Tabla de contenidos para February 2026 en Boating NZ

It’s always a bit of an effort launching into a new work year, and to be honest, starting back to prepare this magazine for publication felt quite brutal. A couple of weeks’ break punctuated with the usual family and social commitments around Christmas simply didn’t feel long enough to truly unwind. We stayed home for the holidays, which is when Auckland empties out, becoming a nicer place that’s much easier to get around, with a vibe that is far more relaxed. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great, so the boat only got wet a couple of times, and there wasn’t much beachgoing either. And as always, the wind stopped blowing and the weather turned hot and sunny as soon as we headed back to the office! Oh well! So, welcome to…

The countdown is officially on for the Auckland Boat Show, 5-8 March, and 36° Brokers will be firmly on the dock with a lineup that speaks directly to New Zealand boaters. On display will be the Excess 11, a sporty, modern catamaran designed for hands-on sailors who want performance without sacrificing comfort. She’ll be joined by the ever-popular Beneteau Oceanis 40.1, a yacht that continues to set the benchmark for cruising versatility, space and ease of handling. Rounding out the display is the Beneteau Swift Trawler 41, a proven coastal cruiser offering excellent range, practical living, and confidence-inspiring performance in real-world conditions. Whether you’re actively boat hunting or simply enjoy stepping aboard the latest models, make time to visit 36° Brokers at the Auckland Boat Show this March. www.36degrees.nz…

On December 17, 2025,Coastguard Mangawhai completed its first official rescue, responding to a vessel in distress near Wahine Bay, southeast of Hen (Taranga) Island. At 10:47am, the National Operations Centre received a call about a 25-foot vessel taking on water in rough seas. Five volunteers launched Kokako Rescue and secured three people and three dogs. Due to worsening conditions and a broken hatch, towing the vessel back was unsafe, so the crew brought the passengers and dogs ashore, while Coastguard Whangarei’s Circa Rescue towed the vessel to Marsden Cove. Crew member Duncan McKenzie said the team was well-prepared for the tough conditions, and their training paid off. The rescued passengers were very grateful, with one expressing thanks for being a Coastguard member and wanting to donate. This was Mangawhai’s first…

Developed at Brunswick’s Technology Center, the boat features a fully integrated interface, automotive-inspired helm with steering wheel controls, dual Simrad displays, and deep connectivity to Mercury Marine propulsion. Boaters benefit from touchscreens, autopilot, auto-routing, joystick piloting, and onboard diagnostics. Optional upgrades include Fathom e-Power and a gyro-stabiliser, with future options like Simrad AutoCaptain. Luxury and innovation are evident in features such as climate-controlled cockpit and private cabin, stand-up head accessible from sleeping quarters, swim terrace door for water access, convertible galley, powered helm and companion seats, expansive bow windows, and oversized in-floor cockpit storage. www.sportsmarine.co.nz www.searay.com/us/en/boats/slx/slx-360-outboard…

Over the last 14 years while in Mike’s ownership, Runaway has been thoughtfully and carefully refitted and modernised. This has included most of the electrical, plumbing and other internal systems that always need replacement once boats reach a certain age. Mike liked the hull, but the engineer in him is always looking for improvements, so under his direction Runaway received a hull extension and an enlarged cabin a few years ago, taking the hull to 38ft. The result is one of the most spacious and usable examples of the Formula 33 hull you will find. Last on the list of upgrades was the propulsion system. The original Hino 250hp engine had made it this far, but it was well past retirement. Mike wanted to unlock the hull’s true potential, and…

Talk about a boatie’s candy store. The annual Metstrade marine equipment trade show is the biggest showcase of new marine kit in the world, with more than 1,700 exhibitors from across the globe filling the vast RAI Amsterdam convention centre with all manner of maritime goodies. The world’s largest marine equipment showcase offers literally everything one could imagine, from keels to pennants and everything in between. Closed to the public and open only to the maritime trade and invited media, this is where boatbuilders and national equipment distributors come to shop for the newest and greatest gear. The 2025 Metstrade was set to be the biggest yet, so with our own VIP invitation firmly in hand, we hopped on a jet and headed to the Netherlands for a first-hand look.…

