Boating NZ -julkaisun January 2025 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) has announced its participation in the 2025 Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Admiral’s Cup, one of the most celebrated team racing events in international yachting. Representing the RNZYS will be an exceptional team of Callisto, a Custom Botin IRC 42 owned by James Murray, and Caro, a Custom Botin IRC 52 owned by Max Klink. Traditionally raced in British waters, the Admiral’s Cup challenges teams of three yachts from each country to compete across a mix of inshore and offshore races. Its unique team-based scoring format makes it a pinnacle test of skill, strategy, and seamanship. In 2025, the competition returns with a revitalised two-boat team format, reflecting the evolution of the sport while preserving its heritage. RNZYS is putting forward a formidable…

Boating New Zealand is providing up to the minute news updates on the Vendee Globe Race. This around the world race is for solo skippers in a variety of foiling and non-foiling yachts and features a lone Kiwi skipper, Conrad Colman, who we are following very closely. The race is full of challenges and there has already been plenty of drama. Colman has not been spared: he had an issue with his solar controller – it blew up and took his entire electrical system with it – but with amazing Kiwi #8 wire spirit, he grabbed a soldering iron and performed repairs. Unfortunately, he spent 24 hours bobbing around while repairing the damage before he was able to get properly underway again, losing much ground. On the Boating New Zealand…

Since its inauguration nearly 80 years ago, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has built an esteemed global reputation and become one of the most famous fixtures on the international sporting calendar. Rolex has partnered the event and its organizer, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), since 2002, the race forming an integral part of the Swiss watchmaker’s long-standing support for sailing. The 2024 edition will be the 79th of the 628-nautical mile (1,163km) offshore race from Sydney Harbour to Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania. The start, as ever on 26 December, takes place in the heart of the Australian summer, the mood festive as crowds swell along the shoreline, eager to be part of this celebratory occasion. Once through the Sydney Heads, the fleet embarks on the…

Undergoing a safety inspection has evolved significantly from the late John Lidgard’s experience prior to the start of the first Auckland to Suva yacht race in 1956. In his memoirs It’s in the Blood he described the process thus: Yacht designer Bert Woollacott was the inspector. A fine old gentleman and designer of several of the starters, he looked down at us from the wharf and said, “You would have your tools, wouldn’t you John?” “Yes Bert.” “OK,” he said, and he was off to the next boat. Safety gear as we know it today was non-existent but safety equipment and the inspection process have changed considerably since then. YACHTING NZ BOWS OUT Up until 30 June 2024, Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) was delegated authority by the Director of Maritime…

After earlier launching at the small boat ramp in Freshwater Basin we soaked up the scenery and cruised slowly into the sound itself. A group of sea-kayakers was making use of the flat, calm water and were well and truly dwarfed by the surrounding peaks while over the VHF we could hear the tourist boats preparing for their first tours of the day. A couple of aluminium hardtop trailer boats were astern of us, and having spoken to their crews at the ramp, we knew they were away for a few days, heading south towards Sutherland Sound and chasing tuna. Our goals were less lofty – Anna had only been to Milford on wet, stormy days and she simply wished to explore this scenic gem on a sunny day. Our…

FREEDOM BOAT CLUB, the world’s largest boat club operator (and a business within Brunswick Corporation), is expanding into New Zealand, launching with three locations across the country – Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. Each location will highlight the synergies of the Brunswick portfolio featuring a fleet of Sea Ray and Rayglass Boats, powered by Mercury Marine engines and outfitted with Navico Group electronics. With more than 400 locations across North America, Europe, and Australia and nearly 100,000 members, Freedom Boat Club is the world’s largest boat club operator – a boating community, offering a subscription-based model that provides members with unlimited access to their home club fleet of boats. Membership includes a one-time joining fee and affordable recurring monthly dues. Freedom members enjoy the ultimate convenience and flexibility, as the club…

OMIKRON YACHTS has secured its third major accolade of 2024 with the OT-60 winning the prestigious Best of Boats Award in the ‘Big Boats’ category. Known for embracing a ‘gentle by design’ approach, the OT-60 combines innovative design and eco-conscious engineering, executed with exceptional craftsmanship. This recognition reaffirms Omikron Yachts’ position as a rising star in the nautical industry. Omikron Yachts’ OT-60 received the Best of Boats Award during the ceremony held at the Boat & Fun boat show in Berlin. This recognition by a jury comprised of expert international editors from leading nautical magazines, is celebrated as a benchmark of excellence in the sector, and represents a significant achievement for the shipyard and its debut production model, the OT-60. This is the third major industry award earned this year…

