Table of contents for March 2026 in Boating NZ

When the crew of The Famous Project CIC – Alexia Barrier, Dee Caffari, Annemieke Bes, Rebecca Gmür Hornell, Deborah Blair, Molly LaPointe, Támara Echegoyen, and Stacey Jackson – crossed the starting line of the Jules Verne Trophy near Ushant on 28 November 2025, they were acutely aware of the monumental record set in 2017 by the IDEC Sport maxi trimaran: 40 days and 23 hours. Their primary aim was to make history in women’s sport and sailing. They aspired to become the first all-female crew to complete this non-stop circumnavigation. They achieved their goal after 57 days, 21 hours, and 20 minutes of adventure. Their journey was punctuated by countless racing challenges and unpredictable adversities on the vast ocean. While British sailor Tracy Edwards and her 10-member female crew, the…

RELEASED FOR THE 2010 MODEL YEAR as an evolution of the highly successful Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht, the Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht represented a significant step forward for Riviera. Most notably, it introduced pod-drive propulsion to the Sport Yacht range delivering effortless joystick docking, impressive fuel efficiency gains, and a magnificent increase in internal cabin space. The Riviera 5000 features a sleek, sporty profile on a characteristically strong and blue water capable Riviera hull design. The twin 600hp Cummins QSC engines with Mercruiser pod drives deliver sparkling performance. With a virtually flat fuel economy curve from 19 to 27 knots and a 32 knot + sprint capability, you can cruise to suit the conditions without compromise. Designed with luxurious family cruising and entertaining in mind, the Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht…

THIS MARITIMO M60 represents one of the finest examples of its type in the country. Throughout the current owner’s tenure, thoughtful and highquality upgrades have been made, elevating her capability, comfort and functionality well beyond the standard specification. On the bridge and navigation front, she’s been comprehensively enhanced. Supporting situational awareness are dedicated anchor, cockpit and engine room cameras, while bow and stern thrusters and linked autopilot make closequarters handling straightforward from any helm position. Entertainment and leisure have not been overlooked, an upgraded sound system delivers robust audio throughout, complemented by underwater lighting for ambience at anchor or alongside. Practical additions include a recently replaced carpet, AB 10 AL RIB inflatable with Yamaha 15 hp, SeaDoo Spark watercraft, Steelhead foredeck davit, and a HRO watermaker for longer passages. Accommodation…

New Zealanders don’t just use our boats, we live in them for weekends that turn into weeks. A good forecast can tempt you out past the headlands, then deeper into the islands, the Sounds, or the far edges of the coast where the anchorages are quiet and the only timetable is the next weather window. Out there, freshwater is the one “small” thing that can quietly dictate every decision: when to leave, where to stop, and how long everyone stays happy onboard. That’s why watermakers have shifted from “nice-to-have” to “how-did-we-ever-do-without-it?” And if you’re going to install one system that genuinely expands your cruising range, and your enjoyment, Blue Water Desalination has made a strong case for being the benchmark. THE REAL REASON YOU BUY A WATERMAKER: freedom (and fewer…

Over the past five years, hundreds of owners have completed our courses, including more than 250 women through our incredibly popular Women on Water course. The transformation in confidence, skill and enjoyment has been remarkable. WOMEN ON WATER & MEN ON WATER Providing practical, hands-on boating education in a supportive, fun and non-judgemental environment. Participants build real-world confidence in navigation (including night navigation), VHF communications, radar and depth sounders, boat handling and berthing, anchoring, seamanship, buoyage, knot tying, first aid, safety equipment, propulsion systems, marina departures and docking. But more than technical skills, they gain independence. “Women on Water was an absolute blast! If you want to learn practical skills in a fun, inclusive environment, this is the course for you. I came out with fantastic practical knowledge and so…