RIVIERA ANNOUNCED THE WINNERS of its 2025 Australasian Dealer Awards at the Dealer Principals meeting on the Gold Coast. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst commended the Australasian dealer network and the award recipients for their dedication to customer care and service. R Marine Crawley, based at Runaway Bay, Queensland, was named Dealer of the Year, receiving five out of seven awards. Rodney Longhurst highlighted the team’s ongoing commitment to customer service and investment in facilities and events. The dealership organised a variety of boating events in 2025, from training sessions to long-range cruises, exemplifying the team’s focus on owner experience and the strong relationships built with customers. The awards recognised excellence across all dealership areas, including service, sales, owner training, and customer events. Dealer Principal Travis Edney accepted awards for…

FOLLOWING THE REMARKABLE SUCCESS of the SARGO 45, launched in 2023, SARGO has introduced a stunning new model – the SARGO 45 Flybridge. This new model elevates the acclaimed 45 with a commanding flybridge for open-air cruising while preserving the comfort, functionality, and practicality that made the original 45 a global favorite. The SARGO 45 Flybridge builds on SARGO’s functional design, adding a flybridge to enhance the yacht’s versatility without reducing interior headroom. Despite its taller profile, the yacht can still pass under low bridges thanks to an electrically operated, foldable lantern mast, keeping the total height at just 4.12 metres. The wheelhouse remains bright with a glass panel and two opening hatches. Continuing the SARGO 45’s reputation for space efficiency, craftsmanship, and performance, the 45 Flybridge features a central…

A SELECT GROUP OF OWNERS, partners, and family gathered at Riviera’s Gold Coast facility for the exclusive launch of the 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst welcomed guests from around the world. The event featured a dramatic arrival of Hull No.1, complete with spotlights and fireworks, followed by a dinner for the new 5600 family. Longhurst praised his team and highlighted the yacht’s new benchmarks in space, comfort, luxury, engineering, and performance. Drawing on 45 years of expertise and over 6,200 yachts launched, Riviera aimed to create the best mid-50-foot Sports Yacht, and the result was described as spectacular Step aboard the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht: Americas Premiere – Miami International Boat Show, February 11-15, 2026. Australasian Premiere – Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, May 21-24, 2026.…

Boating NZ readers, make sure that 5-8 March 2026 is clear in your diaries for the 25th Auckland Boat Show. This four-day marine extravaganza is centred on Jellicoe Harbour and the Viaduct Events Centre and will feature around 220 boats on water and land, 150 exhibitors, and 500 brands, including Asian Pacific region premieres and technology releases sitting alongside homegrown success stories. Virtually all types of boats are represented, from trailer boats and amphibious boats to sports fishers, custom New Zealand builds, and the finest of luxury motor yachts and sailing vessels for sale and charter. It’s the only show where you can get onboard boats in the water, and some of them are even available for a sea trial. If you are keen on a marine career, interested in deeper…

The southern lakes in Mackenzie Country are popular for recreation, but shared use by the community, boaters, and energy companies means safety is everyone’s responsibility. Extra care is needed near dams and power stations. Dams and power stations create hidden hazards. Recent rainfall and snowmelt have raised lake and river levels, so water will be released from Lakes Benmore, Aviemore, and Waitaki. This can cause sudden changes in downstream conditions – always follow signage and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge. WATER RISKS Dam intakes and spillways can generate strong currents and whirlpools, increasing the risk of capsizing. Stay well clear of dam structures and spill zones, as conditions can change rapidly and may be life-threatening. TOP SAFETY TIPS • Check boat ramp signage before launching. • Respect…