CARBON YACHTS has joined the Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition (MERC), reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable boating technologies. With electric vessels now beginning to surpass petrol-powered boats in many key areas, Carbon Yachts is helping drive the shift toward cleaner, high-performance solutions transforming the maritime leisure industry. The electric boats in Carbon Yachts’ portfolio demonstrate the growing benefits of electric propulsion. The low maintenance Candela C-8, for example, leverages electric hydrofoiling technology to provide a smooth, quiet ride without the noise, slapping, and seasickness typical of traditional powerboats. The ASTenders 340 Revolve features a Mitek electric outboard that swivels on its own axis, eliminating motor overhang and making it easier to store. Electric outboards offer a significant advantage by allowing recharging on a transom or in a garage – no…

A TALENTED NEW TEAM has joined Maritimo to take on Australasian sales and business development management. Danny Jordin, pictured on the right alongside Bill Barry-Cotter and Sean Savage, has been appointed to the role of Australasian Sales Manager. Sean Savage and Paul Savage are the brand’s Business Development Managers. Danny replaces long-time Sales Manager Ormonde Britton, who is retiring, while the BMS Sanctuary Cove Marina consultancy will continue to represent Maritimo in south-east Queensland. www.maritimo.com.au…

THE EVO 60 has been designed with both comfort cruising and performance in mind, offering owners the option to participate in regattas, enjoy luxurious coastal cruising, or knock off big blue water miles in comfort. Designed by the award-winning yacht design firm Du Toit Yacht Design, the EVO 60 promises outstanding performance, superior luxury, and versatility. The EVO 60’s fully infused E-glass/carbon epoxy structure delivers an extremely stiff, durable, and insulated structure. With approximately 80% carbon, the design team has delivered on its brief, ensuring a strong, safe, high-performance catamaran. The catamaran’s evolutionary articulating EVO Helm provides a monohull-like sailing experience, especially in the outboard performance mode. The interior boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with spacious areas for socialising and relaxation, thoughtfully designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The…

DEAR EDITOR “Well, there she is…” Frank looks with pride on his new purchase. “Needs a bit of work,” I say. “Yeah, I reckon.” We walk across to where she sits on the sand, Sit on the sidedeck and swing our legs inboard. We survey the cockpit, “Bit of rainwater here,” I say. We bail out for awhile. The tide comes in fast, the old boat stirs herself, Gives a graunch and she’s afloat. “Wow! That feels good,” I say. We give her a few minutes to settle while we sort the sails out. We hoist the mainsail, it looks a bit grey and patchy, I look at Frank, he shrugs his shoulders… We pull up to the anchor, there is no wind here so we drift on the tide,…

Tom has been working on the Radian range of boats for some time, refining various elements and trying out aspects of the construction. The Radian logo comes from the angle that a boat’s wake makes on the water, and the name reflects an engineer’s preference for calculating angles in radians rather than degrees. Tom felt that traditional boat layouts had a huge amount of wasted space. By integrating the latest hull designs from Europe and the USA with some new, innovative fixtures he believed he could maximise the usable space. He has been experimenting with several aspects of the design and was not afraid to try out different things until they worked. For example, he mentioned that the helm seat pedestal was rebuilt three times until he was happy with…

NEW BOOKS AN ISLAND TO ONESELF BY TOM NEALE 2024, HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND AN ELEGANT HARDBACK reprint of the classic 1966 book of lowkey, low-tech, self-deprecating Kiwi can-do. And initiative. And resilience. An Island to Oneself is almost an underwhelming read, written in such a matter-of-fact style (complete with a sprinkling of quaint, period-coloured social observations). But then you catch yourself in the middle of this humility-of-author, to find yourself reminding oneself that “Hey, this is truly remarkable.” The selection of photos and good-looking maps help in this regard too. Because of this, the book also passes that ultimate readers’ test: hard to put down. This new edition carries a 40-page epilogue by Stella, Tom’s daughter, who was born in 1958; and before Tom returned to his…