NEW BOAT FEATURE: 13.8M ELITE KAEĀ The 13.8m Elite Kaeā, which means to wander or roam in te reo Māori, is a new and high-profile attraction at this year’s Auckland Boat Show. Kaeā is the first new build from the up-and-coming yard, Marra Marine of Tauranga. Tauranga, a harbourside city on the east coast of the North Island, is increasingly standing out as a destination for boat building and superyacht refit services and offers superb facilities for yachts up to 50m in length. Designer Bill Upfold of Elite Marine Design says that his client ultimately wanted to travel between a marina berth in Wellington, the country’s capital city at the bottom of the North Island, and the Marlborough Sounds, an unspoilt boating mecca in the upper South Island, where he…

AS GRAND BANKS PREPARES TO CELEBRATE its 70th anniversary throughout 2026, the company will showcase one of its most popular and capable models, the Grand Banks 54, at the 25th Auckland Boat Show, taking place March 5–8. Designed by CEO Mark Richards and the company’s in-house design and engineering team, the Grand Banks 54 seamlessly blends classic Grand Banks styling with next-generation hull design, advanced materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. The result is a yacht that honours the brand’s heritage while delivering the performance, efficiency, and comfort demanded by today’s long-range cruisers. Characterised by a fine bow entry, elegant curvature amidships, and minimal deadrise at the transom, Grand Banks’ V-Warp Technology delivers a smooth, quiet, and remarkably fuel-efficient ride. Built using unidirectional and multi-axial carbon fibre with a precise resin-to-material ratio,…

THE ESCAPE 33 is a modern, spacious pocket cruiser designed for the Australasian market. It’s easy to handle, practical to maintain, and suitable for families, coastal cruising, or light exploration. The design prioritises safety, usability, and offers sterndrive or outboard propulsion. Accessibility was a key goal – providing a comfortable, economical entry point compared to larger, more complex boats. Pricing is expected to start around NZD $750k, with Kit Carlier Design currently in talks with builders in New Zealand and Australia. www.kitcarlierdesign.com…

MARINERS QUARTERS, presented by Hopper Developments, offers a unique chance to own a freehold marina berth with a waterfront lot at Whitianga Waterways. Ownership is permanent, with no leases or expiry dates, providing security and flexibility for boat owners. The location gives direct access to Mercury Bay and the Coromandel, with future plans for marine services and haul-out facilities. For more details and Boat Show specials, visit the Auckland Boat Show (5–8 March) or marinersquaters.co.nz…

Introduced to New Zealand late last year, there are three engines in the new V6 range – BF200, BF225 and BF250hp. Our introduction to the line-up – the 225hp model – was bolted to the transom of a 6.5m CSB Huntsman Centurion. It’s a happy marriage – effortless, smooth, quiet – and when you open the tap, a responsive, exhilarating ride. Anyone who’s followed Honda’s outboard evolution will remember the 2024 launch of the flagship BF350 V8. It quickly developed an enthusiastic following and most of the features it debuted have now migrated to the smaller siblings. These new V6s were the first to receive the upgrades – followed by the four-cylinder models (BF115, BF135 and BF150). DRIVE-BY-WIRE There are far too many new features to explore within the confines…

After a week of wild weather, Auckland’s 2026 Anniversary Day Regatta featured blustery conditions, dramatic racing, and a vibrant harbour spectacle. Some fleets were reduced as competitors chose caution, but those who raced enjoyed memorable competition, especially in the modern keelboat divisions, which saw larger and more competitive fleets than recent years. Tugboats excelled in the challenging conditions, with nine vessels marking the 20th anniversary of their race. Classic launches followed, and My Girl dominated, claiming both line and provisional handicap honours. Dragon Boat racing broke records, welcoming four China-based teams and raising the standard. International crews won several titles, while local teams secured others, resulting in balanced outcomes and valuable learning. Kohimarama Yacht Club hosted around 160 young Optimist and Starling sailors, undeterred by the wind, contesting their Auckland…

