Boating NZ June 2025

The standout story for me in this issue of Boating NZ must be John Macfarlane’s feature on the remarkable rescue and restoration of Kokoru, a storied 1960 Jack Morgan motor launch badly damaged in a marina fire in 2022. Kokoru had just undergone a two-year restoration and been relaunched weeks before the fire. For her new owners, the fire was devastating, and they couldn’t face rebuilding the badly charred classic yet again. Kokoru’s future was looking bleak, but what followed showed she was a lucky boat after all, and that – thankfully – there are people with the vision to see what’s possible and the dedication to turn possibilities into reality. One such person was Matthew Dudley, who bought the scorched and blackened launch from a boatbuilder experiencing second thoughts…

Step onboard Boating New Zealand to share thrilling maritime adventures, improve your knowledge of powerboats and yachts, feel the challenge of offshore voyages and be inspired by DIY projects in garages throughout the country. Plus, see the latest new boats from New Zealand and overseas – all brought to you by our talented pool of writers and photographers. CALL 0508 692628 FREEPHONE CHOOSE THE OPTION FOR YOU $ 110 for a 1-year subscription Save 28% off retail! $ 197 for a 2-year subscription Save 31% off retail! www.boatingnz.co.nz/subscribe/ WATCH BOAT REVIEWS AT WWW.BOATINGNZ.CO.NZ AND ON YOUTUBE…

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these submarines can dive to depths of 300 meters… U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels herald a new era of marine exploration and scientific discovery. These cutting-edge submersibles are not only offering guests an unparalleled glimpse into the deep but also serving as critical tools for oceanographic research. Viking and Seabourn have actively engaged in research initiatives using their onboard submarines, facilitating studies that contribute to environmental preservation and scientific advancement. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these submarines can dive to depths of 300 meters, granting scientists and conservationists unprecedented access to marine environments once beyond reach. Expeditions with U-Boat Worx’s subs have led to significant findings, including the documentation of the rare giant phantom jellyfish in Antarctica, the discovery of the…

SailGP has revealed a first look at its 2026 Season calendar, which features the return of iconic fan favourite locations, plus a first-time trip to Perth. The full 2026 season calendar will be released in full at a later date. Beginning in January 2026 and unfolding over the calendar year, the 2026 season will see SailGP race across five continents. Kicking off in Australia with a first-time event in Perth, the season will include an action-packed tour of North and South America, the league’s third visit to New York, a return to Halifax, and the Championship’s long-awaited and delayed debut in Rio de Janeiro. There will once again be an unforgettable European summer, with confirmed returns to Saint-Tropez and Portsmouth, before coming to a close with back-to-back events in the…

BENETEAU has announced an overhaul of its Gran Turismo range to create a new generation of luxury ‘Crossover Express Cruisers’ that better meets the evolving needs of its customers. The ambitious plans will see the launch of three new models in just six months: the Gran Turismo 35, the Gran Turismo 40 and the Gran Turismo 50. Built to be a modern entertainment platform with dynamic looks, the new Gran Turismo models blend performance and stylish comfort with high-end materials, connectivity, and the option for personalised touches and finishes. The long-term partnership between BENETEAU and Alpine, the high-end sports specialty brand, will also see limited-edition collaborations released across the new Gran Turismo range. www.beneteau.com…

Starling chief measurer Brian Peet’s family is synchronous with the Starling class. His father, John Peet, realising there was no suitable class for his teenage sons to move into after P class, commissioned Des Townson to design what was to become the new Starling class. One of the parameters was that it should be able to be built by amateurs. Brian’s brother David built a prototype, and in 1972 the first national championship was won by Barry Thom. The following year it was won by Brian, and he has been involved with the class ever since. Townson gifted the class to Glendowie Boating Club, which still maintains an oversight of the design. Brian’s GBC committee membership, including Commodore in 2006-8, meant he was always close to Starling matters. As a…