BREEZE Magazine May - June 2021

BREEZE Official Publication of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

SOUVENIR ISSUE CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSFUL DEFENCE OF THE 36TH AMERICA’S CUP

Issue No. 235 • May – June 2021

HOW SWEET IT IS

2 Breeze Magazine

omegawatches.com

MASTERS OF THE SEA Congratulations to Emirates Team New Zealand, who have successfully retained the oldest trophy in world sport. Worn on the wrists of the kiwi crew for the past 26 years, and serving as Official Timekeeper of the 36th America’s Cup, we are delighted to have witnessed another year of history being made at the pinnacle of match-racing competition. It takes innovation, precision and spirit to lift the “Auld Mug”, and our friends at ETNZ have mastered it all.

SEAMASTER DIVER 300M AMERICA’S CUP EDITION

4 Breeze Magazine

bavariayachts.com

ARRIVING SOON

Power 47 333333

C42

Passion made

BAVARIA C42 BAVARIA C38 BAVARIA C42 BAVARIA C45 BAVARIA C50 BAVARIA C57

C50

VIEW THE COMPLETE RANGE OF BAVARIA VESSELS AT www.busfieldmarine.co.nz FOR THE BOAT TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTY

103 WESTHAVEN DR, AUCKLAND 101 Ph: 09 376 4006 www.busfieldmarine.co.nz bavaria@busfieldmarine.co.nz 103 Westhaven Drive, Auckland 1011 – +64 (9) 376 4006 bavaria@busfieldmarine.co.nz – www.busfieldmarine.co.nz

ORDER NOW FOR SUMMER 2021/22

CONTENTS

Cover: Jubilation as Emirates Team New Zealand celebrate the 2021 defence of the America’s Cup. – Photo by Studio Borlenghi

EDITORIAL Please address all editorial correspondence to the Editor, Ivor Wilkins ivorw@xtra.co.nz Phone 09 425 7791 ADVERTISING inklink@xtra.co.nz Phone 09 378-1222.

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are purely those of the authors and are not necessarily the official view of the RNZYS, nor of the publishers.

PERMISSION Reproduction rights in part or in full of the contents of this publication must be applied for from the Editor.

DEADLINES For July – August 2021 Issue Editorial - 4 June Advertising booking - 4 June Advertising material due - 11 Junel Magazine posted - 18 June Layout and Typesetting by Ocean Press Ltd Printed by Soar Printing Registered as a magazine at the GPO, Wellington. ISSN 0113-7360

From the Commodore .........................................................................................................................................................5 From the CEO ...........................................................................................................................................................................6 Cruising Report ........................................................................................................................................................................8 Sailing Office Report ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 RNZYS Events ........................................................................................................................................................................14 Basking in the afterglow: the RNZYS marks a famous win ......................................................................... 16 Rugby mad sous chef Rodolfo stars at the RNZYS .........................................................................................18 Grace and Power on Display: Mastercard Superyacht Regatta ................................................................. 20 Hall of Fame Honour for the Voice of the America’s Cup .......................................................................... 24 Prada Cup capsize was more serious than first revealed .............................................................................32 How Sweet it is! The America’s Cup victory ........................................................................................................35 Some Match Highlights ...................................................................................................................................................... 43 Lodging the formal challenge, part of the Cup’s theatre ...............................................................................44 Emotions ride high with every tack & gybe ..........................................................................................................48 A must-have tale of high-latitude Arctic adventure ..........................................................................................52 The CBRE City of Sails Auckland Regatta ..............................................................................................................54 Staunch volunteers keep the wheels turning .......................................................................................................56 Going to sea to support the Team ............................................................................................................................. 60 Classic Yacht Association Journal ..................................................................................................................................62 Performance Programme Report ............................................................................................................................... 64 Mastercard Youth Training Programme Report ...................................................................................................65 Marine Scene.............................................................................................................................................................................66 Directory Ads............................................................................................................................................................................68 FLAG OFFICERS Commodore Aaron Young 021 747 470 Vice Commodore Andrew Aitken 027 579 4194 Rear Commodore Gillian Williams 021 540 896 BREEZE MAGAZINE Editor Ivor Wilkins 09 425 7791

ivorw@xtra.co.nz Assistant Editor Debra Douglas 0211 856 846

chaucer@xtra.co.nz Advertising Debbie Whiting 09 378 1222

inklink@xtra.co.nz

MANAGEMENT TEAM Chief Executive Officer Hayden Porter 09 360 6805 Membership Director Kim Bond 09 360 6804 Youth Coaching Reuben Corbett 09 360 6811 Sailing Director Laurie Jury 09 360 6809 Events Manager Catriona Stanton 09 360 6834 Quarterdeck Restaurant Reservations

09 360 6820 RNZYS Office Box 46-182, Herne Bay, Auckland 1147

09 360 6800

X-Yachts Award Winners An exciting model range X-40 European Yacht of the Year 2020 12m LOA and 3.81m Beam Award-winning build quality, design and comfort sets this yacht apart from the rest in her size. www.x-yachts.com Wayne (09) 376 6331 • 0274 502 654 • www.lauriecollins.co.nz

6 Breeze Magazine

GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT OF MAJOR PARTNERS

SUPPORTERS

MASTERCARD YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME SPONSORS

RNZYS PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME SPONSORS

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Accor Hotels

CBRE

Francis Travel Marketing

Ports of Auckland

Air New Zealand

Check Point

Franklin Smith

Propspeed

Antipodes

Clean Corp

Furuno/ENL

Samsung New Zealand

Argosy Property Limited

Crimson Education

GOfuel

Southern Spars

Argus Fire Protection

Compass Communications

Hikvision

Suncorp New Zealand

Asahi Beverages

Crombie Lockwood

Integrated Marine Group

Teak Construction

B&G

Datacom

JC McCall Plumbing

Team Turf

Bank of New Zealand

Edu Experts

Kennedy Point Marina

Thos Holdsworth & Sons

Barfoot & Thompson

36 Degrees Brokers

Martelli McKegg

VMG Clothing

Bellingham Wallace

Ecology New Zealand

Mercy Ascot

Vodafone

BEP Marine Ltd

Emirates

Milford Asset Management Westpac

Catalano Shipping Services

Ezi Car Rentals

Negociants

You Travel Mairangi Bay

Breeze Magazine 7

FROM THE COMMODORE Well, the Royal New ZealandYacht Squadron is still home to the America’s Cup, following a successful defence by our representative team, Emirates Team New Zealand. Firstly my sincere congratulations to the team, a huge effort over the last three and a half years. But we must also acknowledge Auckland city for the great summer we have had allowing us to celebrate our 150th year.

My thanks to so many volunteers throughout this period from club hosts; to the on-water course marshals, who committed so many 12-hour days to this event. The on-water Marshal Programme was led so ably

by Miranda Farr and Laurie Jury. Thanks also to our whole group of wonderful staff. In the club’s busiest time in history, the effort and commitment by every single person and led

by Hayden Porter has been exemplary. To the General Committee and fellow Flag Officers – a big thank you for your support.

We managed to complete the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta in time for the last lockdown, albeit only with three hours to spare, so we were very fortunate. What an amazing week – club buzzing every day and one of the best after-parties I have ever experienced in our club. Judging by the number of requests we have received, we may need to consider this event again next year!

Speaking with Sir Michael Fay recently, he reminded me that “the America’s Cup is not a normal regatta . . . it’s the America’s Cup.” I was truly honoured to co-host the recent America’s Cup Hall of Fame dinner with Bruno Troublé, where club Life Member PJ Montgomery MBE was inducted. The dinner doubled as the final formal act of AC36, so it was very fitting to have this amazing event in our ballroom.

With such a memorable summer now almost behind us, we look forward to what the next America’s Cup may bring. Before that, though, it is important for us as a club to acknowledge Prada and also their team and club, CVS. The disappointment on their faces at the prizegiving ceremony was clear to me, but I think they can hold their heads very high. They left our club taking away the Pell Trophy and Thomas Lipton Cup as the winning challenger.

I was on board Matteo De Nora’s Imagine for the last two days of AC36 in preparation for accepting a challenge for AC37 from the Royal Yacht Squadron in the UK. We had built a strong relationship with the group over recent months and thankfully all went to plan on that unforgettable Wednesday afternoon.

It was more relief for me after so many years working on AC36, mostly behind the scenes. Following Te Rehutai up the harbour on the chaseboat after the final race, with so many boats and people on the water, was something I won’t ever forget. Having been in Bermuda as Rear Commodore in 2017, that was simply great fun, but defending as the host club certainly had a different feeling to it.

The RNZYS America’s Cup committee continue to work together with ETNZ and the COR with what lies ahead. As I write this, it is early days, but the RNZYS will, as Trustee, fulfil all obligations and duties around the America’s Cup in accordance with the Deed of Gift.

We are contractually committed to ETNZ

as they are to us and the New Zealand Government has a 90-day exclusive negotiation period with the team. We must also understand that as a club we need our team to represent us, and commercially the world is now a different place than a few years ago.

Financially, the club continues to be strong with what I believe was our busiest day ever on March 17th. The North Lawn has also proved a summer success giving members another space to enjoy.

Operationally, the club continues to achieve our vision of being the world’s leading yacht club. In the first three months of our 150th year, I am sure members will agree with me that we are well on our way to accomplishing this vision.

As part of our 150th year, the inaugural Barfoot and Thompson Bridge to Bean Race should also be a spectacle on Saturday April 17, after being postponed. If you, or anyone you know, has a sailing dinghy, we would love to see you involved in our “Round the Bays” on the water. We still have the 36 Degrees Brokers Squadron Picnic, the Easter Rally and winter sailing, or cruising to look forward to.

It has been an amazing summer culminating in an America’s Cup victory we have been so fortunate to be part of in Auckland. See you back out on the water soon.

Aaron Young Commodore

Thinking of selling your boat?

As a result of a big sales year, we continually require new listings. Our sales team has a great record of success and is standing by to provide professional and attentive service in marketing your vessel.

Wayne (09) 376 6331 • 0274 502 654 • www.lauriecollins.co.nz

8 Breeze Magazine

FROM THE CEO

“The America’s Cup is once again New Zealand’s Cup” – the famous words of Peter ‘PJ’ Montgomery summed up once again an end to a historic period in the club’s history where Emirates Team New Zealand successfully defended the ‘Auld Mug’ and ensured it is safely locked up in the RNZYS trophy cabinet for another few years. ETNZ did us all proud again!

Forty eight hours after the Cup was defended and initial celebrations were a fuzzy memory for most, a fitting end to the official part of the regatta was PJ being inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame held at the RNZYS. What a great way to finish with a tribute to a man who has given so much to the RNZYS and the America’s Cup over the years.

It hasn’t been easy, that is for sure. Many moving parts for the club to deliver the aspects we needed to deliver for the team, for other members and also the event. Balancing that with our business as usual, a couple of lockdowns and always looking forward has been a challenge for all. But we nailed it!

A special thanks to Commodore Aaron Young and General Committee member Richard Wingfield who put in countless hours to help deliver these club responsibilities. There are too many people to thank specifically, but all of the staff performed exceptionally well, with double shifts and seven-day weeks becoming the norm for several months. We also had a huge number of volunteers helping at the club to ensure extra support across all departments

and this was greatly appreciated. On-water we had about 130 volunteers organising the courses daily. The club provided HQ space for them and fed and watered them daily at the start and finish of the day. A special thanks to Bennett and Jodi Medary for providing their launch as the on-water HQ for the ACE team – a fantastic contribution to the event.

Personally, I didn’t see the final race or the celebrations that followed on TV until the evening after on the YouTube Channel. The club had been abuzz with 1000+ people on site, the bars pumping and the dancefloor in full flight.

The team at the Squadron delivered an afterparty that set a few records.

In our club environment things don’t sit still for very long and to be fair we won’t get a chance to grab a breath until the end of summer. We went straight into the major CBRE City of Sails Auckland Regatta, normal seven-days-a-week summer club racing and training, the Members’ AC party, 36 Degrees Brokers Squadron Picnic, fishing competitions and planning a full winter of 150th social events for members to enjoy.

What a contrast to the same time last year when we were seriously concerned about the

club’s future with the COVID lockdowns.

Our forward focus is on continuing to make our club better. Membership growth and retention remain a focus, improving our systems, engaging with members and a winter spotlight on Kawau infrastructure improvements, as well as rolling out our tree planting programme.

The annual subscriptions will be sent out very soon and included this year is an optional donation to receive a beautifully-presented and written coffee table book about the 150year history of the RNZYS. This is not only a celebration of the last 150 years, but also a permanent record of the moment in time that we have all enjoyed over the last few months with the last chapter dedicated to this period.

All current members will also be listed in this book, so you will go down in our history. The books will arrive towards the end of the year, so we urge you to take up this option.

So be proud of your club, what has been achieved and what will be achieved going forward. We certainly could not do it without your support and dedication to the ‘leading yacht club in world’. We got there!

See you out there! Hayden Porter, CEO

We would like to acknowledge Wayne Baston of Laurie Collins brokers for his sponsorship of a TV set for the Members’ Bar deck. It was a popular feature during the summer of America’s Cup racing and will continue to be a great asset for members going forward.

Beale 38 Cruiser/Racer A performance cruiser with accommodations for 8 in 3 doubles and 2 singles.

Volvo 40hp cruises at 7.25 knots.

Wayne 0274 502 654 • wayne@lcw.co.nz • www.lauriecollins.co.nz

Breeze Magazine 9

Let your instincts follow you.