This March, Beneteau and Lagoon owners are invited to take part in the Harbour Classic Edition Owners Rally, hosted by 36° Brokers. With the Harbour Classic aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of boats in a single event, the rally is focused on building a strong Beneteau and Lagoon presence on the start line, and being part of something genuinely memorable. Owners can choose to race or cruise their selected Harbour Classic course before regrouping at Motuihe Island for a relaxed BBQ, drinks, and owners’ social. The weekend includes shared berthing at Jellicoe Harbour, the Harbour Classic opening event, coordinated on-water participation, and a social programme designed to suit both sail and power models. Beneteau and Lagoon owners can register via the 36° Brokers website,…

Freedom Boat Club, part of Brunswick Corporation, has opened its third New Zealand location in Queenstown, following Auckland and Christchurch. This expansion offers members hassle-free boating on Lake Wakatipu, strengthening the club’s presence in New Zealand and providing access to one of the country’s premier boating destinations. According to David Kurczewski, General Manager, Boating Services Asia-Pacific, the Queenstown site delivers a world-class boating lifestyle for members across New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.. Members can access a premium fleet, with all maintenance, storage, insurance, and cleaning managed by the club. Reservations are made easy through a user-friendly app. The club welcomes all skill levels, offering training from licensed captains and reciprocal access to over 400 locations worldwide. Scott Williamson, Owner, highlights this as a milestone for Freedom Boat Club New…

The PIC Harbour Classic will now take place on Auckland’s waterfront from 20–22 March 2026 (race day: 21 March), moved from the original February dates due to scheduling conflicts with other major waterfront events. The change was necessary to accommodate the Auckland Boat Show, impacted by the timing of SailGP. The event continues to grow in popularity, welcoming all sailors and celebrating Auckland’s maritime heritage. Boats can moor downtown, making it ideal for visiting crews. The weekend will feature the traditional welcome party, prizegiving, and after-race celebrations. Further details on racing, entertainment, and registration will be announced soon. Entries are open at www.harbourclassic.co.nz…

The Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition was introduced in 2019 and exemplifies why Riviera’s Platinum upgrade has been so celebrated. The Platinum Edition elevates the RIviera 5400 Sport Yacht with a striking visual identity, premium materials, and thoughtful attention to detail. Its bold exterior palette of white, silver-grey, and black metallic finishes, complemented by black radar domes, immediately signals its Platinum status, while the elegant proportions and sweeping lines reinforce the yacht’s commanding presence. The Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht (and its subsequent Platinum Edition) is highly regarded by boating editorials as a leading, luxurious, and technologically advanced 50-foot class vessel. It is widely celebrated for its single-level, open-plan living, making it an exceptional entertainer’s boat. LUXURY INSIDE AND OUT Inside and out, the Riviera 5400SY Platinum Edition reflects modern…

The Three Kings Islands sit at the very top of New Zealand. Remote, raw, almost mythical. A place where the Pacific and the Tasman collide, where weather writes its own rules and where you do not simply pop up for the weekend. You go properly prepared or you do not go at all. For us, a very close family of four boys who hunt, gather, dive and fish, it was the ultimate bucket list adventure. The platform that carried us there was a Riviera 60 Enclosed Flybridge. Older in years, yes, but built in an era when Riviera was cementing its reputation for robust construction, intelligent design and true offshore capability. Launched ahead of its time, the Riviera 60 Enclosed Flybridge was conceived as a serious blue water motor yacht,…

THE AZIMUT 39 is a well-balanced sub-40-foot flybridge cruiser. Designed with practical cruising in mind, it offers the space and features families need to enjoy comfortable days and weekends on the water. On deck, wide side passages and a secure cockpit layout make moving around safe and straightforward, particularly for children and guests. The flybridge provides a relaxed gathering space with excellent visibility, making it ideal for social cruising, sunset rides, and entertaining friends. Inside, the yacht delivers good volume for its size. A bright saloon, functional galley, and two proper cabins create a layout suited to overnight trips. Quality finishes and thoughtful storage solutions enhance onboard comfort. Powered by twin diesel engines, the Azimut 39 cruises confidently in the mid-20-knot range, offering dependable performance for coastal passages. On the…

