Sea Blade has released details of its first fibreglass production model, the new SB21 Centre Console – due to be released at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in May. The new fibreglass Sea Blade is a joint project between Lancer Industries in New Zealand who will manufacture the vessels, with world acclaimed US Company Navatek providing the patented designs for this unique vessel range. Having previously been manufactured in aluminium form, the new range will be built in fibreglass, and will see the SB21 offered in three levels of specification; Standard, Elite and Prestige, all having varying levels of… Read More

Hutchwilco Limited has extended its sales and service agreement with Zodiac MilPro to distribute the company’s range of military and high-end specification rigid hull inflatable boats into the New Zealand market. The Zodiac name has been associated with innovation since 1899 and has evolved to become the world’s most known and respected manufacturers of RIBs and inflatable marine products. The Zodiac MilPro brand was established in 1990 to focus on the military and professional sectors with five dedicated production facilities in USA, Canada, Spain, UK, and Australia. In February 2013 Zodiac MilPro was acquired by Oaktree Capital in a move… Read More

Ocean Signal’s new rescueME Electronic Distress Flare is a super-bright, reusable hand-held signalling device that is suitable for use on craft of all sizes, including small runabouts, PWCs and kayaks. Powered by long-life replaceable batteries, the new rescueME Electronic Distress Flare (EDF1) is compact, waterproof to IP67 standard and very easy to operate. Unlike traditional pyrotechnic flares, the EDF1 uses advanced ultra-intensive LED lighting. This means it is very safe to use and can provide a constant light output for up to 6 hours at a time. Because the EDF1 is battery powered, it can be used multiple times and… Read More

Early registration for HYPD5, the High Performance Yacht Design conference set to take place in Auckland during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover has now closed. Attendees can visit the website to register online.     Organisers have announced the provisional programme for the conference and are delighted to have Burns Fallow from North Sails NZ confirmed as keynote speaker and Knut Frostad presenting a public lecture on the Volvo Ocean Race.   The venue will be central to the stopover hub and the boats and once again organisers expect to hold a range of exciting social events. HYPD5 will cover all topics… Read More

Aimed at streamlining the temporary import procedure for charter in New Zealand, the new process ensures chartering in New Zealand is easy and an attractive prospect for visiting superyachts.  A new process announced in New Zealand in time for the country’s cruising season significantly streamlines the process for superyachts chartering in New Zealand waters. The new procedure works with New Zealand’s existing TIE – temporary import entry – making provision for superyachts to charter, undertake private cruises and complete refit work within the Pacific nation. Charter work must make up less than 65% of the superyacht’s time within New Zealand… Read More

The New Zealand Millennium Cup, running from the 21 to the 23 of January, will have a dedicated onsite agent for the first time.  Experienced agent, Debbie Gribble, gained her experience as a long-term chief stew before coming ashore to lend her skill and expertise ensuring superyacht guests experience the best of New Zealand and the Pacific. Working as part of the lauded Diverse Projects team, in conjunction with OCEAN Independence, Gribble provides all-encompassing shore support with local knowledge and a global outlook.  She’ll be onsite at the Millennium Cup to answer any queries you have, from provisioning, to secret… Read More

Around 30 disadvantaged children and their caregivers enjoyed a stunning day out on the Waitemata Harbour in late November thanks to the generosity of The Red Boats charter boat company and Suburban Newspapers. The cruise, the brainchild of Red Boats’ owners Andrew and Dannielle Somers, aims to give children from disadvantaged homes a Xmas treat that would otherwise be impossible for them to enjoy. “Many of the children had never been on a boat before,” says Andrew Somers who, in addition to providing the boat and skippering it for the day, also arranged for refreshments for all of the children… Read More

Swap your old lifejackets for new ones with Coastguard.  With summer on our doorstep Coastguard is excited to announce the launch of its latest boating safety initiative. The ‘Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade’ campaign sees a van laden with brand new lifejackets visiting boat ramps around the greater Auckland region. Anyone who owns a lifejacket will be able upgrade their current one for a brand new fit for purpose lifejacket with a competitive trade in discount. The Old4New initiative with the tagline – ‘Wear a lifejacket. It never ruined a day on the water’ will commence Saturday 8 November at Half Moon Bay… Read More

Safer Boating Week ends Friday, and with the start of Labour weekend here, there’s no better time to check your boat is safe and prepared to get out on the water over summer. Coinciding with the Labour Weekend, new Auckland Council Navigation bylaws also come into effect from Saturday.  Friday marks the end of Safer Boating Week and with Labour Weekend nearly here, NZ Marine says there’s no better time to  check your boat is ready for a safe and enjoyable boating experience this summer. Now’s the time to ensure your engine’s serviced, your battery’s up to standard, and your… Read More

The first ever Safer Boating Week (17-24 October) puts the spotlight firmly on ensuring boaties walk the safety talk when they’re out on the water this summer, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) says. New research, commissioned by MNZ, shows the majority of New Zealanders have good safety attitudes but these don’t always translate into safe behaviour on the water. MNZ Deputy Director and National Pleasure Boat Safety Forum* Chair Lindsay Sturt says the Research New Zealand study showed a large gap between what people knew to be safe behaviour and how they actually behaved. “The research found 88% of all New… Read More