The Audi A4 Avant Everyday driving doesn’t just have to be routine, so your vehicle needs to be as changeable as the directions you take. Which is why the versatile Audi A4 Avant was designed to make ‘adaptable’ predictable. Melding intuitive handling with innovative driver assistance technology, this vehicle is the sure path for when you’re unsure of the road ahead.

Contact us to book a test drive Giltrap Audi 150 Great North Road, Grey Lynn Auckland (09) 336 5250

5 year Warranty | 3 year Motoring Plan | 5 year Roadside Assist

giltrapaudi.co.nz

10 Breeze Magazine

PIC Insurance Cruising and Motor Yacht Series ‘Best Kept Secret of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’

Cruising Rally 5 After all the hype and excitement of the 36th America’s Cup, our cruising members were keen to be back on the water “doing it, rather than watching it”. The forecast was for light easterlies with fine weather… perfect conditions, or was it?

Frank & Barbara Young on Asmara along with their grandson and his mate filled the Race Management start/finish roles with calm and experience so that when the light winds became even lighter, a shortened course was signalled off Brown’s Island beacon.

Over such a short distance it was interesting to see how spread out the varied fleet had become. Terminator (John Faire) crossed the line first, after 90 minutes, while the smallest (but not slowest!) Pink Cadillac (Basil Orr) took just under three hours. Our original destination of Rocky Bay was still one hour away by motor and time was ticking away for the gathering ashore. This was important because we were to welcome our new sponsor PIC Insurance.

It was agreed to proceed to Calypso Bay

A serenade all about the America’s Cup went down a treat.

Titles have now issued

Lot 13 SOLD I Lot 20 SOLD I Lot 21 SOLD I Lot 22 SOLD

Stunning Island Real Estate Private, unique and nestled in outstanding beauty, Wawata Estate is no ordinary piece of land. Inside this high-end gated estate with sweeping 180° views are just 25 prime north-facing sites spaced throughout 94 acres of native parkland, ensuring a Wawata address will be a sign of unrivalled prestige. Each resident will enjoy all the benefits of superior amenities and a curated natural habitat that such a no-expensespared development entails. Wawata is the ultimate canvas for you to build a prestigious personal estate that will increase in value for generations to come.

Engage your architect to plan your next home and realise your dreams.

Call for a private tour of the Estate before someone else snaps up your spot. Alternatively, the gates are currently open if you prefer to meander around at your leisure. Access via 306 Sea View Road.

Call Matthew Smith 0800 119 668 or visit wawataestate.co.nz Waiheke Real Estate Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

12 Breeze Magazine on the south end of Motuihe where the white sandy beach contrasted with the blue water and sky, looking very picturesque. Ashore, PIC Insurance Marine Team was introduced and thanked, represented by Chloe Cheval who sailed on Bird on the Wing. She was joined by the owner Daniel Garner and his family arriving in a Riviera launch.

Acknowledgement to our two Flag Officers present: Vice Commodore Andrew Aitken, who crewed on Elusive lll, and Chairman of the House Garry Scarborough, who sailed his yacht Equilibrio. Frank manned the BBQ during the prizegiving also attended by a replica America’s Cup. While most had their backs to the sea, a 180° wind shift with increased strength from the southeast caused some to exit quickly to their boats. In the meantime, we were entertained by a visitor onboard Nikitoo, who sang his AC song to everybody’s enjoyment.

As the tide was still dropping, and we were now on a lee shore, a few more hurried back to their boats. As the bay emptied to the vagaries of the Waitemata, the camaraderie of boaties helping boaties was welcomed.

Above: Members of the PIC family enjoying beachside refreshments while not-the-America’s Cup (below) took centre stage.

Results: 1st Line: Terminator – John Faire.

H’cap: 1st Terminator; 2nd Elusive lll – Ross McKee; 3rd Eleanor – Steve Callagher.

• Remember to join us for the end of season Rally 6 on April 17 and call in to Motuihe Is on the way home on Sunday April 18 for the Annual Squadron Picnic.

By Sheryl Lanigan

GREENHITHE | 11 AWATAHI PLACE Shimmering Waters In 1984 our owners came ashore from sailing around the world and commissioned an architect to design them a magnificent 4-bedroom family home. Natural timber finishes and Canadian cedar cladding with rimu sarking and kauri balustrades compliment and blend perfectly with the surrounding environment. The sun streams into the multiple open plan living areas and a cozy central brick fireplace with a wetback system keeps the family warm in winter. Complete with established tropical garden courtyards and set on around 1270sqm of freehold land adjoining the coastal reserve.

PREMIUM.CO.NZ/80103 VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT AUCTION | ON SITE SUN 25 APRIL 2021 AT 4 PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR

CHRIS BARKER 027 44 88 020 ChrisBarker@premium.co.nz TAKAPUNA +64 9 916 6000

PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD LICENSED REA 2008

premium.co.nz | Fine Homes | Fine Apartments | Fine Lifestyles

Breeze Magazine 13

Catalyst 45

T2 Artefact

SYA 4

PERFECTLY CRAFTED CUSTOM YACHT TENDERS For discerning superyacht owners seeking ultimate quality in custom tenders. And now the proud builders of the Catalyst 45.

lloydstevensonyachts.co.nz | 09 2747680 luke@lsb.co.nz – 021 382552

14 Breeze Magazine

From the Sailing Office Done and dusted, well almost anyway. What a great summer we have had. The weather really played ball and the critical decision of running the America’s Cup start later in the afternoon really played out well, with only one day lost to weather.

The Royal NZ Yacht Squadron hosted the course marshal team for the America’s Cup. This consisted of 130+ volunteers. The vessels used were 12 brand new 8m Protectors, which were built for this purpose and are now being donated to the Coastguard. The RNZYS fleet of four Smuggler Ribs, John Street’s personal 5.5m Avon (which was actually a marshal vessel for the 2003 America’s Cup) and eight members’ yachts anchored at the corners of the course boundaries were all deployed as well. This was a massive undertaking and a very important part of running this fantastic event, especially with the number of spectator vessels on the water.

Club racing has continued to run in the background around the America’s Cup events.

We had our first ever New Year’s Eve Race to Kawau and the RNZYS Great Barrier Cruise, both successful events. Weeknight racing is being well attended, with only a few nights

being postponed or cancelled due to AC clashes and Covid lockdowns. The weather has been kind and there has still been plenty of racing.

The RNZYS ran the Starling Match Racing National Championships in January which was a great event and perfect way to introduce young dinghy sailors to the club and recruit them into the Mastercard Youth Training Programme. Well done to Jack Mannering on the win!

36 Degrees Brokers Squadron Weekend was once again well attended. It was a long night on the committee vessel waiting for the last couple of boats to finish – one of which eventually required a tow to their mooring after their engine wouldn’t start.

RNZYS ran the first Mastercard Superyacht Regatta at the end of February, which was a huge success. The entry numbers were down due to immigration restrictions, but with seven boats there was some great racing and fantastic after-match functions. We managed to get the event in by the skin of our teeth with a Covid lockdown announced during the prize giving and coming into effect the next day.

Due to this lockdown we have had to reschedule both the Bridge to Bean Rock

dinghy race to the 17th April and the Harken Schools Keelboat Nationals to 7-9th May.These events both have big entry lists with 170 in the B2B and 18 teams (72 sailors) in the Harken Schools regatta.

As of writing this, we are about to start the Auckland Regatta. We have a great fleet of 40s with 11 boats lining up, which should provide some great racing. There is also a big sports boat division, which has always been well supported. The other divisions have not been well attended, but for the first year we have also got a passage division, which we hope to see grow in the future.

On a personal note, I have been out racing the Etchells again and, after two years, finally won my first event at the Auckland Champs. I cannot believe how high the standard of racing is in this fleet and how helpful and welcoming all the sailors have been – a big thank you to Charles Maud for lending us his boat.

Unfortunately for us, Rochelle Seagar, who has been our dedicated Race Manager for the past several years, is moving to enjoy the sunny beach life in Tauranga. Her enthusiasm and passion for the role will be sorely missed.

Laurie Jury, RNZYS Sailing Director

The Mastercard Superyacht Regatta was one of the highlights of a very busy summer in Auckland. – Jeff Brown photo

Breeze Magazine 15

Power Power -- Performance Performance -- Style Style Power - Performance - Style

Powered by ORION Setting the standard in Innovation

DB729

34

FOLLOW OUR STORY FOLLOW OUR STORY @SMUGGLERMARINE Boating New Zealand @SMUGGLERMARINE

INFO@SMUGGLER.CO.NZ INFO@SMUGGLER.CO.NZ

+64 9 838 9024 +64 9 838 9024

SMUGGLER.CO.NZ SMUGGLER.CO.NZ

FOLLOW OUR STORY @SMUGGLERMARINE

INFO@SMUGGLER.CO.NZ

+64 9 838 9024

SMUGGLER.CO.NZ

16 Breeze Magazine

S O C I A L & S A I L I N G E V E N T D AT E S A P R I L - M AY 2 0 2 1

COLIN FORBES EASTER R A L LY

36 DEGREES BROKERS H AY S TA C K R A C E

COAST NZ E TCH E LL S N AT I O N A L C H A M P S

A B D C L A S S I C YA C H T R E G AT TA

2 - 4 April

10 April

10 - 11 April

10 - 11 April

H A R K E N YO U N G 8 8 N AT I O N A L C H A M P S

BARFOOT & THOMPSON BRIDGE TO BEAN

36 DEGREES BROKERS SQUADRON PICNIC

A N Z A C D AY S E R V I C E

17 - 18 April

17 April

18 April

BARFOOT & THOMPSON N Z W O M E N ’ S K E E L B O AT N AT I O N A L C H A M P S

D OY L E SA I L S WINTER SERIES

THELAND NZ OPEN K E E L B O AT N AT I O N A L CHAMPS

1 - 2 May

Fortnightly Saturdays from 8 May

15 - 16 May

MORE INFO ON OUR WEBSITE W W W. R N Z YS . O R G . N Z

25 April

ANN UAL SQUADRON PRIZEGIVING 29 May

Breeze Magazine 17

SHE’S BEAUTIFUL BUT SHALLOW

(IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY!) Introducing the highly agile GB54 Looks can deceive. Clearly, the GB54 carries herself with the stately beauty you’d expect from a new cruiser in the Grand Banks range.

But she has hidden assets! Beneath the waterline, she draws only 4ft. In the shallows, you’ll find she displays a comfort and maneuverability that is the envy of her class.

Come take a virtual tour and a closer look at grandbanks.com

GB54

GB60

GB85

EB44

CRUISING SPEED 25 kts RANGE 1,170 NM / 10kts

18 Breeze Magazine

What do you do when you win the America’s Cup? Throw a party of course! Hundreds of RNZYS members as well as America’s Cup course marshal volunteers and members of Emirates Team New Zealand enjoyed a superb night at the RNZYS on Saturday 27th March to celebrate the successful defence of the 36th America’s Cup. The ‘Auld Mug’ herself was there to enjoy the festivities out of the confines of her high security case, with people lining up to get a special picture with the oldest sporting trophy in the world. The champagne and beer were flowing all evening as guests celebrated and danced to brilliant live music in the ballroom. One of the highlights was when ETNZ’s own Tony Rae and Ray Davies joined the band to belt out a few classics, including a brilliant rendition of the Beatles hit Come Together.

Photos bySuellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

Basking in the afterglow at RNZYS

Breeze Magazine 19

Celebrating a great summer for the RNZYS! Official Sponsor of

20 Breeze Magazine

Rugby mad Sous Chef Rodolfo stars at RNZYS Story & picture by Debra Douglas Up to 1500 plates later and the Squadron kitchen team could call it a day.

Until the next day. The America’s Cup race days were frantic, relentless and uncertain. A bit like yacht racing.

“We never knew how many guests we would have, “ said Sous Chef Rodolfo Miramontes. “What was unique here at the Squadron was that we were catering for breakfast, all the way through to dinner, as well as on-the-water hosting. All that involved a whole lot of planning and storage. We always had to have a Plan B.” Rodolfo hails from Chihuahua, the “wild west” of Mexico. As a youngster he says he found comfort in TV cooking shows, rather than watching cartoons.

“Food culture in Mexico is huge. I was always surrounded by nice product. My father is a very accomplished cook and of course, as is tradition, I watched my grandmothers making tortillas from scratch.”

Rodolfo started his cooking career demonstrating in supermarkets to pay his college fees. He went on to travel and work in clubs and fine dining restaurants in the United States and Canada. But he says the biggest influence on his career was spending three years at a large Mexican winery, where he honed his knowledge of wine and hospitality management skills.

“The spark for New Zealand happened when I played rugby in my teens. I got to know the All Blacks and New Zealand. I Googled pictures and I was astounded by the beauty of the country. I always told people: One day I am going to live there.

“That day happened when I was back in Mexico. Squadron Executive Chef Jean Brito got in touch to tell me New Zealand was on the lookout for chefs. Two months later I was here.”

Rodolfo worked in Auckland first at the Langham Hotel and then Ostro Restaurant in the city. He joined the Squadron in 2018.

Rodolfo doesn’t know a lot about sailing – “I come from a desert remember” – but he is keen to learn. He also needs time to train for his rugby (lock or prop) ambitions. In the meantime, however, Rodolfo is appreciating a quieter time at the Club, while crediting his team for doing great job during the busy period.

“We always say, ‘Let’s go, let’s make it happen’. And we did.”

“He did such an amazing job during the Mastercard Super Yacht Regatta and all the America’s Cup related events,” says Executive Chef Jean Brito. “He has been my right hand all this time and without him a lot of the events would not have been possible.”