Looking for a Marlborough Sounds cruiser and fishing platform, Alan Wilkinson found it hard to ignore Gamea. A forty foot solid fibreglass hull, ample dinghy storage, large saloon with galley, dining table with comfortable seating, and helmsman’s side door. Up forward she has a double cabin with head and shower. This boat looked like she’d tick all the boxes. Gamea was one of three cray boats built during the mid-1980s by Fi-Glass Boats in Christchurch. In 1996 her original owner took her to Carey’s Boatyard in Picton for conversion to a Marlborough Sounds cruiser. With a new timber cabin and interior, Gamea cruised the Sounds for many years, changing hands at least once before ending up at Lower Hutt’s Seaview Marina, for sale as part of a deceased estate. Alan…

New Zealand’s North Island offers some of the most diverse and rewarding cruising grounds in the Southern Hemisphere. From the sheltered waterways of the Hauraki Gulf to the iconic Bay of Islands and the remote wilderness of Great Barrier Island, the region presents a cruising experience that is easily accessible, varied, and deeply immersive. HAURAKI GULF Hauraki Gulf, situated just east of Auckland, is a popular starting point for many luxury motor yacht owners. Characterised by a dense cluster of islands, it offers a rare balance between accessibility and natural beauty. It is equally well-suited to short weekend cruises and longer coastal journeys, with ample opportunities for swimming and diving in marine reserve areas. The area also offers excellent year-round fishing with species including kingfish, kahawai, trevally, and snapper. The…

CHARLIE BRAVO BOAT CO. announced its appointment as the exclusive New Zealand distributor for MADE Engineered, the Scandinavian manufacturer producing some of the world’s most advanced in-boom furling systems for cruising and performance yachts. The partnership brings MADE Engineered’s precision-engineered furling technology to New Zealand for the first time, offering local yacht owners, builders, and rigging professionals access to a system celebrated for its mechanical simplicity, reliability, and exceptional sail-handling performance. Charlie Bravo also announced its appointment as the exclusive New Zealand distributor for ZORA 3.0, the next-generation vessel navigation, monitoring, and automation platform, and the world’s first truly unified yacht operating system. Zora 3.0 brings together everything on your yacht—charts, sensors, navigation, engine data, weather, anchor systems, documents, tasks, apps, and more—into a single, beautifully intuitive interface powered by…

SMUGGLER MARINE WILL SHOWCASE its range at the Auckland Boat Show, featuring both amphibious and non-amphibious RIBs. The display includes the flagship Strata 800 Super Sport Amphibious, Strata 800 Mid Cabin Amphibious, Strata 700 Centre Console Amphibious, Strata 750 Centre Console RIB, and the 580 RIB. The highlight is the new 800 Super Sport ‘Bowrider’ model, offering seating for 12 and equipped with the Anura Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) amphibious system, delivering up to 60 minutes of terrestrial runtime and on water speeds nearing 50 knots. The event demonstrates Smuggler Marine’s commitment to innovation, performance, and versatility, allowing visitors to compare different RIB platforms in one place. www.smugglermarine.co.nz…

FRIGOMAR IS DEBUTING AT THE AUCKLAND BOAT SHOW in 2026 with its New Zealand distributor Boatgear. This Italian manufacturer specialises in marine air conditioning and refrigeration, offering compact, energy-efficient systems for boats and yachts. Their standout feature is variable-speed inverter technology, which improves efficiency, reduces noise, and lowers power consumption - ideal for vessels with limited power. Models are available for both AC and DC power, are easy to install, and include modern features like touchscreen thermostats. Frigomar also supports larger, centralised systems and provides global sales and service support. www.boatgear.co.nz…

The International Multihull Show will return to La Grande-Motte, France, from April 22–26, 2026, with an expanded on-water footprint and a renewed focus on innovation as multihulls continue to gain momentum across the global boating market. The 2026 edition will introduce a third marina and a new visitor access route, helping accommodate growing demand while improving flow and comfort for attendees on site. The redesigned and expanded exhibitors’ village will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest innovations in the sector and will notably host the Multihull Design & Innovation area, dedicated to nautical design trends and to the technological and sustainable solutions shaping tomorrow’s multihulls. At this stage, 20% of registered exhibitors are newcomers, all from abroad (non-French), representing equipment manufacturers, new multihull shipyards, architects, and service companies. The…