Riva Cento is a limited-edition open yacht, celebrating the Sarnico-based brand’s legacy in a modern style. Designed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, in collaboration with Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the yacht features sleek lines, a length of 11.88m, and a beam of 3.50m. The hulls come in either fireworks black or light-grey aluminium, with leather cushions available in biscuit or aquamarine and white. The stern includes an electro-hydraulic door, mahogany steps, sunbeds, and storage for fenders and a Seabob. It features a retractable gangway and underwater lights. The cockpit offers a sunpad, C-shaped sofa, adjustable table, and a retractable bimini top. Storage is optimised throughout, with amenities for refreshments and cooling. The helm station features advanced Boening displays, a Volvo Penta…

This time around, I got to sample their big brother, the elegant Sargo 45, which has everything its smaller siblings offer and more, only writ larger. Released in 2023, the Sargo 45 is the largest boat to date in the Finnish manufacturer’s range, available in Standard and Explorer trim, and soon to be complemented by a flybridge version. The boat reviewed here is the standard Sargo 45 in white, a conventional pilothouse style with fully walkaround decks, high bulwarks and railings, a large open foredeck, and sliding doors on both sides of the wheelhouse offering quick access to the side decks. There’s a handy side door on the starboard side for docking and boarding, a massive stern platform sporting a giant wet locker, and substantial wrap-around belting to protect the…

Historians refer to the 15th – 17th centuries as the Age of Discovery – a period in which Europe enjoyed major advances in science, technology, astronomy and cartography. Largely driven by trade. Portugal sat at the forefront of the expanding knowledge base – thanks to its extraordinary maritime expertise. It pioneered developments in shipbuilding, navigation, exploration, and mapmaking. All because of a thirst for exploring what lay beyond the horizon – and any riches (spices, gold, and silver) that might be found there. Ultimately, this small nation of adventurous sailors opened the world by discovering new routes and charting previously unknown territories – the coasts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas – in the process establishing a global empire. How did such a small country become the ruler of the…

AUCKLAND IS SET TO WELCOME its first electric hybrid ferry, operated by Fullers360, after receiving its Maritime New Zealand Certificate of Survey. This 300-seat vessel, built by Q-West in Whanganui and featuring design by Incat Crowther and HamiltonJet propulsion, marks a major step towards cleaner, quieter marine transport. Sea trials have shown the ferry exceeds expectations, reaching over 30 knots in full electric mode and 35 knots in hybrid mode. The ferry is purpose-built for Auckland’s environment, promising reduced emissions, lower fuel use, and smoother journeys. It can operate fully electric in key harbour areas, with hybrid capability for longer trips, helping to cut noise and carbon in sensitive waterways. Fullers360 and Auckland Transport highlight this as a leap forward in sustainable public transport, reflecting years of collaboration and innovation…

AFTER A SUCCESSFUL METS TRADE SHOW, Tectrax announced a strategic partnership with SBS Trailers, appointing them as its first international partner to introduce the fully electric, remote-controlled Boat-Launcher by Tectrax system to the UK and Ireland. Debuting in New Zealand in May 2025, the Boat-Launcher adapts Tectrax’s proven amphibious wheel technology for boat trailers, offering 100% electric drive wheels and removing the need for a tow vehicle. The modular system allows manufacturers like SBS to customise the number of powered or unpowered wheels for different boats and launch conditions, ensuring optimal performance. James Morton, CEO of Tectrax, highlighted the system’s focus on hassle-free boating, while Andy Wyer, Director of SBS Trailers, praised its innovation in addressing common launch challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to smarter, cleaner, and more convenient solutions for…