558 Rosebank Road, Avondale P

09 3691880

E

sales@systemscommercial.com

W

www.systemscommercial.com

OFFICE FITOUT ● FREE MEASURE & QUOTE ● LOCALLY MADE

Congratulations to Emirates Team New Zealand on a fantastic effort!

Breeze Magazine 21

22 Breeze Magazine

Ocean giants engaged in close racing on the Hauraki Gulf during the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta.

Grace and power on display

Words by Andrew Delves Photos by Jeff Brown One of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s major highlights of our 150th celebration calendar was the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta held in late February, and it didn’t disappoint.

To hold the first superyacht regatta in the world for over a year was a massive confidence boost for the superyacht industry here and around the world, and a great show of resilience by the RNZYS, and New Zealand.

With exceptional off-water events planned each evening, it was a blessing when the government announced that Auckland would move to Covid Level One the evening before kickoff – meaning we could proceed with the event we had been planning for more than three years in its entirety.

Seven superyachts were entered and lined up for four days of sailing: Tawera, Sassafras, Aschanti IV, Silvertip, Catalina, Miss Silver and Whirlwind. Not only were the yachts a sight to behold, but the City of Sails turned on exquisite conditions throughout, beautifully showcasing the backdrop of the Hauraki Gulf, it’s idyllic

surrounding Islands, the North Shore’s beaches and the Auckland cityscape.

Six races were sailed across the four days, all off the East Coast, between North Head and Long Bay. Race Officer Harold Bennett set perfect courses to put these sailing monsters through their paces.

New Zealand-built Tawera took an early lead after Auckland Unlimited Race Day One,

notching up a spectacular win in the first race of the day followed by a second-place finish behind Whirlwind in the final race of the day.

The 33m racing machine Silvertip came to the fore on BOAT International Race Day Two, securing a win in what was a long, light wind tactical battle to the finish line. As was the case with every race in this regatta, the speedy Silvertip crossed the line first, but with

Breeze Magazine 23

Customer focused values.

World-class capability.

The right solutions to help you navigate, wherever you are on your journey.

www.datacom.com

24 Breeze Magazine

an 11-minute margin to the next finisher, also claimed their first handicap win in “quite a few years”, with captain Tom Kinver singing the praises of their brand-new code zero.

Doyle Sails Race Day Three saw Mike Mahoney’s Tawera place a strong grip on the regatta trophy, replicating the first day with a first and second place finish.

The first race was a beauty, especially the magnificent final run to the finish as the wind filled out and kites were hoisted, providing a great sight for the spectators on the water and the helicopter collecting imagery from the air.

Another highlight of this race was the largest yacht in the regatta, the 44m Catalina, clinching a podium spot. The last race of the day saw fortunes flip, with Silvertip – last in the first race – claim a second win of the regatta.

Top: The superyacht fleet racing against the stunning backdrop of the Hauraki Gulf.

Above: RNZYS member Mike Mahoney’s Tawera was overall winner of the regatta.

Competitors were greeted by a glamour day on Barfoot & Thompson Race Day Four,

19 Selby Square – St Mary’s Bay: sold under the hammer for $4.6 million

SOLD

the final day of the regatta. Consisting of 16.5 nautical miles, the final race had it all with plenty

ASHLEY TAIT

AREINZ

YOUR LOCAL TRUSTED ACHIEVER

021 325 009 ı a.tait@barfoot.co.nz ı barfoot.co.nz/a.tait As a result of successful recent campaigns, I have met hundreds of buyers looking to buy property in our area.

I am currently offering obligation-free market appraisals which provide instant information to assess your property value, or to simply keep you abreast of the current market.

Call me today to arrange your one either in person, or virtually.

of tight crosses, lead and sail changes, as well as many hard-fought battles right to the finish line. Silvertip made it a hat trick of wins for the event, but it was the crew on Tawera who took home the overall spoils, finishing off their regatta with a second-place finish. They never slipped outside the top two in any of the races all week.

Tawera owner Mike Mahoney was a happy man at the final prizegiving celebration.

“Unbelievable, given the climate we are operating under now, it shouldn’t have happened, but thanks to the Squadron, getting this regatta underway was just unbelievable.

Everyone’s had a wonderful time, the races were fantastic, the courses were brilliant, and we are really happy to come out with a good result,” he said.

Catalina captain Sean Whitney summed up the regatta perfectly, describing exactly what we wanted to achieve with this world class event: “It was the best experience for us because we could engage with people, have fun, and get so much enjoyment out of being in a country like New Zealand. The sailing was fantastic, and we had a really spectacular time.”

This event wasn’t just about the on-water racing, with the team at the Squadron putting in an unbelievable effort with social events each evening. From the amazing opening event showcasing local food, beverage and culture, to the daily prizegiving’s each night in the Mastercard Dinghy Locker Bar, and finishing with an incredible final prizegiving party on the Saturday evening, a great time was had by all.

Mastercard Superyacht Regatta results: 1st, Tawera; 2nd, Miss Silver, 3rd, Silvertip; 4th, Whirlwind; 5th, Sassafras; 6th, Catalina; 7th, Aschanti IV.

15 Islington St – Ponsonby

SOLD

Fun times for the motoryacht brigade

Day One of the Mastercard Motoryacht Challenge took the fleet from Auckland, to Kawau Island, and finished at Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke Island.The day included a sprint race on the way to Kawau, a native tree planting relay and foiling bike challenge at Lidgard House. The fleet finished at Man O’ War Bay, where fun activities including a Kiwi Kai challenge, saltwater golf course with fish food golf balls, wine tasting, quiz and a beach BBQ. The second and final day took the fleet on a cruise to Islington Bay, where the participants took on a guided relay to the top of our dormant volcano Rangitoto Island. This was another superb RNZYS 150 event showcasing the best of the Hauraki Gulf, NZ food and beverage, as well as some fun challenges and activities.

533 Richmond Rd – Grey Lynn

SOLD

ASHLEY TAIT

AREINZ

YOUR LOCAL TRUSTED ACHIEVER

021 325 009 ı a.tait@barfoot.co.nz ı barfoot.co.nz/a.tait Over $200 million in sales and counting…

‘Ashley is helpful, open and easy to communicate with. He also over-delivers on his promises. He has an excellent work ethic and puts an exceptional amount of effort into the work he does. We will definitely be using Ashley in any future property sales or purchases that we do in the area.’ — Clare & Steve, St Marys Bay

Photos: Georgia Schofield / Live Sail Die

Breeze Magazine 25

26 Breeze Magazine Right: PJ Montgomery addressing the America’s Cup Hall of Fame dinner.

Below: The Montgomery family, from left Johnny, Kate, Peter and Claudia.

Hall of Fame Honour for Voice of the America’s Cup

By Ivor Wilkins At a glittering dinner attended by some of the leading lights of the America’s Cup, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron played host to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, which saw Life Member Peter Montgomery, and Ed Baird of the USA inducted to its roll of honour.

The event came two days after Emirates Team New Zealand’s epic defence of the America’s Cup under the Squadron burgee, which drew worldwide attention and admiration.

Members from all four teams involved in the Prada Cup and America’s Cup attended, including Ineos Team UK backer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Robert “Bertie” Bickett, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron, Challenger of Record for the 37th America’s Cup. Welcoming guests, RNZYS Commodore Aaron Young, congratulated Montgomery and Baird, whom he described as “true greats” of our sport. “Their contributions to the success of the America’s Cup are all part of the magical story that has evolved over the 170 years of its history.”

Breeze Magazine 27

We build more than New Zealand’s finest bespoke motor yachts.

We create your Whitehaven.

wmy.com.au/6100

6000FLYBRIDGE

7000FLYBRIDGE

7500SPORTSYACHT

8000SPORTSYACHT

6000COUPÉ

6100COUPÉ

LAURIE COLLINS MARINE Auckland, New Zealand. Phone +64 9-376 6331 www.lauriecollins.co.nz

6000SUNBRIDGE

HARBOURCLASSIC40

28 Breeze Magazine In a salute to PJ Montgomery, universally known as “the Voice of the America’s Cup”, Commodore Young said: “His contribution has engaged the sailing and non-sailing public worldwide for so many decades and we are extremely proud of his achievements.”

Montgomery’s daughter, Kate, made a moving introduction, describing her father’s love of the Cup and dedication to his broadcasting craft. She spoke of how Montgomery’s unique ability to paint word pictures and find the right words for the right moment had delighted sailing fans for more than four decades.

The Hall of Fame citation said Montgomery’s “distinctive delivery and riveting commentary” captured, entertained and informed audiences, making him an instantly recognisable and popular figure in the America’s Cup. “Without his enthusiasm and strong support of sailing, it is doubtful New Zealand would have entered the international world of sailing in the way that it did in the latter part of the 20th century,” it added.

Accepting the honour, Montgomery described how he had first attended the America’s Cup at Newport, Rhode Island in 1980. At that time he thought New Zealand had as much chance of putting a man on the moon as competing in the America’s Cup. The 2021 Cup series in Auckland was the 13th he had covered as a broadcaster. “The

Sir Michael Fay, who, with David Richwhite, led New Zealand into the America’s Cup arean in 1987. stunning achievement of a couple of days ago has had many shakers and movers in the chain over the past 30 years,” he said. “Emirates Team New Zealand and the RNZYS have become the first team and the first yacht club to challenge and defend the America’s Cup twice,” he noted to loud applause.

“Without the foundation laid by Sir Michael Fay and David Richwhite, none of this could have happened,” he added.

Sir Michael said when he and Richwhite embarked on New Zealand’s first America’s Cup challenge in Fremantle in 1986, they had a vision of what could be done if they were successful.

“We did not succeed, but we were very, very close. We are the smallest country ever to challenge for the America’s Cup and we have been the most influential factor since. What we have seen in this most recent America’s Cup in Auckland, you could never have dreamed of back then,” he said.

Because of Covid-related travel restrictions, Ed Baird was unable to attend the ceremony.

Speaking from Florida, USA, he spoke of his close connections with New Zealand and his gratitude to the RNZYS, which gave him his first break into international match racing with a wild card invitation to compete at the 1991 Steinlager Cup. He was an unranked skipper at the time, but with three Kiwi sailors in his crew, scored an upset win at the regatta and launched his career.

He was subsequently recruited by Russell Coutts as a trial horse helmsman and sailing coach for the successful 1995 America’s Cup challenge and sailed as skipper for the New

Breeze Magazine 29

DISCOVER MORE WITH THE NEW 460SX The new Integrity 460SX is the latest addition to the popular Integrity SX range. With an inspired interior and re-imagined accommodation layout she will surprise and delight with a significantly larger volume than her 46-feet suggests. Whilst maintaining the core Integrity DNA of spacious entertainers’ zones, covered cockpit, side walkways for easy access and reliable, economical displacement cruising the new 460SX offers owners a range of engine options based on the single, shaft-driven configuration. The new 460SX blends the timeless appeal of a traditional trawler with all the features required for modern family life aboard.

View the new 460SX today and see why you will discover more with Integrity.

www.integrityboats.com.au/460SX

LAURIE COLLINS MARINE Auckland, New Zealand. Phone +64 9-376 6331 www.lauriecollins.co.nz

380SXFLYBRIDGE

460SXFLYBRIDGE

510SXFLYBRIDGE

30 Breeze Magazine York Yacht Club’s Young America team in the 2000 regatta in Auckland, where their boat broke in heavy north-easterly conditions on the Hauraki Gulf.

For the 2003 Cup series, Baird worked alongside PJ Mongomery on the broadcast team. In 2007, Brad Butterworth was skipper of Ernesto Bertarelli’s Swiss Alinghi crew and appointed Baird to helm in their successful defence of the Cup. During his three months in New Zealand for the 36th America’s Cup, Sir Jim Ratcliffe travelled the country from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island.

“One feature of people in New Zealand is their can-do attitude,” he said, “which is maybe why you are so good at sailing.”

He had enjoyed meeting members of Emirates Team New Zealand, whom he described as “the All Blacks of the sea”.

New Zealand’s sailing dominance over the past 30 years was “hugely impressive for a nation of five million people”, he said. “But,” he added, “that isn’t to say I think you are unbeatable.”

Just two days after the conclusion of the 36th America’s Cup, the first shots of the 37th had been fired.

Photos by Gilles Martin-Raget and Studio Borlenghi

2

1/ Ineos Team UK chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe fires the first shots of the next Cup. 2/ Hall of Fame inductee, Ed Baird. 3/ Master of Ceremonies, Bruno Troublé. 4/ Bertie Bickett of Royal Yacht Squadron presents RNZYS Commodore Aaron Young with a gift.

1

4

3

Vanquish VQ40

Dutch build quality @ 65+ knots.

........Not for everyone.

bakewell-white yacht design ltd. info@bakewell-white.com Ph. +64 21 946 553

Breeze Magazine 31

32 Breeze Magazine

Among the Hall of Fame Guests . . .

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/

Chris Cooney and Nicola Gower-James.

From left, Carlo Borlenghi, Martin and Claudia Tasker.

Lorraine and John Street Sue and Benedikt Horber.

Sherri Caraccia and Alejandra Saiz Roch.

From left, Ian Taylor, Gloria and Alec Hawke Kelly Miles and Rear Commodore Gillian Williams.

Pictures by Debra Douglas

4

1

5

2

6

3

7

Breeze Magazine 33

Bespoke banking to grow your wealth BNZ’s Private Bank can create a tailored wealth solution for you and your family through financial planning, investment expertise, foreign exchange solutions, exclusive lending, and banking packages.

Our dedicated team is here to help you bring your financial goals to life.