Emirates has renewed its naming sponsorship with Defender of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand, continuing as Lead Sponsor and Official Airline through the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and preliminary regattas. The partnership, established in 2004, has delivered three consecutive America’s Cup defences, most recently in Barcelona in 2024. Emirates branding will remain prominent on yachts, support vessels, bases, uniforms, and digital channels. The renewal highlights both parties’ commitment to innovation and excellence and reinforces Emirates’ ongoing support for New Zealand and global sailing, including daily A380 services to Auckland and partnerships with international regattas. www.emiratesteam.nz…

R Marine Perth’s annual raft-up in Matilda Bay marked the start of summer, bringing together 77 Riviera yachts and 600 guests for a festive celebration. New owners enjoyed their first experience, praising the event’s organisation and the welcoming atmosphere. The day featured live music, socialising, and opportunities to explore different Riviera models. For many, the event highlighted the strong sense of community among owners and the unique lifestyle boating offers their families. The raft-up is now a much-anticipated tradition in Western Australia’s boating calendar. www.rivieraaustralia.com…

Let me introduce to you IRON Boats. Sleek, fast and smooth, these performance family day boats are new arrivals to the New Zealand market, available through Peter Carlson’s Family Boats. And unlike IKEA furniture, they come completely assembled and ready to go – and boy, do they go! The boat we tested is the top of the range IRON 907. This boat has only been in the country since October 2025, so when the team at Boating New Zealand asked if I would like to come and test it, it took me about half a second to agree. WHO IS IRON BOATS? IRON Boats is the brainchild of Swedish brothers Lars and Henrik Peterson, the world’s largest RIB retailer and one of Mercury Marine’s top non-chain retailers globally. The Petersons,…

A LINEAGE BUILT ON SINGLE-LEVEL LIVING Riviera’s Sport Yacht collection was conceived to eliminate unnecessary steps, barriers, and separations, both physical and social. The 4600 continues this philosophy with a layout that feels expansive well beyond its length. The cockpit and saloon merge seamlessly, forming an indoor–outdoor living space that has become a hallmark of the brand. Entertaining flows naturally from cockpit to galley to helm, all on one level, sheltered yet open, refined yet relaxed. THE PLATINUM EDITION ERA Introduced in April 2022, the 4600 Sport Yacht arrived with and met elevated expectations. Platinum Edition status signifies superior fit and finish, enhanced material selections, and a level of detail befitting Riviera’s maturation as a global luxury yacht builder. FUNCTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. Every sightline, seating arrangement, and storage solution reflects Riviera’s…

For this Riviera family, boating began with trailer boats and a pure love of fishing. Early starts in the dark. Long runs to the work ups. Learning to read weather, current and birds. Those years built confidence and a deep passion for game fishing. Around that time, life was changing. The first Riviera 43 Flybridge arrived just as the kids were beginning to come along. Fishing was still central, but now something bigger was forming, a family culture built on time at sea. The Riviera 43 Flybridge represented a serious step forward. They wanted a boat that could handle New Zealand conditions. Something solid and predictable. The cockpit remained the heartbeat. Tournaments were entered. Work ups were chased. Long days on the troll were still the norm. But below deck…

WORKING WITH US MEANS EXPOSURE to premium vessels, world-class systems and a loyal client base who value quality and long-term relationships. Our projects range from routine servicing to high-end installations, refits and advanced system upgrades, providing variety and technical challenge. We offer stable full-time employment, modern facilities, strong team culture and competitive remuneration aligned with experience. Many roles include additional benefits such as company vehicles, uniforms and ongoing training support. We look for individuals who take pride in their workmanship, communicate professionally and take ownership of their responsibilities. Whether you are an experienced marine professional or looking to advance your career within a premium brand environment, we provide the platform to grow. For sales professionals, we offer the opportunity to represent one of the world’s most respected luxury motor yacht…