Marine pests grow on hulls, props and fittings Plants and animals can accumulate as biofouling on any underwater surface. Sometimes, these hitchhikers are invasive species, known as marine pests, which travel with us to our favourite spots. Examples: Mediterranean fanworm, Australian droplet tunicate, Asian kelp/Wakame Actions to take: Regular hull grooming – antifouling and cleaning with special attention to props and niche areas. They can attach onto any in-water equipment – anchors, dive and fishing gear, and get into holding tanks. Some species can travel as larvae, juveniles or small fragments attached to our gear. While they can sometimes also disperse in currents, they move further and faster when they hitch a ride aboard our boats. Examples: Exotic caulerpa, Asparagopsis, Asian paddle crab, Clavelina sea squirt Actions to take: Clean…

The 2024 Beneteau and Lagoon Owners Rally, hosted by 36 Degrees Brokers on November 23, was a resounding success, bringing together 27 boats and over 100 participants at Lidgard House on Kawau Island. The event featured a friendly sailing race, engaging beach games, and a vibrant social atmosphere, all celebrating Beneteau’s 140th and Lagoon’s 40th anniversaries. Participants enjoyed themed decorations, competitions, and a prize-giving ceremony. The rally concluded without a hitch, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a strengthened sense of community. 36 Degrees Brokers acknowledges the following sponsors, whose support made the rally possible: Clean Collective, Tamaki Marine Park, Marsden Cove, Beacon, Gloss Boats, Ovlov Marine, Coast New Zealand, Craft Covers, Island Cruising, North Sails, Aqua Plumb, Dawny Adventure Club, Boating New Zealand, Gold Class Marine and Burnsco. www.36degrees.nz…

Picking up where they left off, Peter Burling’s ‘Black Foils’ claimed their third consecutive win in the UAE, soaring ahead of the Emirates Great Britain and U.S. SailGP Team on the pristine waters of Port Mina Rashid. The Black Foils are back-to-back-winners of the Rolex SailGP Championship’s season-opening event. The most exciting racing on water heads down under in January, for the Rolex SailGP’s first event of the new year, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland (January 18-19, 2025). The event will be the league’s long-awaited debut in the city, and Burling said the team couldn’t wait to race at home: “We’re super excited to get home, the buzz in town is already growing. The renders of the grandstand, which is just about to get built, is…

Whitianga Boat Hire has just taken possession of two bright-green FatCat 4500 catamaran boats. Set to fill a need in the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Whitianga Boat Hire principal and well-known local identity Tony Marsters chose the boats for their amazing stability, enormous space, tough construction, and striking looks. The Whitianga boats are the double side-console version of the FatCat 4500 and are manufactured by FatCat Boats in Auckland. The boats have been built to MSA survey with a maximum capacity for up to six people per boat. Safety gear on board includes EPIRB, lifejackets, 25W VHF radio, First Aid kit, lines and anchor. Built primarily as self-drive fishing boats, they have a fully functional live-bait tank, Garmin Echomap plotter/sounder, Fusion Marine stereo, two bait stations and wash down hose, plus…

If you have spent any time on the water, you would have come across a wide range of different coloured (and sometimes quite ornate) little triangular pennants. Known as ‘burgees’ (pronounced ‘bur’ + ‘jee’) they are usually designed to display membership to a particular sailing or cruising club. How did these peculiar little flags become part of our established marine world? SHIPPING LINES The history of burgees began in the 19th century when shipowners custom-designed their own unique flag that would normally fly from the top of the ship’s tallest mast. These were exclusive to each ship, allowing them to be recalled to land by a corresponding flag signal ashore. Over time these flags became associated with specific shipping lines, allowing them to be more easily recognised from a distance.…

NORWEGIAN MARINE tech innovator Orca has announced its expansion into the waters around Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands. Orca’s charts are built from an extensive mix of hydrographic data, private sources, and Orca’s in-house collections to ensure an accurate, reliable experience tailored to the specific needs of Oceania. Since launching in 2021, Orca has rapidly become a popular navigation system for sailors and cruisers worldwide. Orca combines a free navigation app with the Orca Display 2 – an ultrabright, marine-grade tablet, and Orca Core 2 – a smart hub that integrates with boat sensors and instruments. Orca’s smart systems simplify complex routes with features like automatic routing, real-time weather forecasts, and AIS, helping boaters enjoy safe and stress-free journeys. With this expansion, Orca invites boaters throughout Oceania…