Call BNZ Private Bank today on 0800 477 077

34 Breeze Magazine

Prada Cup capsize was more serious than first revealed

By Ivor Wilkins In the immediate aftermath of American Magic’s spectacular Prada Cup capsize, the first reaction was one of relief that nobody was injured, followed by celebration at the way the America’s Cup community and emergency responders leaped to assist the stricken team back to safety.

What did not emerge in the drama of the recovery operation was that skipper Terry Hutchinson had been trapped underwater as the boat rapidly took on water through the large impact hole in the hull.

Two of his crewmates dived down to cut him free as he struggled for air.

Hutchinson was harnessed into his grinding position on the immersed port side of the yacht. “When I did not manage to release the harness clips on my first attempt, I went for my knife,” he says. “I managed to cut through the strap on the windward side, but I could not get to the leeward strap. I was in a seriously compromised situation.”

Once everybody else swam free of the boat, two grinders, Maciel Cicchette and Cooper Dressler realised Hutchinson was in trouble. Cicchette pushed Hutchinson up from underneath, releasing the pressure on the strap to enable Dressler to cut through the lashing.

“I don’t know how long I was under the water,” Hutchinson says, “but it felt like an eternity. My mistake was not to go for my air cylinder first (all the Cup sailors are equipped with small personal oxygen cylinders for these emergencies).

“I got the sequencing wrong. We had been

trained that if this situation arose, you always go for the air first and the knife second.

“The first time you miss an opportunity to get air in your lungs and get water instead, it is unnerving,” says Hutchinson. Even in the retelling weeks after the event, the obvious understatement does nothing to conceal how shocking the experience was.

“I am very glad it was me,” he adds. “I felt a big responsibility to the crew and would not have wanted anybody else to go through that.”

Hutchinson did not require medical attention and was quickly back at the heart of the recovery operation. “Once I got the water out of my system, I was back swimming around trying to grab buoys or anything that would help prop up the boat.

“It was a long night. After nursing the boat back to the base, I went home about 1am and was back at the base very early next morning.

The effect of adrenalin and shock is powerful.”

Later that morning, Hutchinson addressed a media conference, patiently answering questions and graciously acknowledging the support and assistance the team had received.

He did not reveal the seriousness of his personal situation.

A couple of days after the capsize, the team had a retraining session at an Auckland swimming pool. The trainers disoriented each sailor and then clipped him to a weight at the bottom of the pool. “I had to get the oxygen to my mouth and find a way out. It was tough to do. Even in that controlled situation, the panic level was about seven on a scale of 1-10,” Hutchinson recalls.

Since the launch of the AC75 class, several of the teams have experienced capsizes with little consequence. The motion is generally quite gentle with the boats quickly back upright and in business.

This was a much more violent event, with the Patriot launched high in the air and crashing down on its port side. Although the team mounted a massive 24/7 rebuild, drawing on assistance and expertise from the local marine industry and Emirates Team New Zealand, it was effectively the end of American Magic’s campaign.

Despite the heroic rebuild, American Magic’s post-capsize time in the shed left them in no position to counter the Italian crew in the semifinal. “Our optimism about making competitive improvement in that period was unrealistic,” Hurtchinson acknowledges. “The sad thing is that we never did get to answer the question of how competitive we really were. Luna Rossa made big improvements and clearly were a lot faster in the semi-final.”

Despite their disappointment, Hutchinson is a fan of the AC75 class. “You can’t help but be impressed that all four teams in this regatta ended up with similar speed in the first iteration of the class. So, it was a real sailing regatta. That is exciting.”

He noted that the previous IACC class took much longer to achieve a similar level of performance equality with largely one-sided results all the way from 1992 to 2007.

The obvious problem, however, was that the AC75 regatta only featured four teams, of which American Magic was the only new

Breeze Magazine 35

The dental family for your family

keithnelson.co.nz • 103 Franklin Road, Freeman’s Bay • 09 378 0877

36 Breeze Magazine entrant. The barriers for a new team were high.

For a start, the three established teams made extensive use of highly-evolved simulation packages in developing their designs, while American Magic, without any data from the previous foiling cycles in 2013 and 2017, had no foundation on which to build an effective simulation program. They followed a more traditional development path with more time on the water than the other teams leading up to the regatta.

Hutchinson believes the Cup format needs to change to attract more teams and open a more sustainable future. He agrees retaining the AC75 class would be a start, creating a generation of proven boats for new teams to build on, but believes more fundamental change is required.

Calling for a neutral governance structure, he envisages a professional event management team presided over by a commissioner which would act in the interests of all the teams and the event.

Larry Ellison and Sir Russell Coutts tried something similar with their Framework Agreement during the 2017 Bermuda regatta, but Hutchinson says it was a mistake to introduce the concept midway through a cycle.

It has to happen at the transition from one cycle to the next, so all the teams sign up for it.

“In 1970, the New York Yacht Club took a very brave step in allowing multiple challengers into the contest.They knew right then that their chances of losing the Cup had dramatically increased.

“And what a cool story it was when Australia II won the Cup in 1983 and then Dennis Conner went to Fremantle and won it back again.”

He believes that the four current teams, backed by yacht clubs representing the longest association with the Cup, present a unique opportunity to introduce change on a similar scale.

Any large-scale reform of the Cup structure would require the defender to give away much of what it acquires as reward for its success.

Hutchinson believes that could be addressed by awarding each Cup winner hosting rights for the next two Cup regattas, which each cycle taking place every two years.

That would give the host venue at least four years and two regattas to achieve a return on investment.

“Somebody has to take the lead and this is a great opportunity for a bold step,” he says.

• After the conclusion of the 36th America’s Cup a statement from the Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, Christopher J. Culver expressed deep misgivings about some of the rumours around the sailing community about the venue and format of the 37th America’s Cup. He revealed the club had circulated some ideas on what the Protocol might contain.

“We are encouraged to see that, according to the press release from Emirates Team New Zealand, the Protocol for the 37th America’s Cup will incorporate at least some of the tenets of our vision, including stronger nationality rules, a commitment to multiple cycles in the same boat, a more powerful event authority, and cost-reduction measures.

“However, a Deed of Gift match off the Isle of Wight, as reported ... to be under consideration, would be a huge step in the wrong direction. The two previous Deed of Gift matches, in 1988 and 2010, were distinct low points in the history of the America’s Cup. “Regardless of the conditions, the New York Yacht Club will not support a Deed of Gift match or an America’s Cup competition that is effectively open to only the Defender and Challenger of Record.”

northsails.com

Breeze Magazine 37

How Sweet It Is

By Ivor Wilkins As New Zealand erupted in jubilant celebration over the successful defence of the America’s Cup, the scarlet and black Te Rehutai machine which scored an epic 7-3 victory over the Italian Challenger disappeared from sight into its hangar at the Emirates Team New Zealand base.

For chief designer Dan Bernasconi, who is credited as the main mastermind behind the AC75 concept, it was a bittersweet moment.

He wished the racing could continue — at least for one more day.

“We were looking at tomorrow’s forecast,” he said, which promised a change from the predominantly light-to moderate conditions that prevailed for the 10-race series. “It would be great to do more racing in a bit more breeze. The boat just loves breeze. Upwind in 15-20 knots, it is sensational. It has a lot more to give in those conditions.”

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli skipper, Max Sirena, had a different view. “I was keen to do all 13 races in the first day,” he said. The Italians knew the longer the match went on, the more the defender would improve.

The way the Covid-interrupted schedule played out created a rare situation where the dice loaded in favour of the challenger. The cancellation of the two European regattas robbed all the teams of valuable racing opportunities, but once they set up camp in Auckland, the challenger had three times more racing than the defender.

In its entire preparation for the match, Emirates Team New Zealand only had six races, all of them in the pre-Christmas regatta, at a time when the teams were at the bottom of a steep learning curve.

After that, the home team trained alone on the sidelines for two months through to a Covid-delayed America’s Cup start on

March 10, while the challengers raced amongst themselves, honing equipment, race-craft and technique.

“Luna Rossa made massive improvements after December; their performance ramp was almost vertical,” ETNZ afterguard Glenn Ashby said. “They were also sailing their boat better and better and pulling off manoeuvres we thought weren’t possible early on.”

All the teams, including ETNZ, attested that every day of racing provided new lessons and performance gains. Italy knew their best chance of wresting the Cup away was to strike early and strike hard. “We missed a few opportunities at the beginning,” Sirena acknowledged. “We felt we could win more races.”

Nevertheless, by dominating the starting box and adopting an “elbows out” strategy of keeping a close cover, Italy came out punching and did put early points on the board, putting up the best performance by an Italian crew

38 Breeze Magazine

Breeze Magazine 39 in the Cup’s long history. With the Italian flag draped around him, co-helmsman Francesco Bruni was right in saying, “We lost with honour and dignity and we fought to the end”.

His fellow helmsman, Jimmy Spithill added: “I felt like we could have won a few more races against the Kiwis, but to be honest, at times it felt we were taking a knife to a gunfight.”

This was Prada magnate Patrizio Bertelli’s fifth tilt at the Cup, matching tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton’s dedication to the cause.

Because of the Covid situation in Italy, Bertelli did not attend in Auckland, but he did reveal that Sir Peter Blake once sent him a letter saying that “the secret is to keep doing the Cup endlessly until you win it”.

He appears to have taken the advice to heart, because Cup fans were cheered to hear he is coming back for more, according to Sirena.

It is an addictive business and this Cup series in Auckland showed that its attraction is stronger than ever. With the grim shadow of Covid hanging over the world, the scenes that played out over the Auckland summer were amazing. Day after day, massive crowds thronged the Cup village and waterfront vantage points. Spectator fleets estimated at more than 2,000 boats flanked the narrow arena, creating a stadium on the water. Images were beamed to 196 countries around the world as the other-worldly AC75s flew across the water and put on an incredible show.

They demonstrated they were not just outlandish speed machines, but capable match race weapons. In the hands of highly skilled pilots, they engaged in close quarters combat.

Their waterborne dogfights had all the elements of classic match racing — tacking duels, slam dunks, lee-bow tacks, port-starboard ducks, tactical intrigue, sweeping mark roundings.

It was sad that Bernasconi and the fans did not see the boat Ashby described as a “rocket ship” racing in 15-20 knots, but it is hard to complain about boats that were able to provide compelling racing in 8-10 knots, clocking speeds of 30-40 knots.

The inimitable Bruno Trouble, who has been a competitor and student of the America’s Cup game for more than four decades, said the Auckland series produced some of the best racing in history.

There was no talk of watching paint dry — although, to be fair, the opening skirmishes did reflect another age-old match race feature with

Patrizio Bertelli ... coming back for more. a lack of passing after the start.

“A game of two halves …” is a hackneyed line often trotted out in parodies of mudsplattered All Black test captains providing after-match comments. It would work just as well in describing the 36th America’s Cup. The first half exchanges were engrossing more for the see-saw action in the scoreline than for the racing itself. Sailors often complain of shifty breezes making a minefield of the race track, but in this instance steady breezes were a problem.

Everything depended on the start, with the port entry advantage weighing heavily on the outcome. After the start, an absence of significant wind shifts shut down passing opportunities. The races became triple processions around the race track, punctuated by moments of anxiety or hope when the lead shrank from 300m to 100m.

Fans longed for a return of that thrilling Prada Cup engagement between Luna Rossa and Ineos Team UK when the full potential of these machines was unleashed in a battle with nine lead changes.

The scoreline, though, reflected a proper battle. Not since 1983 and that cliffhanger match between Alan Bond’s wing-keeled Australia II and Dennis Conner’s scarlet Liberty had we seen a 3-3 deadlock.

This first half stage was like the early rounds of a heavyweight boxing match, both fighters probing for weakness, feinting and jabbing, sizing each other up. One of the big early lessons was the deadly effect of highly efficient sailplans ripping holes in the air, particularly in light breezes.The lead yacht in the starting sequence could become vulnerable if it gybed too sharply at the boundary, bringing it back through its own

40 Breeze Magazine

wind shadow and providing an opportunity for the following boat to compound the problem with its own turbulence.

The pre-start “hook”, often used to good effect in conventional match racing, became a high-risk move. Unless the attacking boat had a massive speed advantage, the last-minute dive to leeward hit the wind shadow like a wall.

After the start, the leading boat could use the wind shadow to great effect to control the opponent. “Gas off the lead boat in light air is a killer,” said Spithill.

Using the wind shadow has always been a weapon in sailing, but its impact is far greater with these boats. Afterguard discussions took on sinister language of chemical warfare, with talk of “gassing” the opponent at every opportunity.

The dominance of the port entry was another major talking point. It offered a simpler time and distance path with only one manoeuvre required to get to the startline, while the starboard entry yacht required at least two.

The advantage became so pronounced it was likened with tennis, where the service game is so powerful. Winning a starboard entry start was akin to breaking serve.

The first four races of the America’s Cup were all won by the port entry boat, leading to a 2-2 deadlock. Then, in a single day, both teams confounded the theory and snatched starboard-entry victories by deploying gas attacks in the final push to the line. “The starboard entry was very strong today,” grinned Italian co-helmsman Bruni.

As the game played out to its conclusion, the port-entry bias lost power. Of the 10 matches sailed, four were won by starboard starters, just under 50%.

This was similar to the Prada Cup challenger series. Of the 19 viable races (discounting two “ghost races” following American Magic’s fateful capsize) 10 were won by the port-entry boat, just over 50%.