Market data shows a turnaround in the final quarter of 2025, driven by new boat sales, commercial vessel construction, a strong second-hand market, and increased demand for refit, maintenance and berthage services. With the exchange rate increasingly favouring New Zealand manufacturers, exports are also strengthening, with around 40% of New Zealand manufactured powerboats now sold offshore. Reflecting this renewed momentum, the Auckland Boat Show has increased exhibition space by 20% for its 2026 event, creating room for 150 exhibitors and 200 boats both on land and water. Around 30,000 boats are sold in New Zealand each year, ranging from paddleboards to superyachts, and boating remains the country’s most popular recreational activity, with around 40% of the population taking part. Auckland Boat Show organiser Stacey Cook says demand from both long-standing…

Dominic Lowe, who also fronts yacht brokerage company Lowe Yachts, has more than 12 years of hands-on experience with Hanse Group products, including sales and service, making him the perfect fit for the brand in New Zealand. He knows Hanse, and Hanse knows him. “We want to get Hanse on the map again in New Zealand and we are very excited to be part of the next chapter for Hanse in New Zealand. “All of those brands – they’re great brands – and I’ve always dealt with them. The Hanse group is very well-respected for its quality, innovation, and diversity. I have a lot of respect for the factory and the products they produce,” says Lowe. “When dealing with pre-owned Hanse, Moody, Dehler or Sealine vessels, they have always stood…

C-MAP HAS UPDATED its New Zealand charts to include the new Hauraki Gulf Protection Areas across DISCOVER, REVEAL, and X Gen charts. These updates provide clear, colour-coded visibility of marine protection zones – green for Seafloor Protection Areas, yellow for High Protection Areas, and red for Marine Reserves – helping users navigate safely and fish responsibly. Subscribers can update via C-MAP.com or the X Chart Manager on compatible Simrad and B&G chartplotters. Registered customers receive 12 months of free updates from purchase. www.c-map.com…

SEAWIND CATAMARANS RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND, unveiling the awardwinning Seawind 1170 at the Auckland Boat Show from 5–8 March. Fresh from being named Multihull of the Year at the British Yachting Awards and newly built at Seawind’s advanced European facility in Turkey, the 1170 marks the beginning of a new generation of performance driven cruising catamarans for Kiwi sailors. This relaunch is powered by a strategic partnership between Multihull Central and Icon Azure, combining decades of multihull expertise with deep local knowledge of New Zealand’s demanding coastal and offshore conditions. The Seawind 1170 blends offshore pedigree with modern cruising comfort. Its raked bows, flat decks, and squaretop mainsail deliver a lively, responsive sailing experience, while the selftacking jib, furling screecher, and spinnaker ensure versatility from light airs to ocean passages.…

This is the mantra of the team at Bluefix Boatworks, a boatbuilding company based in Opua, Bay of Islands and headed by Brad and Charlotte Rowe. Some of the top captains and anglers agree, and once they have seen the boats in action, they are hooked – apologies for the bad pun, but this is exactly how it happens. Word of mouth is their best sales tool. The top echelon of international light tackle anglers and specialist captains are a tight bunch, so word quickly spread around the world’s angling hotspots of the ‘new boat in town.’ Charlotte, the company’s managing director, says word has certainly got around, with 236,000 social media hits a week. “We have 50 million dollars of work on our books,” Charlotte says. She crunches the…

Roger Hill came up with a round bilge LDL (light displacement to length) design that would be relatively easy to build and should be able to achieve speeds of between 16 and 18 knots, depending on power and weight. Unfortunately, the client’s better half, when she learned of the cost, put paid to the project, so the plans for the Camp Cruiser were filed away in Hill’s bottom drawer. Enter retired ex-Matakana boatbuilder Peter Parvin, now residing in Napier. Peter worked with Roger on many projects over the years, building lots of Hill’s designs, both multihulls and monohulls. Now in his eighties, Parvin contacted Hill a few years ago looking for a project to keep him busy in his retirement. Cue the Camp Cruiser in Hill’s bottom drawer. Parvin had…