Pretty much any powerboat can tow a biscuit or a skier, from PWCs and runabouts to planing launches, but dedicated tow sport vessels built specifically for wakeboarding, wake-surfing, wake-foiling, and competitive waterskiing make up a very small subset of powerboats in New Zealand. Of those, none of them cheap, the majority are imported from the USA or Australia, reflecting their specialised nature. So, I was surprised to learn of a local company that designs and builds wake boats that compete with the best of the imports and, certainly in the case of the Saronic SEVEN, can more than match them in performance and specification. Matcraft Industries in Hamilton, headed up by charismatic boatbuilder and wakeboard enthusiast Mat Bailey, manufactures Saronic boats, CAD-designed, CNC-cut, and built specifically for tow sport duties…

When Innovision Boats introduced their plumb-bow aluminium boats to the New Zealand market in 2012, they were innovative and radical. As a result, they found a ready market, and plumb bows and matching fine-entry hulls have now entered the mainstream of boat design. Innovision’s latest enhancement of the Explorer 707 hull introduces a new design aspect that is more subtle, but no less innovative. Simon Minoprio, owner and chief designer of Innovision Boats, says that they “try to push the boundaries of design to create perfection” in all their boats. This means continual improvement, even if that adds complexity to the build. The new split chine feature on this boat is a great example of this design ethos. Anyone who has overnighted on a boat knows the problem of ‘chine…

The America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) has united five founding teams – Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), Athena Racing (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and K-Challenge (FRA) – to create a stable, unified future for the 174-year-old competition. This alliance, enabled by the recent Protocol agreement between Emirates Team New Zealand and Athena Racing, aims to preserve the Cup’s legacy while establishing a sustainable, innovative model for professional sailing. As Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, states, the goal is to keep the America’s Cup at the forefront of sport and innovation for years to come. The America’s Cup, first raced in 1851 and known as the ‘Auld Mug’, is the world’s oldest international sporting trophy, predating both the modern Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.…

BIG-BOAT COMFORT, KIWI PRACTICALITY – NOW ON DISPLAY AT R MARINE FLAGSHIP The arrival of the Riviera 4300 Sports Express, now on display at the R Marine Flagship Sales Arena, is particularly relevant for New Zealand buyers. It delivers genuine luxury, impressive internal volume, and proven capability, while remaining practical to own, easy to operate, and exceptionally well suited to our conditions. For many, it represents a natural next step in their boating journey. “What stands out with the 4300 Sports Express is how deliberately it’s been designed around time on the water. It’s not about chasing a trend; it’s about making it easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for owners to actually use their boat more often, in real conditions,” says Dean Horgan, Dealer Principal at R Marine Flagship.…

WESTERBERG MARINE has completed successful sea and land trials of its first amphibious rescue vessel, the IBIS III, now in service with the Broome Volunteer Sea Rescue Group in Western Australia. Early feedback from operators highlights excellent handling and smooth transitions between land and water, marking a significant advance for emergency response in the region. Delivered in November 2025, the IBIS III was built at Westerberg’s Albany (WA) facility and operates from the Port of Broome. The vessel is based on a 9.5-metre alloy RIB platform, powered by twin Mercury SeaPro V8 300hp outboards, and features New Zealand-based company Anura’s S45 electric over hydraulic amphibious system for high traction and reliable access across tidal zones. Equipped with advanced communications, SIMRAD navigation, and integrated emergency lighting, the IBIS III is ready…

CHARLIE BRAVO BOAT CO. has been appointed the exclusive New Zealand distributor for Em-Trak, a global leader in AIS marine electronics. This partnership will expand access to advanced marine communication solutions for New Zealand boaters. Em-Trak, a subsidiary of SRT Marine Systems, has over 20 years’ experience delivering reliable AIS technology trusted worldwide. Their products feature wireless integration with consumer devices for greater accessibility. Leveraging 25+ years in marine distribution, Charlie Bravo Boat Co. will offer Em-Trak’s full AIS range through its dealer network and online channels from early 2026, backed by local expertise and support. www.charliebravo.co.nz…