With the computing power on board, it was baffling that time-on-distance runs in the starting arena were often miscalculated, forcing the boats to kill time — risking a costly splash down off the foils. “At these speeds, everything requires split-second decisions,” Bruni explained. “A 0.5 knot change in the windspeed is 20 seconds on the startline.”

“We are learning all the time,” Burling

Breeze Magazine 41

.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

42 Breeze Magazine agreed. “The starting strategies are becoming more well thought-out.”

The different styles of the boats and of the two afterguards influenced the way these strategies played out. Luna Rossa’s foil package was more forgiving and allowed them to apply the brakes and hover briefly in the startbox.

It also gave them a very effective high mode upwind. They came out of tacks pointing high – “climbing the ladder,” observed Ineos grinder David ‘Freddie’ Carr, watching proceedings from a helicopter.

Emirates Team New Zealand opted for a foil package estimated at 25-30% smaller in area, offering less drag, but more demanding to sail and more vulnerable at slow speeds.

Out of manoeuvres, they required more of a speed build.

The effect of the different modes was reflected in the distance sailed around the course. On average, the New Zealand boat sailed lower and faster, but put about 1,500m more mileage on the clock in every race.

Commenting on their foil package, Bernasconi believed ETNZ went through more iterations than the other teams. Their first two pairs of foils were asymmetrical. “The only matching foils we had were the last pair, which covered a broad range of different conditions.”

The ability to make small, low drag foils effective in light wind lay in the flap controls, Bernasconi revealed. “You are allowed twist in the flaps. The lift distribution along the foil depends on how that is managed. To induce twist, you can place actuators along the flap. For example, you can have one actuator inboard and another one outboard and change the twist.”

To overcome Prada’s early tacking superiority, Burling and his crew developed a

Upwind and down, the VMG difference was significant, often 2-3 knots faster, sometimes 4-5 knots. moth-style roll tacking technique, adjusting the foil cant and sail trim to induce windward heel, then swinging through the turn and lifting the new windward foil out of the water as fast as possible to gain acceleration.

“We went through a big journey of how to tack efficiently,” said Bernasconi. “That was still going on right up to the final race. There is so much choreography in the tacks – what you do with the cant angles, the shape of the mainsail and all the control around that, timing the drop of the foil arm. It is a complicated sequence.”

Before the match hostilities began, mainstream media made wild claims of ETNZ’s speed advantage, which were quickly exposed as hype. Shared wins through the first six races suggested the boats were fairly evenly matched, although the wind conditions suited Luna Rossa’s light-wind sweet spot better than New Zealand’s.

Tied up at 3-3, some analysts pointed to the winning margins as proof that New Zealand had a speed edge. New Zealand posted wins of 31 seconds, 63 seconds and 101 seconds, while Italy’s victories were closer at 7 seconds, 37 seconds and 18 seconds.

Again, that may have reflected more a difference in style than substance. Spithill and Bruni come out of more traditional match race backgrounds and, even in these new boat types,

they observe the established rituals of match racing. Win the start, establish the lead, then “stick your elbows out” and cover relentlessly.

That defensive approach kept the racing closer, hence smaller finishing deltas.

Burling and his two main afterguard lieutenants, Blair Tuke and Glenn Ashby, come out of high-performance skiff sailing, more about heads-up sailing the course, looking ahead for every sniff of a wind shift or pressure advantage. When New Zealand got ahead, they went hunting for more.

“They don’t look back,” said commentator Peter Lester. “They let their weapon do its thing.” Accordingly, they posted bigger margins.

Certainly, as the teams completed the first half of the series and trudged off the pitch to suck oranges and a pep talk from the coaches, the deadlocked score gave Italy hope. “There was a lot of talk about ETNZ being 5-10 knots faster,” said Bruni. “Clearly that is not the case.”

True to the two-halves trope, however, when the players resumed battle after the interval, the complexion of the game changed entirely. The ETNZ crew found its mojo and were immediately faster, slicker, more clinical.

Although Luna Rossa won three of the four remaining starts, New Zealand revealed their speed edge was more than just “a click”.

Upwind and down, the VMG difference was significant, often 2-3 knots faster, sometimes 4-5 knots.

On top of small detail changes with the sailing hardware, most of this improvement came from collaboration between the sailing team and coaches to extract more speed from what they had.

“It was pleasing to see us get better each day,” said coach Ray Davies. “It’s what we always asked of each other, to keep improving. It was

Breeze Magazine 43

FEELING STRANDED?

If your boat insurer has left you high and dry it’s time to talk to NZ’s boat insurance specialists.

WE’RE LOCAL AND HERE TO STAY.

0800 466 467 mariner.co.nz

44 Breeze Magazine

very satisfying that the guys on the boat were embracing not just the match racing side of it, but understanding the boat better every day.

“The intensity that went into their debriefs to get a second or half a second better through a manoeuvre was pretty phenomenal.”

The match race textbook says winning the start is crucial. Burling’s record going back to Bermuda suggests there is another way – as long as you have boatspeed. As the team opened up the throttles, they notched up four wins in a row, three of them after lost starts.

The starting statistics bother the afficionados more than they bother Burling, who picks his way around the course, stalking the other boat and waiting to pounce on the slightest mistake.

Bruni was asked how it felt to be constantly trying to thwart this menacing threat. “It is like trying to drown a fish under water,” he replied.

Glenn Ashby, who plays a big tactical role while constantly shape-shifting the mainsail for maximum power, gave a less poetic response to criticism of New Zealand’s starts. “The start is one part of the race. The finish is another part,” he explained.

“There is a whole lot in the middle. It is complex and tricky. We go into each race open minded about how we will sail. Sometimes there are set plays, other times you go freestyle, look at the conditions and make decisions on the fly.

“You are going through puffs and lulls at a huge rate of knots. It is like dot-to-dot sailing on steroids. The mental computing you have to do is at such a fast pace, you can’t always have

a conversation. You have to react and anticipate what the next move will be.”

It is in those tricky, freestyle zones that Burling, Tuke and Ashby bring their high-speed, freewheeling skiff and moth-type sensibility to the America’s Cup. “The incredible thing about the AC75 is that it is a massive boat, but very dynamic to sail,” said Burling. “It weighs over 6 tons, yet it feels like a little boat, dynamic and quick with its moves. It is incredible to see a boat that size being thrown around and doing the speeds they do.”

At match point, New Zealanders nervously reminded themselves of the Spithill taunt — “imagine if they lose from here” — that has haunted them since the devastating San Francisco defeat in 2013. But this time there was no comeback.

The deciding final match was a start-tofinish clinic, with ETNZ nailing the start and stretching out on every leg to return the famous trophy back to its place of honour in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

The next day, as New Zealand nursed welcome hangovers from the victory party, the breeze filled out over the race course. Just as forecast, the weather gods at last provided exactly the conditions Bernasconi had so keenly hoped for.

Te Rehutai, however, remained tucked away behind closed doors.

Despite his regrets in that regard, Bernasconi said there was always confidence that Te Rehutai would be competitive across the range.

“It was an all-round boat.”

Reflecting on the summer’s racing, Bernasconi said it was hard to put a number on how much ETNZ’s performance improved from the time racing began to the end. “It depends on the conditions. We improved more in some than others.”

In terms of equipment, the team added new foils, new sails and a new rudder, which could be set at three vertical positions, depending on conditions.

“Overall, I would say we made a 5-10% gain,” he said. “As far as how much we left in the shed? Not much in terms of light air performance. We were pretty maxxed out in that regard. If we raced in a stronger breeze, we would have seen some pretty cool performance numbers.”

As for the AC75 class, Bernasconi was relieved that four different teams were able to race competitively in the first iteration of a radical new design, even though there were significant differences between them. “There is not that much convergence yet.

“There is definitely more to come from this class. If we built a third boat now, it would be quite different from Te Rehutai.

“We saw speeds just over 50 knots out of this generation. The top end speed range is always going to be limited by cavitation. It is hard to see that getting much higher. At the other end of the range – light upwind performance — is where you would try to make the biggest improvements.”

Photos by Studio Borlenghi

Breeze Magazine 45

Considering the contestants came into a quite compressed regatta format with very little racing experience in the radical new AC75 class, the 36th America’s Cup match produced outstanding racing, with two worthy foes exchanging blows.

Some Match highlights • Although Luna Rossa won the start of Race Seven and led around the first two marks, Te Rehutai was unleashing its speed. Closing the first downwind leg, the New Zealand boat spun round the mark at 43 knots, 10 seconds behind Italy. Burling flung Te Rehutai over into an immediate high-speed tack and split across to the right.

Uncharacteristically, Spithill let him go — and paid the price. At the next mark, New Zealand had opened a 19 second lead and claimed a 58-second win.

• The next race will probably go down in the America’s Cup annals as one of the most bizarre of all time. In light late-afternoon conditions, Italy moved out to a significant lead, but was struggling on the downwind leg. Te Rehutai charged down from behind and gybed directly behind the Italian boat to make the pass. Instead, it fell in the dreaded wind shadow trap and belly-flopped off the foils.

Italy opened up a 2000m lead, only to make a poor tack at the top mark. As Luna Rossa sank to a standstill, New Zealand resumed flight and swept around the course. In a single leg, the defender went from 4 minutes behind to 4 minutes ahead and took a come-from-behind victory. “We got lucky,” grinned Burling. “Better to be lucky than good.”

• With the score at 5-3, Italy were unfortunate in not being able to capitalise on a sublime piece of finesse the next day. Having led by just 1 second around the top mark, Luna Rossa trapped Te Rehutai to windward coming into the bottom gate, pushing the New Zealanders way outside the layline. Then, with exquisite precision, the Italians gybed and reached across to round the mark. New Zealand had no option but to fall in line and follow with a downspeed tack-rounding to create a split.

A spirited tacking duel followed until they approached the top mark close under North Head. Bruni chose to protect the left, bouncing a delighted Burling off to the right and into a windshift familiar to local skiff and dinghy sailors. It opened a passing lane and gifted match point to New Zealand.

“One little right-hand shift decided the race for us,” remarked Burling. A rueful Bruni named it the “Kiwi puff ”.

• The final and deciding race was all New Zealand. They put on a clinic, with Burling engineering the start he wanted tucked on Luna Rossa’s windward hip and able to tack at speed on the line to claim the favoured right side of the course.

Although it was always close and any mistake would have been costly, Te Rehutai led and extended around every mark to close out New Zealand’s second successful America’s Cup defence by 49 seconds with a 7-3 score.

Congratulations to ETNZ on a great win

46 Breeze Magazine

RNZYS Commodore Aaron Young signs acceptance of the Royal Yacht Squadron Challenge issued by Robert Bickett.

Lodging the formal challenge, part of Cup’s theatre

By Ivor Wilkins For a brief moment on the final day of America’s Cup racing, alarm bells rang when a random swimmer circled around the yacht as the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the British Royal Yacht Squadron were preparing to sign the formal challenge for the 37th Cup. There were concerns the swimmer might have a rogue challenge hidden in his togs, or attempt to launch a letter in a bottle.

Ever since Sir Michael Fay took the San Diego Yacht Club by surprise with his 1988 ‘Big Boat’ Deed of Gift challenge, the ritual of the ‘hip pocket challenge’ has become part of the theatre of the America’s Cup. The courtship between the Defender and a mutually agreeable Challenger of Record (COR) begins long before the conclusion of hostilities on the water. Representatives of both sides hold confidential conclaves, discussing general terms to satisfy the mutual consent requirements of the Deed of Gift.

Then, by pre-arrangement, they stand by in a secure location waiting for the minute the

current Match is decided. As the winning yacht sweeps across the finish line, the challenge is issued and accepted, sealing the arranged marriage and blocking any rogue, or hostile challenges.

The Deed of Gift dictates that once a valid challenge has been issued and accepted, all further challenges have to fall in line with the terms laid down by the Defender and Challenger of Record.

Because the trophy is formally contested by yacht clubs, this ritual exchange takes place between authorised representatives of the two clubs involved, with their respective teams fully involved in the drafting of the terms and present to witness the formalies.

In the past, defenders have gone to great lengths to ward off random approaches, letters slid under hotel doors and all manner of cloak and dagger excitements. The reality, however, is that no challenge is valid until the current Cup is concluded, hence the split-second timing of the exchange.

For the past several cycles of the America’s Cup, the New Zealand representatives have

gathered with the prospective challenger group aboard the superyacht Imagine, which belongs to Emirates Team New Zealand principal Matteo de Nora.

In the two most recent Cups, with scores of 7-1 and 7-3, the process has been mercifully quick. Pity Past Commodore Steve Burrett, who spent nine days closeted aboard Imagine in San Francisco in anticipation of a result, while New Zealand endured the torture of Oracle Team USA clawing back from 8-1 down to snatch victory away. The COR exchange took place elsewhere between the American defender and a short-lived Australian challenge.

For the 2021 regatta, Commodore Aaron Young, Rear Commodore Gillian Williams and ETNZ’s legal representative Russell Green boarded Imagine after the riveting first match of Tuesday, March 16, when ETNZ swept past Luna Rossa on the final windward leg to advance to match point at 6-3.

The Ineos Team UK representatives were anchored nearby on a team RIB. “Their RIB was quite obviously branded and we did not want to attract attention to their coming across to

Breeze Magazine 47

Buying or Selling?

