BREEZE Magazine March - April 2021 by RNZYS

BREEZE Breeze Magazine 1

Issue No. 234 • March – April 2021

Official Publication of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

2 Breeze Magazine

Voted ‘Boat of the Year’ by Cruising World Magazine

EXCESS 11 Catamaran The Excess 11 is the smallest catamaran from the Excess family, and the only large-scale production boat of its type on the market. Compact in size, yet adventurous to helm, the Excess 11 is built for performance, with all the best features of a liveaboard cruiser. Contact us today for more information about this exciting new release.

36 Degrees Brokers Ltd

Auckland | Opua

+64 9 903 1001

info@36degrees.nz

www.36degrees.nz

omegawatches.com

O F F I C I A L T I M E K E E P E R O F T H E A M E R I C A’ S C U P Since 1851, great sailors like Sir Peter Blake have considered the America’s Cup to be the ultimate prize and OMEGA is proud to be the Official Timekeeper again in 2021. Continuing a legacy of innovation, this tribute timepiece comes with a sailing start indicator and a chronograph lock. It’s also Master Chronometer Certified, which guarantees more accuracy, reliability and supreme resistance to magnetism.

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: Luna Rossa on its way to winning the Prada 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 May - June 2021 Issue Editorial - 26 March Advertising booking - 26 March Advertising material due - 2 April Magazine posted - 9 April 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 Bruce Tantrum Model Exhibition .................................................................................................................................16 While a Cup dispute rages, all eyes are on our Friday Rum Race .......................................................... 17 Spectacular superyachts join RNZYS 150th Celebrations ........................................................................... 18 RNZYS summer cruise to Great Barrier ................................................................................................................20 Welcoming new members to the RNZYS ............................................................................................................26 Dmitry’s epic voyage fulfils a Christmas promise.................................................................................................28 Stranded by COVID they joined the RNZYS .....................................................................................................32 Italians rejoice as Brits rue Britannia ..........................................................................................................................35 A busy day in the course marshal life of Suzanne Bourke ........................................................................... 42 Oscar’s in charge of hugs and smiles .........................................................................................................................43 Cracker Squadron Weekend in 150th year ...........................................................................................................44 North Lawn is a popular addition to RNZYS facilities ..................................................................................50 Watching the Prada Cup from the good ship ALI ............................................................................................52 An exclusive fine dining lunch in the Crow’s Nest ...........................................................................................55 Anniversary Weekend a celebration of freedom and fun ............................................................................56 Classic Yacht Association Journal ..................................................................................................................................60 Learn to Sail 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

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

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 Happy 150th Birthday to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Having celebrated our sesquicentennial year recently at Lidgard House, Kawau with the Squadron Weekend party, we are now in the midst of the 2021 summer. I take this opportunity to again thank you as members, sponsors, and supporters of your club at a very important time, given the 36th America’s Cup is also upon us. We have seen a lot of time and work put in by the club towards this event. From on-water safety, course detail, course marshalling, club hosting on and off the water, to much work behind the scenes, we should be very proud as the defending and host club of what is happening right now. Excitement and anticipation is building as our own team will attempt to retain the America’s Cup under our burgee. We wish them every success. On this note, members should be assured we are working together with ETNZ. While there has been a lot in the media recently, we must remind ourselves that first and foremost to play a lead role in any future America’s Cup, you must first win the America’s Cup. The RNZYS will, as Trustee, fulfill all obligations and duties around the America’s Cup as per the Deed of Gift. Financially, the club continues to be strong

with very solid trading months and continued tremendous support from our sponsors and corporate members. We are now in our busiest time of the year with something for everyone, so please come and enjoy your club with your fellow members. Our Kawau property once again provided the perfect location for our annual 36 Degrees Brokers Squadron Weekend. With over 500 people attending, we enjoyed some great sailing with an easterly breeze for the Commodores Cup Round the Island race and a well supported dress-up party afterwards. It was certainly a pleasure for me to be able to host Flag Officers from the New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron at our 150th event. My thanks to the staff involved, who put in a huge effort to enable us to all enjoy ourselves. We now turn our focus to preservation and restoration of the native bush given the club’s drive to a sustainable future at Kawau Island. At our Westhaven property, you will hopefully have spent some time on our new “North Lawn”. This idea started around five years ago, in fact, when a few of us drafted up an idea given we felt we needed a more casual “green” outdoor space. It is so satisfying to see this come to reality and so many members enjoying the lawn over the past month or so