GREAT ESCAPE SAILING AND MOORINGBNB have partnered to launch Bookabuoy, a game-changing platform set to transform how New Zealand boaties find and book moorings. Bookabuoy is already operational and offers an intuitive, online platform for letting or renting moorings and berths – whether for a day, a weekend, or longer from any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer with an internet connection. KEY BENEFITS FOR MOORING OWNERS: • New revenue stream: Easily let your moorings to a growing community of boaties. • Simplified management: A straightforward platform for listing, booking, and managing your mooring. • Greater visibility: Reach a wider audience of boaties actively seeking moorings across New Zealand. • Secure transactions: Bookings and payments are handled safely and efficiently. • No long-term contracts: Flexible, fee-free listing options and exclusive early…

ZEROJET AND TECTRAX, two leading New Zealand innovators in electric marine technology, have announced their merger. This move will establish the combined company as a global leader in next-generation electric drives and amphibious boat systems. By uniting ZeroJet’s award-winning 48V electric propulsion technology with Tectrax’s advanced electric amphibious solutions, the new entity will offer a significantly expanded product portfolio. www.zerojet.com www.tectrax.co.nz…

LEADING MEDIUM-SPEED ENGINE manufacturer Bergen Engines has granted Penske Australia and New Zealand the distribution and support of its marine engine portfolio in the region. This builds on the existing agreement with Penske Australia & New Zealand for Bergen’s land-based product range. Renowned for producing supreme quality products with high reliability, Bergen’s marine portfolio is ideal for propelling naval vessels, large tugs, fishing vessels, ferries, and cruise ships, and also for use in offshore oil and gas installations. “With a very successful partnership to date with Bergen Engines, we are excited to be extending our relationship and expanding our customer offering,” said Matthew Smith, executive general manager of off-highway for Penske Australia & New Zealand. “The addition of the Bergen marine portfolio allows us to offer our marine customers regional…

It’s been a hard five years getting to this point, though. Sam first laid eyes on Nordic back in 2019, after he lost all his savings buying a 36-foot (11m) steel yacht with his brother, which turned out to be structurally unsound. He kept the mast and sails, sold the hull for scrap and ended up with about $1,500 in his pocket. Fortunately, that’s what he needed to put a deposit on the 26-foot (8m) cutter-rigged double-ender Nordic, lying neglected and unloved except by a thick growth of marine life in Ōhiwa Harbour, near Whakatāne. After scraping some more money together and sailing her back to Auckland with the aid of a ship’s compass and a large-scale map, the hard work of restoring her to her former glory began. Nordic’s…

Puzzle no.326 Across 7. NZ-designed anchor produced since 2004 (5) 9. _____ ray – electric ray found in NZ waters (7) 10. Man-of-___ – historical armed sailing ship (3) 11. Part of boat shown in photo (9) 12. This is Boating New Zealand’s January one (5) 14. Fastens boat at dock (5) 16. Turn to face wind despite efforts of person at helm (5) 18. Slop and splash about like water in bottom of dinghy (5) 21. Marine animal of warm seas often seen swimming close to sharks (5,4) 23. Ketch has this many masts (3) 24. Flat-bottomed boat or floating structure that serves as dock (7) 25. Length of anchor cable extended when vessel rides at anchor (5) Down 1. Bottom _____ – using towed nets to catch fish…

A friend had given Tekk the handle of Kit and Cat, a longtime cruising couple on Committed, an older catamaran that, as ever, was anchored in the tropics. He enjoyed his chats with Kit and Cat. So informative. “What’s the news up there?” Tekk typed, and tapped the Send icon. Ten minutes later, a reply popped into his phone. s/v Committed: Kit here. Same old, same old. Squally this week. Coupla boats dragged, one bounced on the reef. They don’t get it: never pick up a mooring around here. No matter what the grapevine or a cruising guide tells you. tekk@quicksmart: Sounds scary. Anyone hurt? s/v Committed: Cat here. Nah. No one ever gets hurt in La-La Land. You know that. It’s Paradise. tekk@quicksmart: I have a few questions. Do…

The countdown is on for Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025, New Zealand’s premier multi-boat regatta, scheduled for January 21-24. As the annual sailing competition approaches, event Chair Ian Clouston emphasises the importance of early registration. “Knowing the participants for each division well in advance allows us to plan the regatta more effectively. Our entire on-water infrastructure – from race officials to judges and mark layers – is staffed by volunteers. Advance planning is crucial for coordinating personnel, transportation, and accommodation.” Past editions have seen over 100 boats enter and Clouston is hoping this year will be the same. www.boisailingweek.co.nz…

