Boating NZ July 2021

Like most Kiwis, I’d be deeply saddened to see our defence of the 37th America’s Cup sailed in foreign waters. That scenario is not yet a confirmed reality as I write – but it seems increasingly likely given that the government and Team New Zealand are at least $100 million apart in their thinking. We might be the ones getting up at 3.00am to watch the racing – somewhere in Europe or the Middle East – and probably with blankets covering our knees. Bugger. And yet, I have to confess to a certain ambivalence about the entire saga. The pragmatist in me argues that the prospect of our magnificent men in their flying machine going offshore might not be completely disastrous. Consider the evidence. Yes, this year’s event – despite…

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With its September issue Boating NZ magazine will have a new editor – long-time Boating NZ editorial team member John Eichelsheim. John will take the reins from Lawrence Schäffler who has done such a wonderful job of curating Boating NZ since it transitioned to private ownership a little over five years ago. Under Lawrence’s care Boating NZ has tracked steadily upwards – in the breadth and quality of its content, the quality of presentation and sales. The magazine is much better for his time at the helm. Lawrence will take a couple of steps back so he can play more golf, but we can expect to enjoy his writing for many more years and John will continue working with him as a contributor. John is no stranger to magazine publishing…

Getting out on the water has become safer and easier with shared-use boating service ‘Skipperi’ launching into New Zealand. Originally established in Finland in 2017 (with 300 boats now in service throughout Scandinavia), Skipperi’s Westhaven operation began in June with a fleet of 15 Haines Hunter SF545 boats, each powered by a 115hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard. The concept is a first for New Zealand. “The Haines Hunter SF545 is the perfect match for exploring the Hauraki Gulf,” says Skipperi New Zealand CEO, Alexander Rosenthal. “The response has been exceptional and the first boats are already fully subscribed. The rest of the fleet will roll out over the coming months, ready for summer. “Skipperi is perfect for those who might not have the time or means to own a boat outright…

The team has been working with AFCryo, a Christchurch-based company involved with the design, development and manufacture of composite cryostats for the cryogenic and superconducting industries. ETNZ designers are working on a prototype hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat, to be built at the team’s North Shore build facility. Once launched and verified, and with the support of the Challenger of Record Ineos Team UK, it is possible that the Protocol for the 37th America’s Cup will contain a provision that all teams must use hydrogen-powered support boats. This would also apply to the 20+ event and race support boats which will have a considerable impact on the reduction of consumption of fossil fuels across the event. Says ETNZ CEO Grant Dalton: “We intend to drive the development curve of new and…

As part of its 150th celebrations the RNZYS has organised a 500nm offshore race – the Three Kings Race – starting at Westhaven on Thursday 18th November. It will only be open to 40 yachts, with up to 20 of those being short-handed with two skippers. The Race will be Cat 2 with Advanced Sea Survival and First Aid Certifications recommended. Race Director Scott Wilson says the event will pose many challenges, especially with the unpredictable November conditions. The race is supported of the Short-Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand (SSANZ) and will act as a lead-in to the SSANZ 2022 Northern Triangle and the 2023 Round North Island events. It could also be used to qualify for the RNI. Two-handed racing is growing in popularity due to its challenging…