Impartial advice to sellers and buyers email: waitematawoodys@gmail.com

48 Breeze Magazine

Power your

Aquatic Passion

Superyachts Recreational Boats Commercial Applications Diesel Marine Engines Recreational pleasure-craft engines and Commercial engines n Common-rail technology n A dvanced efficiency, lower emissions

40-440 MHP Electric Boat Drives For kayaks, dinghies, sailboats and yachts up to 120 feet. n Compact powerful outboards n L ight and space-saving pod drives

Marine Generators Feature low sound and vibration levels, efficient size and built-in sound shields. n Single Phase 5.5-28kW n Three Phase 11.2 - 186kVA

Contact us for your nearest Dealer New Zealand: +64 9 358 7478 sales@powerequipment.co.nz www.powerequipment.co.nz

•

Imagine,” says Young. “So I called my father, who was busy setting up the VIP area on one of the course marshal boats. I asked him to keep a low profile and pick up the British group and ferry them across to Imagine.”

Their group comprising, Royal Yacht Squadron Racing Chairman and Rear Commodore, Robert “Bertie” Bickett, Ineos principals Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Andy Currie, and skipper Sir Ben Ainslie with his wife Georgie, came aboard and settled in to wait for the next and possibly deciding race.

“There was definitely a sense of occasion about it,” says Young. “I had been in Bermuda when Steve Mair was Commodore and had the same experience on Imagine, so from what he told me I knew what to expect.”

However, the breeze shut down and the second race of the day was abandoned. “We all joked about it and reckoned it had been a good practice run.”

One concern about the trial run was that there was quite a crowd aboard Imagine at the time. It was felt a more discreet gathering would be more suitable, so Young asked Squadron member Colin Carran to have his motoryacht, Defiance, on standby as an alternative venue.

However, next day, the guest list on Imagine had significantly reduced, so Imagine once more played host to the exchange. The same two groups assembled aboard and settled down to watch Race 10, which was a start-to-finish romp by ETNZ to secure New Zealand’s momentous second defence of the America’s Cup. As they crossed the line, the British challenge exchange was filmed with a TV monitor in the background broadcasting live to show the it place precisely at the conclusion of the Match. “This was important to prove it all happened above board and there was no funny business going on. It was all recorded and it all went to plan.

“As Bertie handed me the document, I jokingly asked him if he had edited it in any way,” Young laughs. “He assured me he had not. I could see it complied with the agreed draft, which had been compiled in a four-way process between the two yacht clubs and the two teams, so it was all signed and settled. It was a good feeling to put an end to the rumours and speculation.”

Back at the RNZYS, CEO Hayden Porter had ensured all the email servers were shut down to avoid any attempt at a rogue cyber challenge.

Meanwhile, the random swimmer turned out to be just that — a random swimmer.

“He was a fit looking guy. He came over and started swimming around Imagine, quite close. Everybody on board was looking at each other wondering what this was all about,” says Young. “We were all on alert that if anybody approached the boat and made an attempt to deliver anything, we should just kick it over the side.

“When this guy was swimming around us, I wondered if he was going to try the old message in a bottle. But, eventually it came to nothing.

He just swam off again.”

Immediately after the successful exchange, the two groups left Imagine. Young says the ride back up the harbour on an ETNZ chase boat, tucked right behind Te Rehutai, was when the victory really began to sink in. “Seeing the thousands of boats on the harbour and the huge public reaction showed what this means to New Zealand and what a fantastic achievement it was.”

As for the Challenger of Record, statistics show the odds of success are not good. Since 1970, the COR has never won the America’s Cup, and only twice progressed far enough to compete in the Cup match.

Breeze Magazine 49

Nemesis™ Sailing Display The power to see, the sailing data you trust, The way you want to see it.

COMPLETE CUSTOMISATION Choose the standard pre-sets dashboard or configure your way, and by point of sail.

Portrait or landscape orientation.

INTEGRATION + CONTROL Seamless link to your B&G data network and control your display via touchscreen or Apple Watch®.

VISIBILITY + VERSATILITY Super wide viewing angles, brilliantly crisp data, in all lights and conditions from anywhere on board.

This new generation of intelligent sailing display offers unparalleled visibility, with complete customisation or easy to use pre-set multi-function templates and automatic dashboards

proud supporters of

based on your point of sail. Nemesis™ allows you to define what data you see, when and HOME OF THE AMERICA’S CUP

how you see it, no matter what the conditions, providing an intuitive link between your trusted instrument network and the real world.

www.bandg.com

®Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off, and ™ common law marks. Visit www.navico.com/intellectual-property to review the global trademark rights and accreditations for Navico Holding AS and other entities.

50 Breeze Magazine

Emotions ride high with every tack & gybe

1

2

3

The home crowd went wild. Cheers reached a hysterical peak and applause bounced off the Squadron ceilings. ETNZ’s AC win was the perfect way to celebrate the Squadron’s 150th anniversary.

From the youngest at six weeks to the oldest – and many there could claim this honour – it was an afternoon of pure joy for the more than 1000 guests who packed every Club fan zone.

And of course, there were many in the crowd who came every day

4

of racing. Their commitment, passion and patience were well rewarded.

1/ Confetti and roars of delight raise the roof as ETNZ defend the America’s Cup for the second time.

2/ Janne Breetvelt embodies the agony and the ecstasy of it all.

3/ Thumbs up from Chris, Sam and Nicky Hume after ETNZ shows sizzling pace in a good day on the water.

4/ A toast to ETNZ, Past Commodore John Heise and Anne Heise.

Breeze Magazine 51

New Zealand family company leads the corporate print fleet For 100 years, Soar Print has been competing against offshore print companies to give New Zealand business the option of keeping their print close to home. We’re a third-generation family business that works with best-in-class technology to produce every type of print under the sun. We also have the strongest sustainability credentials of any printing company in the country.

Bring your print to Soar and keep your loyalties local.

Call Fred on 021 932 186 or Email: fred@soarprint.co.nz

www.soarprint.co.nz

Registered

Registered

Quality ISO 9001

Environment ISO 14001

2015 Winner

te Tangata | Whatungaro Toitu te Whenua

Discover more of our story at www.soarprint.co.nz

52 Breeze Magazine

5

6

7

8

5/ Cheering the team is thirsty work.

6/ St Patrick’s ‘leprechauns’ got to share in some of the excitement..

7/ From left, Max McCollough, Christian Lu and Cam McCollough.

YOUR BOAT HERE

8/ From left, Linda Taggart, Brent Bailey, Mary McQuinn, Peggy McQuinn and Jacqui Pfahlert.

9/ ETNZ wins with help from Beth Porteous and friends.

Let your boat be taken care of by the best in the business at Gulf Harbour Marina.

With a 100T lift and over 18 specialised services on site, we’ve got all your needs covered.

+64 9 424 6200 gulfharbourmarina.nz

Breeze Magazine 53

9

10

11

12

10/ From left, Dallas Porter with Gerard and Marie Collins.

11/ Jarrod and Shannon Rhodes celebrate a wedding anniversary and a good result on the water.

12/ Smiles all round after a great day of following the action.

Pictures by Debra Douglas and Andrew Delves

54 Breeze Magazine

A must-have tale of high latitude Arctic adventure • Wild Seas to Greenland, by Rebecca Hayter, published by Oceanspirit Publishing, 2021, is on sale at the RNZYS Retail Store.

In 2017, Whitbread Round the World Race winner Ross Field made an attempt at the notorious Northwest Passage with a sturdy, French aluminium cruising yacht. It was a far cry from the lightweight racing machines in which he had carved an international ocean racing career. Entering harbours, it made such an intimidating impression that other yachts scrambled to get out of the way and sales of fenders soared.

The yacht called Rosemary made it to Greenland, final stepping off point for the Northwest Passage attempt. However, faced with unreliable compasses and the prospect of having to handsteer through hazardous, icy high-latitudes, Field called the expedition off and returned to Ireland.

Journalist and author Rebecca Hayter crewed aboard Rosemary and has produced a self-published account of the voyage. Arctic passagemaking is serious business and anybody would be proud to include Greenland on their sailing CV. But, at first glance an expedition that fails to achieve its purpose, in which nobody suffers life-threatening injuries, there are no mid-ocean capsizes, or boat-crushing encounters with ice, might seem unpromising material for a book. Everyone gets home safely.

It is testament to Hayter’s writing skill that in Wild Seas to Greenland: A Sailing Adventure with Ocean Racer Ross Field she has nevertheless woven a spellbinding story of seafaring adventure with a “warhorse of the seas”.

The fact that there were no major disasters,

that problems and challenges were overcome or avoided through good seamanship, careful weather-routing and sound decision-making is the story. There are lessons here that anybody contemplating offshore passage-making would do well to absorb, particularly in relation to weather strategies.

Be assured, though, this is no dry, how-to manual. Written with a light touch, it is full of humour, honesty, fear, insight, contemplation, spirituality, yoga, even recipes – and occasional moments of sheer poetry that stop you in your tracks. “Fish guts and diesel smell like love and integrity to me,” for example, as part of an evocative description of the scruffy anchorage at Nuuk. How she and Field get on as crewmates is peppered with hilarious incidents, minor crises and mishaps.

Extracts from Field’s own emails and Facebook posts add to the texture of the narrative. Another constant voice is of Hayter’s father, Adrian, who sailed single-handed from England to New Zealand in 1949. Passages from his book Sheila in the Wind introduce each chapter.

His daughter has produced a book of which he would have been proud.

LIKE SAILING -‘SAFETY FIRST’ Argus is large enough to cope, but small enough to care.

We offer a wide range of quality, world leading products and systems New Zealand wide, and can offer a full range of services for the commercial and industrial sectors including: • Design and installation • Regular testing and certification • Ongoing and preventative maintenance

Ivor Wilkins

Breeze Magazine 55

CONGRATULATIONS ETNZ ON A SUCCESSFUL DEFENCE KIWIS REALLY CAN FLY!

www.fostersshipchandlery.co.nz 129 Westhaven Drive

Ph: 09 303 3744

info@harken.co.nz

56 Breeze Magazine

Close racing throughout the regatta among the Melges 40s.

Breezy conditions set Auckland Regatta alight Words and Photos by Andrew Delves The renamed and revamped CBRE City of Sails Auckland Regatta took place from 26th – 28th March, and with a consistent 15-20+ knots of breeze throughout, the racing was fast, furious and spectacular.

Starting one day earlier than the rest was the stacked 40R division made up of a 10-strong fleet including all four Melges 40s. With three days of windward-leeward racing consisting of four races a day, it was a true test of the crews to see who would come out on top, especially in the full-on conditions on offer.

Friday’s racing, much like the entire weekend, was sublime, with great upwind battles followed by extremely quick downwind blasts as these racers were in full flight with their kites up. Watching these boats in their element was fantastic, and you could tell the sailors on board were having a ball. To be expected when putting these boats to the test, there were a few breakages and DNF’s, but this only evened out the fleet and further proved every single race would count for something.

Saturday arrived and so did the other divisions, including a nine-boat Sports Boat Division, a combined C /Young 88 Division, as well as a Passage Racing Division for those who weren’t interested in the rigors of windward-leewards.

All the windward-leeward racing was completed on a course in the Northern Leading area, with the bigger boats sailing a longer version of the same course. Again, the boats came into their own, with the sports

boats especially hitting some high speeds downwind. The choppy sea state ensured all sailors were getting a thorough soaking – but loving it.

The final day on Sunday began slightly lighter, but the breeze soon cranked back up again – if only we had this breeze during the America’s Cup! All divisions were incredibly tight right throughout the standings, meaning there was no room for error for any of the crews.

After 12 races in the 40R division, it was the team on Anarchy who came out on top on PHRF and EHC handicap. Anarchy, helmed by AJ Reid, sailed a brilliant regatta, sticking right with the Melges 40s throughout.

They often chose different lines up and down the track than the majority of the fleet, and that was enough to get them a well deserved, but close, victory. The Melges then fell into line behind the winners, with Sikon (John Cobb) 2nd, Menace (Howard Spencer) 3rd, Clockwork (Steve Mair) 4th and Checkmate (Aaron Young) 5th (all on PHRF and EHC).

The also highly competitive Sports Boat fleet enjoyed eight races across the weekend, with multiple boats notching up wins at some stage.

However, it was the Hirst’s who claimed first and second overall, with Anne Hirst on board Team Sex taking the win over Chris Hirst on board Enigma in second. Third place went to Mike Hindrup on W8-Up, followed closely by Nick Gardiner on Honk ‘n’ Jack in fourth.

The combined C / Young 88 Division enjoyed six races, including four windward-leewards and two harbour courses. It was a Young 88 that came out on top, with Paul McWilliam’s War Machine taking out the overall handicap win, followed by Colin Booth on Perfect Alibi in 2nd

Breeze Magazine 57

and another Young 88, Inner Circle helmed by Richard Ellis taking the final podium spot.

The Passage Racing Division completed one long harbour course per day, with six boats entered. Share Delight (Mike Lanigan) were the overall winners after taking out both races on handicap, with Mike Malcolm’s Bird on the Wing in 2nd and Bruce Gault’s Whichway finishing 3rd.

Although not all went home with prizes on Sunday night, it was very clear everyone had an unforgettable weekend of sailing in the City of Sails assisted by great competitors, crews, sponsors and conditions, providing another memorable RNZYS 150th event.

This page clockwise from top: AJ Reid’s Anarchy took out the honours in the hotly-contested 40R Division; Two Melges hard running side by side; Lift-off aboard Anarchy; Tight tussles in the Sport Boat Division.

58 Breeze Magazine

Kim Bond and volunteer Linda Brown man the raffle desk.

Staunch volunteers keep the wheels turning While Squadron members and companions were dealing with joy and anxiety in equal measures during America’s Cup racing, off-the-water and behind the scenes 30 volunteers spent long days ensuring the club ran smoothly.

And as Membership Director Kim Bond says: “I could not have done it without them. Their dedication was outstanding. Way more than I could ever have hoped for.”