The REDHOT Marine Formula V Series has returned for the 2024-2025 season, with round one kicking off the season in Wanganui on the weekend of 23/24 November. Run in conjunction with the New Zealand Powerboat Association, the five-round inaugural season had nine entries, providing very close and competitive racing. This season has 13 confirmed entries, which makes it the biggest class of powerboat racing in New Zealand. All competitors are returning from last season, with some new entries moving up from smaller classes to join the field. Mason Dunlop with his boat Kausin’ Havoc is returning as the defending champion and will be keen to hold off the stiff competition from his fellow drivers! Formula V boats are monohull-style boats with a stock 200hp outboard. The majority of competitors have…

Dickey Boats has announced the launch of the Pacific 62, a revolutionary vessel designed for sportfishers and passage-makers who demand more blue-water capability and versatility. Soft-launched in October, the Pacific 62 is already exceeding expectations, cementing its place as the most capable and adaptable vessel in the renowned Dickey Boats range. Jason and Tristin Dickey, founders of Dickey Boats, envisioned a vessel designed to fit their aspirations for greater exploration and adventure, with the recreational functionality often missing from the passage-maker market. The result is a craft that effortlessly transitions between coastal day cruising, sport fishing, diving, and extended offshore passage-making. Following more than 500 nautical miles of sea trials, the Pacific 62 has delivered on its promise of exceptional performance and efficiency. Equipped with twin engines and variable-pitch propellers,…

Forty New Zealand marinas took part in the first ever Health of the New Zealand Marina Industry Survey, conducted in 2023 for the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA) by a specialist department at Michigan State University. The survey showed that the niche industry has gross annual revenue of $153m, supporting more than 470 people in jobs – with an estimated half a billion dollars in economic contribution. “Boat owners need a wide range of maintenance services, and in some cases, we attract large numbers of international boats visiting New Zealand for pleasure, maintenance and refit – also making it part of our export economy,” says NZMOA Chair Chris Galbraith, General Manager of Bay of Islands Marina. As examples, the 420-berth Bay of Islands Marina has 28 tenant businesses on…

Both inventive spirits, Stevenson and Upfold have skirted the ‘same-old’ drudgery that dogs many marriages as the years roll by. And that’s probably because – like each of the 20 Elites the pair have previously tackled – Te Whara V is a supremely customised creation. Launched late-2024, her lines echo those of other 16m Elites, but specifics reflect her owner’s preferences. She’s above all a family boat – created for easy entertaining, comfy accommodation, good fishing and fun watersports. All the ingredients for happy adventures. “To varying degrees every Elite is a one-off,” says Upfold. “This vessel is the owner’s second Stevenson-built Elite and she’s tailored to his changing lifestyle and circumstances – among them a growing clan of grandchildren.” The vessel is actually the third Upfold has designed for…

Auckland-based aluminium boatbuilder Innovision is no exception, with the IV7000 Explorer reviewed on these pages the first of a range of Innovision amphibious options. Designed by Simon Minoprio, with naval architecture by Brett Bakewell-White, Innovison’s Explorer and Active models have proven popular with Kiwi boaters. They are now offered in new IV6200, IV7000 and IV8000 versions with Anura amphibious technology in either electric or petrol power. The IV7000 Explorer is a hardtop model, open at the back, based on the Explorer 707 but with quite a few tweaks for amphibious duty, including a bit more volume in the hull to accommodate the extra weight and a revised entry. The transom design is new, as well, particularly the raised boarding platform, which allows unimpeded access from one side of the stern…

Although some people dismiss them because they don’t like the looks of pontoon boats, they are really missing out when it comes to boating, fishing and diving – pontoon boats’ ability to combine a soft riding, deep-vee hull with great stability simply makes the boating experience more comfortable and safer. At the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show back in May, I was taken with the latest release from Kiwi-Kraft, the impressive, heavily customised 780 Walk Around displayed on the Auckland Marine Centre stand. Looking smart with a white cabin and sky-blue sides, giving it an almost traditional American game fishing look, the nearly 26-foot craft stood out, especially with a pair of white Suzuki DF200 APXs on the transom. Plenty of power for heading offshore. According to Auckland Marine’s Mark Presnall,…

