With Auckland’s three-step plan for easing COVID-19 restrictions underway, and school holidays in progress, Maritime NZ is expecting boaties to make the most of it. For a safe and enjoyable day out on the water, we are urging everyone to know the rules for Safer Boating and COVID-19. In Auckland, the changes mean that all types of recreational boating, both motorised and sailing, can now take place. However, all boating activities must be completed in one day and no one can cross the Auckland boundary to go boating for recreational purposes. For boaties planning a day trip with family or friends,… Read More

Island Cruising NZ are excited to launch their first ever South Island Rally, as well as plans for a Pacific Rally in 2022, and they have been overwhelmed by the response. The rallies provide a unique opportunity for marine businesses to promote their products to a group of people who are highly engaged and planning long coastal or offshore voyages. The rally will depart in December from Opua after Christmas and head South to Abel Tasman, Marlborough, Banks Peninsula, Stewart Island & Fiordland. There are options to do shorter legs too. Rally participants will receive assistance with getting prepared for… Read More

A full line-up of Menorquin semi-displacement vessels is confirmed for New Zealand delivery, beginning with a 34ft Hardtop sedan arriving late October 2021. Close on its heels is a 42ft Hardtop, landing in January 2022, followed by a 54ft Hardtop and the flagship 68ft Flybridge later in 2022. All models have achieved EU Recreational Craft Directive CATEGORY A OCEAN classification, only given to self-sufficient boats capable of extended voyages in winds of over gale Force 8 (40 knots-plus) and significant wave heights above four metres. Vessels must meet rigorous standards of stability, buoyancy, and good handling characteristics to qualify. Sasga… Read More

Maritime New Zealand this morning posted on their Facebook page a reminder about how the COVID-19 Alert Levels affect boating. It’s important that we all follow these rules so that we have a great chance of everyone getting back on the water as soon as possible! A COVID-19 update from Maritime NZ Auckland, Northland and Far North are at Alert Level 4 while the rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 3. Level 3 means that until further notice, all recreational water-based activities involving sailing boats, motorised craft or motorised equipment, is not permitted. Kayaking, canoeing, rowing, surfing, wind… Read More

Published with permission from Seahorse Magazine, featuring in August edition titled ‘A most robust pedigree’ by Ivor Wilkins. “It began with laying down one Kevlar thread at a time using a converted ballpoint pen… today things are a little different”. – Richard Bouzaid Twenty years ago, in an old-school Auckland sail loft, Doyle Sails’ Richard Bouzaid began experimenting with a new way of building sails utilising an adapted ballpoint pen to direct single fibres onto a substrate in line with the predicted loads. Above: early Doyle Stratis sails, like these on the legendary Whitbread maxi ketch Steinlager 2 were a… Read More

Surtees Boats are happy to announce a familiar face in the company as new General Manager – Mr Cliff Schick. Cliff started at Surtees Boats as young boy working his way up through all departments gaining expert knowledge in all areas of the business. Not only is Cliff an expert in all things ‘Surtees’ but he has developed an extensive network of contacts in the marine sector and is well-known for his expert knowledge and willingness to ‘get the job done’. Cliff Schick It was inevitable that Cliff would eventually take the helm at Surtees to lead a team of… Read More

Next year will see New Zealand host a world-first superyacht sport fishing competition in the Bay of Islands, showcasing one example of the adventure to be found on New Zealand shores. The fishing competition, held prior to the NZ Millennium Cup superyacht regatta, will be open to yachts over 24 metres with entry for up to five anglers per yacht. Entry to the regatta includes temporary membership to the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club. The club is the oldest game fishing club in New Zealand and second oldest in the world, and will be on-hand to provide expert guides, equipment… Read More

Lusty & Blundell Ltd, New Zealand’s largest distributor of leading-brand marine industry products and systems, is now owned by CEO Mark Milburn, qualified boat builder and experienced businessman Cameron Maher and L&B OEM sales manager Morgan Brodie. Founded in 1974 by marine industry stalwart Ken Lusty, Lusty and Blundell is renowned for providing premium products and practical solutions and proudly distributes many of the industry’s most iconic brands.* Mark Milburn, who becomes managing director, has been with L&B for more than 20 years, over 12 of those as CEO. Mark has a strong focus on both customer service and adding… Read More

The first stage of an extensive development at Orams Marine is complete, marking the culmination of a project years in the making. At an event held on Thursday evening overlooking the new 12,000 sqm hardstand, with the new 820 tonne and 85 tonne travel lifts backlit against Auckland city’s skyline, and superyachts providing a backdrop for proceedings, project stakeholders gathered for the occasion. Welcomed by Orams Marine CEO, Neven Barbour, the event began with an acknowledgement of the effort by many parties who had worked to bring the project to fruition. From the Orams Marine team, to their partners within Auckland… Read More

Lusty & Blundell, New Zealand’s largest distributor of world-leading marine products and systems, is about to undertake a comprehensive winter road show, highlighting the latest advances and innovations in marine technologies. The tour, which will initially target technical dealers and marine electricians, will showcase ground-breaking products such as the award-winning CTEK CS Free portable battery charger, Vesper Marine’s innovative Cortex VHF/monitoring/control system, lithium batteries, electric outboards and trolling motors, and the latest range of Raymarine marine electronics. The road show will also feature new marine camera technology from FLIR and the latest updates to Raymarine’s innovative LightHouse operating system. The… Read More