IN 2025, TOYOTA NEW ZEALAND continued to go from strength to strength with record vehicle sales, exciting new models that align with Kiwi needs and lifestyles, and a deepening connection with communities through its network of more than 60 Toyota Stores nationwide. For the 38th year in a row, Toyota New Zealand remained the number one car brand in the country with a record-breaking 33,019 unit sales. It was another challenging year for the industry, however Toyota maintained its dominance, also by being recognised for the second year running as New Zealand’s most reputable brand in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index (CRI). While many of Toyota’s new vehicle nameplates, such as Hilux, Hiace and Corolla, continued to sell well across the country, it was the RAV4 that stole the show,…

VESSEV HAS LAUNCHED THE VS–9 SKYE, a fully electric hydrofoiling day boat designed to transform on-water experiences. The Skye combines advanced technology with award-winning design for a smoother, quieter, and more efficient ride than traditional boats. According to Eric Laakmann, co-founder and CEO, the Skye isn’t just electric, it’s a reimagined boating experience that stands out for its innovation. Most boats have changed little over the years. The Skye addresses this by using hydrofoils to lift above the water, reducing drag and ensuring a comfortable ride even in rough conditions. Its efficient technology allows it to use the same energy at 25 knots as at five knots, with a range of up to 50 nautical miles. Charging is simple with standard shore power. Retractable hydrofoils make it easy to beach or…

Under near-perfect conditions for a winter’s day, the first ParAble boat, built by Mackay Boats, was launched. This is a boat designed to provide the next step up in performance sailing for individuals with disabilities. ParAble’s genesis stemmed from the observations and discussions of the Sailability Wellington Trust Inc (SWTI) Support Crew at Seaview. SWTI, New Zealand’s leading sailing programme for people with disabilities, operates with over 200 members and 70 volunteers from bases in Evans Bay, Seaview, and Onepoto (Porirua). Recognising the limitations of their Hansa 303 fleet, they identified the need for a new class of boat with greater weight capacity, higher performance, self-righting, self-bailing, and beach trolley launch capability. This initiated a 10-year project, culminating in the first batch of six production boats now sailing in Wellington…

They should make a movie about this place. The Smash Palace of boats. In a north-facing bay in the outer Pelorus Sound at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Whakatahuri sits near Allen Strait, between the Mainland Te ParuParu/Forsyth Island. It’s the unexpected site of two businesses that dealt with the opposite ends of a boat’s lifecycle: the Wells family’s boat-building business and the Sounds Wrecking Company, now long gone. Once upon a time, Whakatahuri was the most remote boatbuilding and boat-wrecking yard in New Zealand. Whakatahuri is found within the almost bewildering maze of the Marlborough Sounds and is a place of simultaneous delight and destruction. The nearest towns are Havelock and Picton, equidistant as the seagull flies, about 20 nautical miles – though much further via…

The maritime disaster that saw the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sink into the depths of Lake Superior on 10 November 1975 continues to arouse interest, and the reasons for that are manifold. The first lies in the size of the ship in question, which at the time of its launch (1958) was the largest of all those operating in the Great Lakes region, a distinction she would hold until 1971. A second concerns the aura of mystery that still surrounds the circumstances of the sinking: in fact, despite locating and inspecting the wreck’s remains at a depth of 161m, it has proven impossible to reconstruct the ultimate causes of an accident that cost the lives of 29 men whose bodies were never returned. THE SHIP Built as hull #301 by Great…

This is what led an Italian shipowner, who also owns other yachts, to discover a splendid vessel, a Magnum 63, at the bottom of a warehouse where it had been stored for over 10 years. It was the last of the series, produced by the US shipyard in 1992. In addition to boats, the new owner is also passionate about vintage cars, and when they asked Tommaso Spadolini to refit the yacht, they insisted on having it painted with the colours of the legendary Ford GT40, which in the 1960s challenged Ferrari in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race – and won. “The boat was in excellent condition despite the many years spent in storage,” says Tommaso Spadolini. “But the work required to bring it back to sea…