RAYMARINE’S RSW SMART WIND TRANSDUCER has won the coveted DAME award in the Navigation and Communication category at the prestigious 2024 DAME Awards at METSTRADE in Amsterdam. It is the third year in a row Raymarine has enjoyed success in these pinnacle industry awards. In 2023, the company also won the fiercely contested Navigation and Communication category for its popular Raymarine Alpha Performance Display and, in 2022, the Raymarine YachtSense 4G Link router won the Award for Marine Electronics and Marine Related Software. A wired NMEA 2000 compatible masthead sensor, the RSW Smart Wind Transducer brings professional-level wind data to recreational sailors. It combines a precision calibrated wind vane and anemometer with solid-state gyro, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors to provide fast, ultra-precise True Wind data. Raymarine’s Pathfinder Solid State IMO…

LEADING THE WAY in Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ next generation of offshore powerboats is the GT RS Series, which includes the new GT50 RS, GT60 RS, and now the GT70 RS (below). The new GT70 is designed with three sumptuous staterooms, including a full-beam master cabin amidships. Each GT70 can be custom tailored to the owners’ specific needs and tastes. For those seeking additional speed, Palm Beach Motor Yachts offers the GT70 RS which features triple 1,000hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350s and features Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ proprietary Mark Richards-developed V-WARP TECHNOLOGY used on all Palm Beach models. It’s a combination of hull form, exotic construction materials and the build process itself. Trademarks include a fine entry, a graceful curvature amidships, and minimal deadrise at the transom. The result is…

THE X-JET XTREME claims to be the fastest electric surfboard with a record-breaking top speed of 42mph (68kph), setting a new benchmark in the world of watersports. Equipped with a powerful 20kW motor, the X-Jet Xtreme delivers an exhilarating, high-speed ride that leaves all other electric surfboards in its wake. As electric surfboards gain popularity, many brands have pushed the limits of speed and technology. The iAqua X-Jet Xtreme boasts a top speed of 68kph, making it the market leader. The X-Jet Xtreme combines sleek lines with cutting-edge engineering to offer an unmatched riding experience. With four power level settings, to accommodate different skill levels or styles, from touring to racing or freestyle acrobatics, the X-Jet Xtreme has it covered. www.iaquawatercraft.com/x-jet…

As 2020’s event fell victim to Covid, demand was strong amongst this year’s attendees, with all spots filled eight months beforehand. This really is a place where you will see everything and anything tied up along the eight kilometres of dockage, from the smallest Welsh coracle to tall ships with dozens of crew members. As well as the on-water show, various themed areas and stages abound. You’re as likely to come across Tahitian dancers as Celtic bagpipe bands and LBGT choirs of ‘nuns’. As well as the official attendees, it seems generally accepted that any local with a wooden dinghy or dory can float about in the port, so long as they don’t get in the way, or try and tack out in front of the manoeuvring giants. Those that…

The Farr 1020’s roots date back to 1975, when Kim McDell and Peter Gribble bought Sea Nymph Boats from Doug Bremner. With generous vendor terms from Bremner, and the addition of silent partner Roger Scherer, the trio bought Sea Nymph Boats in May 1975. “From running the company for Bremner to owning it was one of the happiest days of my life,” recalls McDell. Then, Sea Nymph was the predominant powerboat manufacturer in New Zealand, with a solid network of dealers throughout the country. McDell and Gribble wanted to add trailer yachts to the Sea Nymph line. McDell’s outstanding experience with Bruce Farr, who designed their 1974 World Championship 18-foot skiff Travelodge NZ, made Farr the logical choice to design their new range of trailer yachts. Thanks to its strict…

Originally, the then Antiques Act 1975 protected any notable object more than about 75 years old, which made it easy to identify our fleet and protect it. Now, after the Act was revised in 2006 – known as the ‘Protected Objects Act 1975’ – that protection is arguably somewhat reduced with less certainty. WHAT YACHTS (AND LAUNCHES) ARE CAUGHT? Now any ‘vessel’ is potentially covered by the Act and protected from export without official approval if it is (a) at least 50 years old and (b) “not represented by at least two comparable examples permanently held in New Zealand public collections” and (c) “is of importance to New Zealand, or to a part of New Zealand, for aesthetic, archaeological, architectural, artistic, cultural, historical, literary, scientific, social, spiritual, technological, or traditional…