Boating NZ July 2020

Always evocative, the sea has a way of nurturing contemplation, deep introspection and bursting creativity in anyone spending a little time observing its endless motion. Not for nothing does it feature prominently and consistently in centuries of art, poetry and literature – some of the classical repertoire’s most soaring pieces of music have been inspired by the sea. It’s shaped the fortunes of nations. It forges history. It’s central to our planet’s well-being. For sailors, it can also be a vexatious and capricious mistress – switching at whim between calm, serene beauty and monstrous, detached ferocity. So I wasn’t surprised by the profound message in Hana Hielkema’s ‘Rejuvenation by Sea’ story that features in this issue. It details the voyage of a solo Belgian sailor who arrived on our shores…

The first of the much-anticipated carbon foiling monohulls to be used in the Youth America’s Cup next year – the AC9F – has proved her capabilities. She flies! A product of the Yachting Developments design team led by Bob Graham, a fleet of AC9Fs is being built at the company’s yard. More than 15 teams from around the world are confirmed for the event, which allows for simultaneous match racing. This first AC9F model (christened Kōtare, meaning ‘Kingfisher’ in Maori) was completed in March but sea trials were delayed due to the Covid-19 nationwide lockdown. “We still have more testing to complete but after her first sail it is good to confirm that she certainly flies,” says Ian Cook, managing director of Yachting Developments. “It was impressive work by everyone…

BRP announced in May that it will discontinue production of its Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines (effective immediately), and re-orient its marine business by focusing on the growth of its boat brands. At the stame time is has signed an agreement with Mercury Marine to support boat packages and supply outboard engines to its boat brands. “Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by Covid-19,” says BRP President and CEO, José Boisjoli. “This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand.” The company will continue to supply customers and its dealer network with service parts, and will honour its manufacturer limited warranties, plus offer select programmes to manage inventory. The move will affect 650 employees globally.…

A high-speed, 12m fuel tanker has begun operating in the Hauraki Gulf, bringing relief to boaties caught short in some of the more remote corners of the cruising playground. Based at Westhaven’s Triton dock, the Midnight Oil catamaran carries 10,000 litres of diesel and cruises at 19 knots. Owned by Auckland’s Hauraki Express, she operates in partnership with Gull Petroleum – and promises convenient and competitively-priced diesel. Powered by twin 485hp Cummins diesels, she was built by Whakatane’s Legacy Marine. Hauraki Express general manager Stuart Thomas says the alloy cat’s operational range extends from Great Barrier Island in the north, down to the Coromandel in the south. “In addition to providing fuel for those caught in awkward spots with poor or no access to a fuel dock, the cat is…

Following the cancellation of the Hutchwilco Boat Show in April due to Covid-19, four Auckland-based dealerships will be staging a mini-boat show next month at three nearby sites on East Tamaki’s Ti Rakau Drive. Woodbine Marine, Family Boats, Auckland Marine and Sports Marine have teamed up to present boats, engines and marine accessories over three days – Friday July 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th. The show runs from 10am – 5pm each day. Food & coffee carts will be available at all three sites. The Show also carries a $22,000 gate prize – a Quintrex 420 Busta with aluminium trailer, powered by a 30hp fuelinjected four-stroke Honda outboard. Other suppliers displaying product include Garmin, Fusion, Hunting & Fishing Botany, Raymarine, ENL, DMW Trailers, Icey Tek, BLA – Minn Kota,…

With 150 days to go, the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) says the 38th PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Auckland to Russell is on, starting from Devonport Wharf on Friday 23 October. Organisers are now accepting online entries for the 119nm challenge. “It’s refreshing to have something to look forward to after a bleak last few months, unsure of when we’d get back on the water and in what capacity,” says NZMYC commodore Greer Houston. “We’ve certainly noticed the pentup demand within our community and will do whatever we need to make this year another great one – on and off the water.” Last year was one of the event’s fastest. “Not only was a new race record set of 5hr 37s, but every boat that finished did…