The volunteer team was involved in administration, roster organisation, van driving, concierge duties, clubroom tour guide roles, clothing stock processing, presentation and sales and housekeeping.

Kim: “Housekeeping isn’t the most glamorous role, tidying bathrooms and hallways, but helps to reinforce the quality that we want to present and showcase at the Squadron to our visitors.”

The Squadron store proved to be extremely popular during the Superyacht Regatta and America’s Cup. “It was a frenzy of activity every day and we would have had record sales days, day after day, especially with ETNZ, 150th celebration and Karen Walker clothing and jewellery,” said Kim. “The team was invaluable on the shop floor, engaging customers who otherwise might have felt frustrated at having to wait in a queue, when perhaps they were in a rush to get onto their boats. Everyone was kept upbeat and cheerful. And I have seen some really good sales skills.

“Our member volunteers are stars; they really help to give the club its heart and soul. Thank you all.”

Margaret Harvey on the sales floor.

Breeze Magazine 59

ON BEHALF OF ACCOR

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S R N Z Y S & E M I R AT E S T E A M N Z

ALL - ACCOR LIVE LIMITLESS A P R O U D S U P P O R T E R O F T H E R OYA L N E W Z E A L A N D YA C H T S Q U A D R O N ALL . ACCOR.COM

|

B O O K I N G S , R EWA R D S & PE R KS A L L I N O N E .

ALL ACCOR Logo JOB : 19J3103E Date : 16/04/19 Scale : Size : Fabrication :

Handcrafted in platinum Central diamond 1.20ct F VS2 Total Diamond weight 1.36ct $18,500

C100 M90 Y0 K60 Pantone 2766C

A Bespoke Salute to the America’s Cup

Beautifully-crafted America’s Cup Miniatures 100mm High $390.00 ($351.00 to members) Contact RNZYS Retail Store for Details Tel 09 360 6800 www.rnzys.org.nz

Jeweller to the Blake Trust Workshop and gallery – Studio 10 Daytone House, 53 Davis Cres.

Newmarket Ph 09 524 8440 www.greghollandjewellery.co.nz

www.greghollandjewellery.co.nz

60 Breeze Magazine

1

2

3

4

Volunteers pictured meeting and greeting …

1/ Doorman Guy King.

2/ Robyn Pearce on North Lawn duties.

3/ Retail whiz Linda Hollenstein 4/ Chris Hutton came from Queenstown to be part of the team.

5/ A long way from home, overseas member New Yorker Laura Kroll-Monks.

Story & pictures by Debra Douglas

5

Breeze Magazine 61

62 Breeze Magazine

1

Going to sea to support the team

2

3

4

5

Squadron members, families and friends had waited four years and now it was time to be part of the action on home ground. Westhaven waters churned and bubbled each race day with the mass exodus of yachts and motor yachts heading off to bag the best seats in the house.

1/ Cheers for ETNZ from Colin Carran’s Defiance team.

2/ The crew on board Mike Malcolm’s Affinity.

3/ An optimistic crew on board Fine Line.

4/ Guests on board Escape make their getaway.

5/ The flags tell the story on Solace.

6/ Noel Davie dresses Rhapsody.

Pictures by Debra Douglas

6

Breeze Magazine 63

Will the New Zealand housing market continue to appreciate?

The New Zealand housing market proved to be incredibly resilient in 2020, contrary to many predictions when COVID-19 first appeared. Our median house price is at record highs nationally (and across several regions), and total volume transacted in recent months has also been at historically high levels.

2. Pent-up demand: Largely first home buyers who have struggled to enter the market for many years have sought to purchase following the March lockdown. The demand has likely been compounded by some New Zealanders returning home from overseas due to COVID-19.

3. Limited supply: This is a well-known issue in New Zealand. Housing stock growth has not kept up with population growth, particularly in the major centres, in recent decades.

What are the drivers of the market appreciation? In our view, the housing market has been supported by three key factors: 1. Lower interest rates: the RBNZ reduced the official cash rate from 1.00% to 0.25% in March and banks have since followed with mortgage rate reductions and lower term deposit rates. This has improved affordability for many first home buyers and forced some investors who may have previously held term deposits to look for alternatives like housing.

Looking ahead into 2021 Looking ahead, we will be watching closely for signs of change. This means closely monitoring the housing market strength, its flow-on impact on the economy, and considering how that is likely to influence the RBNZ’s decisions on interest rates.

There is a risk that the RBNZ may decide to try and take the steam out of the market with renewed lending restrictions (e.g. officially imposing higher LVR limits on investors) or via other macro prudential measures. In addition, continued first home buyer participation is also important to see growth in value remain a feature.

Finally, on the issue of limited supply, any material changes to land availably and possible changes to the Resource Management Act should be watched; however we would not anticipate a quick fix solution to supply issues.

As active fund managers, the housing market provides important signals for us about the health of our economy and investor appetite for risk. A strong housing market has significant flow-on effects to the wider economy, supporting confidence and spending by consumers and businesses.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to an Authorised Financial Adviser. If you would like to speak to a Milford Adviser please contact us on 0800 662 347.

www.classicyacht.org.nz

ISSN 1175-804X

Issue 134 – June 2021

Above: Waitangi and crew watch Race 5 of the America’s Cup, while the Cup foilers joust (below).

Grand old Dame shares limelight with Cup sprites

By Penelope Carroll Both are marvelous examples of world-leading New Zealand boat design and construction, both are monohulls (just a foot apart in overall length), built solely for racing, and both were racing on the Waitemata on Saturday, March 13.

But that’s where the similarities between Waitangi, built in 1894, and Te Rehutai, our victorious America’s Cup defender, end. Old heavy displacement kauri boats with long keels do not race around the harbour in the same way as

their carbon-fibre fin-keeled sisters – let alone when the latter, with their wings, flaps and foils, are foiling!

After competing earlier in the day in the Duder Cup Regatta (first held in 1881 as the North Shore Regatta and renamed the Duder Cup in 1923), Waitangi dropped

her sails and joined the ring of spectator boats watching Te Rehutai and Luna Rossa battle it out for Race 5 of the 36th America’s Cup. Weaving slowly amongst the watching flotilla of all shapes and sizes, Waitangi was by far the oldest vessel – and a grand sight.

This is not the first time Waitangi has turned heads at an America’s Cup regatta.

During the Millennium summer of 2000, Waitangi returned to Auckland after half a century in Australia.

As New Zealand went about its first successful defence of the America’s Cup with state-of-the-art 21st century technolgy, Waitangi represented a wooden masterpiece from the 19th century – and created a stir wherever she went.

Just as she did 21 years later, when New Zealand successfully defended the Cup for a second time.

Oyster’s a pearl

By Gavin Pascoe Oyster was conceived in April 1899 in a design competition run by the British journal The Yachtsman. She was built by Charles Bailey Jr in Auckland for John Glasgow, a native of the Isle of Wight but resident in Nelson. She was launched in 1903.

Although the published design was for a doubleender, Glasgow added a counter to carry a dinghy on her stern when cruising, adding a couple of feet to the designed length of 30ft.

He kept a longer boom so he could easily unstep the small mizzen and carry a larger main for racing.

In 1924, Glasgow sold Oyster to Nigel Blair of Wellington. In the ensuing decade-plus of cruising and occasional racing, she changed hands several times before being purchased by Ralph Millman in 1937 and renamed Ariki.

After 35 years, her centre-case was feeling the strain and a deadwood keel structure with external lead

ballast designed by Archie Scott was added. Scott also drew a Bermudan sail plan, and somewhere along the line a deckhouse was added.

Oyster remained in Wellington until the early 1950s, when she returned to the South Island.

A 1970’s restoration by Dick Young in Nelson saw a return to her gaff yawl configuration and to her original name. With a stepped topmast and deadeyes for the standing rigging, she is more 1880s style than ca 1900.

Mike Roussow purchased her in 1999 as part of his Lyttleton charter business.

We bought Oyster as a family cruiser on a rather spur-of-the-moment decision.

Some frenzied weeks ensued with visits to Lyttelton to purchase and borrow gear, sort some engine issues and wrangle crew – followed by a rather anxious wait for a weather window to sail back to Wellington.

We left at last on Friday, 29 January 2021. Sailing an unfamiliar 117-year-old boat

up a coastline with nowhere to hide and across Cook Strait is a daunting prospect. I took along all my good luck charms collected since childhood to complement the new EPIRB, top-end lifejacket, a mate’s liferaft and three experienced sailors.

We almost didn’t make it out of the marina in the 30+ knot south-easter funnelling down the harbour. After ducking an incoming ship, we finally got the main up, gybed and sailed to the Heads and clear water. A 3m swell dead on the beam rolled us all the way to the top of the South Island.

We were diverging a bit from the mainland, but as

the forecast was for a northeast breeze at Castlepoint and a light southerly in Cook Strait we thought we would hook back in.

It didn’t quite happen. At 5pm on Saturday the wind died altogether. The swell on the beam was still enough to shake the rigging all to hell. We dropped the main and motored in against the tide to finally reach Clyde Quay marina on the Sunday afternoon.

No-one got hurt, nothing broke – and she’s a great little ship!

• A note of thanks to Mike Roussow, Andrew McGeorge, and Matt Blythe for their support at the Lyttelton end.

Our 2021 three-day ABD Classic Yacht Regatta got off to a great start. At the skippers’ briefing on Friday, February 27, Martin Ryan and the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria sent virtual greetings, as Covid prevented them from attending in person – but they also contributed a real bar tab! Two great races followed on the Saturday with a strong fleet of 28 yachts.We went home looking forward to another day of racing, but those plans were thwarted when we went into lockdown at 6am, Sunday. It was only a temporary interruption, however. By the time this journal comes out, we will hopefully have sailed the remaining three scheduled races over the weekend of April 11-12. And enjoyed our prizegiving at the RNZYS.

Racing in the ABD Classic Regatta.

CLASSIC YACHT ASSOCIATION CONTACTS – GENERAL ENQUIRIES: Joyce Talbot, admin@classicyacht.org.nz CLUB CAPTAIN YACHTS: Richard Cave, yachtcaptain@classicyacht.org.nz CLUB CAPTAIN LAUNCHES: Jason Prew, launchcaptain@classicyacht.org.nz

Roger Mills – Hummingbird Video and Photography.

Virtual and real enjoyment in Covid-interrupted ABD Regatta

66 Breeze Magazine

FOILING FAMILY ANDREW AITKEN ANDY ANDERSON BEACON MARINE COLIN & PATRICA CARRAN COLOURWORX ROY DICKSON DODSON JAPANESE PARTSWORLD DOYLE SAILS GRAEME EDWARDS GERALD FLYNN MATTHEW FLYNN GALBRAITH FAMILY DON GRAYSON HARKEN NZ PHILLIP HART HOPMAN FAMILY ICEFIRE LTD KZ RACE FURLERS LIGHTHOUSE MARINE EQUIPMENT LUCAS FAMILY MIKE MAHONEY STEVE MAIR MCKEOGH FAMILY MULCAHY ENGINEERING DAVID NATHAN NEW WORLD BIRKENHEAD PAGANI PORK CHOP RACING ANDREW REID SAVINGS WORKS JOHN & KATHRYN SINCLAIR SOUTHERN SPARS/ RIGPRO WASHTECH WESTHAVEN ROTARY WINDOWMAKERS HUGH L WRIGHT YACHTING DEVELOPMENTS ZHIK

SUPPORTERS

Egnot-Johnson’s Knot Racing crew celebrate their win.

Our RNZYS Performance Programme teams were back into proper competition this month at the 2021 Harken Youth International Match Racing Cup held at the RNZYS. Nick Egnot-Johnson’s Knots Racing, Jordan Stevenson’s Vento Racing, Celia Willison’s Edge Women’s Match, and Megan Thomson’s 2.0 Racing were all on board an Elliott 7 for what was this year a purely Kiwi-only team regatta.

Racing was incredibly tight throughout the regatta despite light winds slowing things down and even causing a postponement of racing for all of day two. The round robin stage was settled on day three, with Egnot-Johnson and Stevenson facing off in the final match of the flight to decide who would be the top seed heading into the quarterfinals. It was a true classic between these two rivals, but EgnotJohnson came out on top.

We were now straight into the quarterfinals, with all four of our PP teams securing a spot.

Top seed Egnot-Johnson made light work of Mastercard Youth Training Programme skipper Max McLachlan with a 3-0 victory. Stevenson and Willison were up against each and it was evenly poised at 1-1. Stevenson then hit back to take a 2-1 lead heading into the final day.

Thomson and her mainly female team (with the exception of Oakley Marsh) also managed to get a win on the board against Wellingtonian Albert Stanley, but was also down 2-1 heading into Sunday.

Finals Day on Sunday was again extremely light and as time went on, the RM team had to make a call to end the two remaining quarterfinals as they were, meaning Stevenson and Stanley went through, with Thomson and Willison missing out. By 1420, a light breeze

finally arrived on the course, but with time running out, the decision was made to make both the semi-finals and finals sudden death matches.

Stevenson had a cracking semi-final against Mastercard YTP skipper Robbie McCutcheon, with the young skipper leading for the majority of the race before the experienced Stevenson sailed around him on the final downwind leg.

Egnot-Johnson’s semi-final was a contrast, with the Knots Racing team caning Stanley by a large margin.

The sudden death final was now set, with our two rival RNZYS PP teams going at it yet again. Stevenson got away to a brilliant start, leading for the first two legs with what looked like an unassailable margin. However, on the second upwind leg, he sailed into a big hole. Egnot-Johnson hadn’t given up, with his KNOTS Racing team finding some decent puff on the right-hand side to sail right back into contention. That little bit of puff was all EgnotJohnson needed, carrying his speed and sailing in front to lead at the top mark and then all the way down the final leg to finish just ahead of Stevenson by two boat lengths.

