessel that was getting a bit tired into one that will continue to provide its owners with many additional years of service. There must be thousands of older boats, essentially sound but with tired machinery, old systems, wiring and electronics, and decades’ worth of general wear and tear, that would benefit from the sort of comprehensive refit Zamari and Reformed, both featured in this issue, enjoyed. Both of them were already good, solid vessels, making them worthy candidates for a full makeover. It takes a fair bit of courage – and no small amount of cash – for a boat owner to commit…

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 $110 for a 1-year subscription Save 28% off retail! $197 for a 2-year subscription Save 31% off retail! www.boatingnz.co.nz/subscribe/ WATCH BOAT REVIEWS AT WWW.BOATINGNZ.CO.NZ AND ON YOUTUBE…

George Empson’s photographs were taken at Lake Tekapo on Saturday, June 21, during the annual Tekapo Boat Marathon, hosted by Lake Tekapo Power Boat and Waterski Club in westerly winds and rough conditions. The following day, writes George, was very calm but overcast and with snow still on the ground. The owner of Stealth, pictured below, is Lily Weir. She was the youngest competitor there, but competitors comprised people of all ages and walks of life. The last two races in the series were held in Timaru, July 5, and Lake Waihola, July 26. The Annual Tekapo Boat Marathon was a huge success, part of a popular series of races held annually in the South Island.…

In the continuing effort to protect whales from deadly ship strikes, Sea. AI is collaborating with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and the University of La Laguna (ULL) to support efforts under the European Union’s ATLANTIC WHALE DEAL project. This ambitious initiative aims to safeguard marine mammals while promoting healthy ocean ecosystems. Whales are essential to the health of our oceans, playing a critical role in carbon sequestration and maintaining marine ecosystems. Yet, these gentle giants face increasing threats from ship collisions in busy maritime routes. The ATLANTIC WHALE DEAL brings together scientists, conservationists, and technology experts from across Europe to tackle this problem with cutting-edge innovation. Sea.AI will provide its advanced AI-powered machine vision technology, which detects and classifies objects on the water’s surface. This technology will…

Beginning in January 2026 and unfolding across 11 months, the 2026 Season kicks off with the championship’s debut in Perth, before heading to Auckland and Sydney in February. From there, the league embarks on an action-packed tour of South and North America, with returns to New York, Bermuda and Halifax, as well as a long-anticipated stop in Rio. The European series then begins, with SailGP returning to Portsmouth and Saint-Tropez, before visiting an additional European venue. Back-to-back events in the UAE will follow; a penultimate stop in Dubai before the league heads to Abu Dhabi for the Championship-deciding, winner-takes-all Grand Final. www.sailgp.com…

French manufacturer BENETEAU’s new Gran Turismo 35 and Gran Turismo 40 Coupe bring modern living spaces, an unrivaled driving experience, and stunning design to the express cruiser segment. The open-plan Gran Turismo 35 offers a ‘villa living’ experience: a set of different spaces and surfaces that can be used for relaxation, entertaining, and everything in between. Hinge-down balconies increase the aft-deck real estate and connection to the water, while deck-seating options fore and aft convert into wide sun pads for restful outdoor living. The Gran Turismo 35 comes with Mercury Verado 300hp outboards delivering speeds in excess of 41 knots and twin 370-litre fuel tanks. An upgrade to twin Mercury Verado 350hp outboards is also offered, and a GTS version will be available in 2026. The Gran Turismo 40 Coupe…