This is Egnot-Johnson’s second Harken Youth International Match Racing Cup title, and it will also be his last, with the now not-soyoung skipper ageing out of the youth scene.

“We were looking a bit on the rocks at the start to be honest. They had about a half a leg lead on us, but the wind really shut down and we were able to sail around the outside, which we were pretty relieved about. It’s an awesome feeling to win my last ever youth regatta – really cool to go out with a bang,” he said.

By Andrew Delves

Breeze Magazine 67

MAJOR SPONSOR

MASTERCARD YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME The regular Mastercard Youth Training Program training sessions have drawn to an end for the season with all the Prada Cup and America’s Cup racing filling up our weekends. It was a challenging year to say the least with no overseas events to aim for. However, we made the most of all the opportunities that came our way with the highlights being sailing Bianca Cook’s Volvo yacht, racing against Peter Burling, Blair Tuke and visiting the Prada Pirelli Base.

We also had the largest ever intake of female applicants, so we hope to see the RNZYS Ladies Series grow in the coming years.

We are now receiving applications for the new season, which is set to kick off in April.

Details are on our website. Please help spread the word, far and wide!

Before the season ended, we had a few teams compete in the New Zealand Youth Match Racing Nationals held out of the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club in Wellington, in conjunction with the Wellington Youth Sailing Trust. Robbie McCutcheon, Chester Duffett and Sam Scott were off to defend their title, but came up just short finishing in third place.

In the petit final, they managed to out-joust one of our Performance Programme teams of Niall Malone, Sam Hume and Cameron Marks.

Credit must go to Will Wright from Wellington, who showed the advantages of

sailing in home boats on home waters by convincingly winning the round robins after just weeks prior getting the wooden spoon at the NZ Match Race Nationals. Great to see teams bounce back! However, Albert Stanley from Wellington, rose to the top in the final to claim the Youth National Championship for the first time. Congratulations Albert and team.

While the New Zealand Youth Match Racing Nationals were being held in December, we hosted the Mastercard Youth Training Weeks at the same time on Kawau Island. We had 40 sailors for each of the two weeks. The vast majority of these sailors were experiencing keelboat racing for the first time and figuring out how to work in teams of four, as opposed to their single- or doubled-handed classes.

Fortunately, the weather played ball so we didn’t get too wet camping in the tents. The sailors at these camps get two days of gennaker work, two days of spinnaker work, a days’ fleet racing and a day racing around the island, where they choose what sail configuration and course to take. A big thanks to all the Mastercard Youth Training Program members who donated their time to help coach over these two weeks as well.

Reuben Corbett YTP Training Manager

SUPPORTERS

BOAT SPONSORS

68 Breeze Magazine

Marine Scene Scen e Latest

information

on

Products

and

Ser vices

Raymarine’s AnyDesk app is a brilliant off-site problem solver

Stylish Vida 33 day cruiser from Busfield Marine Busfield Marine is proud to present the Bavaria VIDA 33, which is a great day cruiser with an optimised hull design for maximum speed with low fuel consumption.

Huge adaptable cockpit and different deck

layouts are available. Choose an open or hard top model.

Powered by twin outboards, the Vida 33 allows for easy maintenance and safe boating. bavaria@busfieldmarine.co.nz

Yamaha extends colour options on outboards

With boat owners increasingly looking to customise the look and finish of their boats, Yamaha has announced the release of pearlescent white engine options on their popular F115, F150 and F200 outboard line-up.

Yamaha Marine, National Marine Manager, Richard Shaw said, “Our customers have told us they want more choice, better integration and increased customisation, when it comes to powering their pride and joy.”

“In 2020 we launched our industry leading Helm Master EX joystick boat control system, taking outboard integration to the next level.

“More recently we launched our new

Yamaha V6 Offshore range which saw Yamaha’s exclusive built-in electric steering and enhanced reverse thrust capabilities come across from our big-horsepower V8 XTO425, with the choice of pearlescent white and traditional Yamaha grey finishes.

“We are now offering this pearlescent white model option across all our key highhorsepower models including XTO425, F300, F250 and now F200, F150 and F115, allowing owners of fibreglass, painted and wrapped aluminium hulls to match their engine colour to their boat finish.” yamaha-motor.co.nz

The AnyDesk remote access app, one of the latest additions to the Raymarine LightHouse apps family, is proving to be a real game changer for technical support teams and dealers.

Released as part of the latest LightHouse software update, AnyDesk allows support technicians to remotely access a customer’s Axiom system and quickly and efficiently diagnose and resolve issues that may otherwise require a vessel visit.

Customers simply connect their Axiom to the internet using a wireless network or mobile hotspot, open the AnyDesk app and provide the code to a technical support person in order to begin a remote session via a PC. The technician can then view their entire system in real time, remotely perform diagnostic and system checks in order to quickly locate and resolve network or system issues.

Lusty and Blundell service manager Reg Werner says AnyDesk is completely changing the way he and his team are able to solve issues.

“For example, we had an out-of-town customer that was experiencing chart plotting problems.

“Using AnyDesk we were able to identify and resolve the problem in just over 10 minutes.

“It definitely is a game changer.”

Phone: (09) 415-8303

Breeze Magazine 69

Innovative Electronic Navigation Ltd is celebrating 75 years of operation Aquila 70 Power Catamaran offers great ocean-going comfort and performance The Aquila 70 power catamaran is a luxury yacht that can top out at 27 knots (with the optional engines), yet still cover long ranges at slower speeds. Power and maneuverability come from Volvo Penta inboards coupled with joystick control. Carbon fiber reinforcements keep weight down while adding strength. The high bridge-deck clearance allows for comfort underway and improved speeds.

The Aquila 70 has massive spaces designed with European flair that are bright, inviting, and welcoming including a 8m wide master

suite. Versatile interior layouts, along with rich wood finishes, soft fabrics, smart appliances, designer furnishings, incredible headroom, and panoramic windows make your experience onboard even better.

The flybridge can be fully open or enclosed with air conditioning and a wide Portuguese bridge provides easy access from aft to bow.

The aft cockpit features comfortable plush seating, huge beach area, deep swim ladder and excellent dinghy launching. www.lauriecollins.co.nz

X-Power 33C features advanced hull technology

The X-Power 33C uses the patented Petestep® technology that results in a more comfortable and fuel efficient boat ride. It is quieter, more stable, more economical and offers a softer ride.

Because these hulls don’t have any horizontal flat surfaces that smash the water under the hull, the biggest source of hull noise is removed.

This creates a lot less noise from waves, which significantly adds to the comfort of the ride.

At zero speed, they have a wider footprint that makes the boat less prone to heeling.

When at speed, the deflectors stabilise the boat, once again contributing to a better ride.

Petestep® hulls reduce resistance by removing friction and reducing energy waste.

Up to 35% less energy is required to propel the boat forward, which could lead to significantly lower fuel consumption. www.lauriecollins.co.nz

Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL), is celebrating 75 years of operation.The company, which was founded in 1945, has been a leader not just in New Zealand but also globally with its innovative products and services for a wide range of marine industries and applications.

Over the years, ENL has worked with an array of key industry players, from Royal New Zealand Navy to commercial fishing operations, and most recently America’s Cup teams for both product and technical support.

One of ENL’s key segments has been the development of the WASSP™ multibeam sonar that has seen the company become world leading in market share for commercial fishing, and now is expanding to superyacht and survey industries. ENL has a number of other global patents and IP assets. Managing Director Gareth Hodson believes the decisions ENL has made over the last decade have set it up for future growth and success.

“The past 10 years has been a critical era for ENL having made a major transition from a family business as a traditional importer and distributor to a hi-tech exporter.

“After the impact of the Global Financial Crisis 11 years ago, our stakeholders and management embarked on a major strategic change of direction to ensure growth and longevity. As managing director for this past decade, I am very proud of how our organisation transitioned into a global player.

Our brand WASSP ™ is now well established in more than 30 countries.”

With 75 years of dedication to the marine Industry, ENL continues to develop and evolve its digital presence allowing for a greater range of customers to take advantage of the skills, knowledge and support the ENL team has to offer. As new technology advancements come to the market ENL aims to be at the forefront of providing new solutions to customers, along with breaking new ground with its own world leading innovations. www.enl.co.nz

70 Breeze Magazine

SPAR MAKERS

BOAT BUILDERS

YACHTSPARS NZ 1988 LTD • New Masts • Rigging • • Furlers • Repairs • • Maintenance • • Welding • • General Engineering • yachtspars@gmail.com Tel. 09 412 7100 www.yachtspars.co.nz

CERTIFIED KEEL FABRICATION

Specialists in Keels

Lloyds Register Approved welding Maritime NZ Approved construction Fixed or canting keels

NEW BUILDS & REFITS

yachtingdevelopments.co.nz

ned@bowmaster.co.nz 021 623 316

www.bowmaster.co.nz BowmasterKeels.indd 1

DECK TREADS

SECURITY

1/11/18 11:43 AM

-DEK

BY ULTRALON

CUSTOM DECKING SOLUTIONS • Hard wearing, light-weight and easy to maintain • Full templating and install service available • Muiltiple colour and CNC routering options

www.udek.com

0800 114 222

sales@ultralon.co.nz

ANCHORS New Zealand’s leading Safe & Vault specialists.

I

I

I

Bullion Safes Jewellery Safes Cash Safes Modular Vaults & Vault doors

www.safeman.co.nz

Ph: 0800 723 365

Breeze Magazine 71

SHIPPING/FREIGHT

DESIGNERS

BERTHAGE

Award-winning race yachts • cruising yachts • motoryachts

KEVIN DIBLEY info@dibleymarine.com • +64 27 593 3692 www.dibleymarine.com

NAUTICAL DECOR NAUTICAL KNOTS Attractive Bowline and Reef Knot wall decorations handmade by Penny Whiting.

Set in light polyester resin with black or saltwash finishes.

Great gifts or home features.

TEAK DECKS

Order online: www.efex.co.nz Or email Penny at info@efex.co.nz

Size: Reef 13x13cm Bowline 20x10cm

UPHOLSTERY

quality products include:

• Teak Deck Caulking • Fairing & Bonding Epoxy • Teak Cleaners & Sealers • Teak Deck Accessories New Zealand owned and committed to service through continuous improvement.

021 220 2125 • tagmarine.co.nz

CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY

yachtingdevelopments.co.nz

72 Breeze Magazine

SAIL MAKERS

3D SCANNING C

SAILS SERVICE RIGGING

M

Y

by sailors, for sailors www.doylesails.com

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

320 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1010 info@doylesails.com

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS 09 359 5999 sales@nz.northsails.com Unit 3 23B Westhaven Drive, Westhaven

nz.northsails.com

217 Archers Road, Glenfield PO Box 37419 Parnell, Auckland, NZ

SAILS SERVICE COVERS & UPHOLSTERY ONE DESIGN

TITANIUM FABRICATION

BARBECUES Distributing Magma BBQ’s for over 25 yrs

Shop online or in store

w w w. s op ac.co.n z So-Pac Marine 41c William Pickering Dr Albany, Auckland 09 448 5900

Directory Advertising $120.00

for

Standard BuSineSS Card

Size

(85

x

45)

$600.00

for

Six iSSueS (1 Year)

Contact: Debbie Whiting tel: 09 378 1222 • email inklink@xtra.co.nz

Breeze Magazine 73

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

PROPELLERS

MARINE BOOKS I woke to a scream so terrible that icebergs shattered

The Folding Propeller for Yachts Lowest Drag, Highest Thrust

Wild Seas to Greenland

2 blade 3 blade 4 blade

By Rebecca Hayter $39.95

Available from Rebecca Hayter: mob 0274 782 478 Email rebecca@rebeccahayter.co.nz Website www.rebeccahayter.co.nz

Directory Advertising $120.00

for

Standard BuSineSS Card

Size

(85

x

45)

$600.00

for

Six iSSueS (1 Year)

Contact: Debbie Whiting tel: 09 378 1222 • email inklink@xtra.co.nz

BOAT HAULAGE

VIP.S129

Office: 09 483 8111 – Pete: 0274 731 260 – Luke: 021 686 394

Email: pete@boathaulage.co.nz

Ph 0800 926 627 or 09 358 2050 For more details contact sales@powerequipment.co.nz

74 Breeze Magazine

150th Pocket Tee - Navy or White $79 | Members $71

150th Curved Peak Hat $38 | Members $34.20

150th Polo - Navy or White $115 | Members $103.50

150th Navy Softshell $225 | Members $205

150th Boat Outline Tee - Navy or White $85 | Members $76.50

150th Burgee Tee $79 | Members $71

150th Anchor Tee - Navy or White $60 | Members $54

150th Cotton Denim Washed Cap $38 | Members $34.20

150th White Softshell $225 | Members $205

Available now instore or online www.rnzys.org.nz

Breeze Magazine 75

“ IT’S JUST I JUST KNOW WHEN I GO OUT THERE AND TURN THE KEY

GOING TO

GO

”

– GENE DENTON: WHITIANGLER PROFESSIONAL CHARTER SKIPPER 20 7-20 201 Ma rin e E n gi n e s

/YamahaMarineNZ

yamaha-motor.co.nz

76 Breeze Magazine

CELEBRATE

WITH MUMM #MakeitMumm Enjoy Responsibly

OFFICIAL CHAMPAGNE PARTNER