during the long summer evenings. As part of our 150th year, we are about to host the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta and a unique motor yacht division, which will take in Kawau and Waiheke islands as part of their event. Despite the obvious hurdles of the past year, I am sure the sight of over 10 superyachts in the Hauraki Gulf will be something to remember. The inaugural Barfoot and Thompson Bridge to Bean Rock Race should also be a spectacle on February 28th. 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 host the 2021 Classic Yacht Regatta at the same time, so be sure to come and join in the many events through this unique and memorable time. At the end of March, we then host the CBRE City of Sails Auckland Regatta for keelboats. As the City of Sails, Auckland certainly deserves a premier keelboat regatta and we would love to see this grow back to being a “must do” event. After a summer of watching sailing, we should all take the opportunity to get back out there! Long may summer boating continue, and hopefully a successful defence of the America’s Cup. Aaron Young Commodore

12m Alan Wright Power Cat

Big volume, cruising cat with 4 cabins. Great for entertaining family and friends. Highly efficient hull with 2 shaft driven 150hp Volvo diesels. Wayne 0274 502 654 • wayne@lcw.co.nz • www.lauriecollins.co.nz

8 Breeze Magazine

FROM THE CEO

Blink and you will miss this summer with the number of things going on at the RNZYS. Here we are in March and already seem to have covered off a great many of the 150th celebration events — or just about to kick into them. We started with a New Year’s Eve race to Kawau followed by a regatta at Kawau Boating Club on New Year’s Day. We had a small fleet for the race up and a big turnout for the celebration regatta on New Year’s Day. Fun was had by all ages with Chris Dickson (Princess) winning the main A division race. This was followed by a prize giving at KBC and then a DJ and BYO BBQ and drinks on Lidgard Lawn. A couple of days later a decent fleet left Kawau for an organised cruise to Great Barrier led by General Committee members Mike Malcolm and Sheryl Lanigan, and chair of our 150th committee Colin Carran (read more on that later in this edition). A great way to start 2021! The RNZYS essentially stayed open right through Christmas this year and while most people were away enjoying the sunshine, the club was busy with contractors and staff getting upgrades completed for members to enjoy. The newly completed North Lawn was one of these projects and has been well received by everyone that has used the space so far. We have been opening post sailing events and also Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A DJ on Friday evenings, racing on Saturday and

a Sunday BBQ are just a few of the things happening there. An outdoor TV supplied by Panasonic has meant you can watch the racing in the sun whilst enjoying some great food, drinks and company. A big thanks need to go to Cooper Hopman, Will Clough and Johnny Montgomery for completing this and other major maintenance tasks over this period. 15 January we had the first of the Prada Cup Challenger series start and again the club was buzzing with members as well as the commercial team hosting our sponsors and some dignitaries on board ALI to say thank you for the support of the club. Thank you to Phil Alison for making his vessel available to do this. We have developed very good relationships with all of the teams and as I write this we are about to see what unfolds in the Prada Cup challenger finals and who will face ETNZ in the America’s Cup Match on March 6. It wouldn’t be the America’s Cup without drama, controversy and rumours, but basically don’t believe everything you read in the media as the truth often gets in the way of a good story. What I can say is the AC Committee is ensuring the RNZYS acts responsibly in its role of Trustee, whilst also supporting our team and protecting our reputation. 36 Degrees Brokers Squadron Weekend was easily the biggest that I have been involved in and massive thanks to my team, who worked tirelessly packing in and out over a four-day period to make it all happen. It is no small feat to organise a party for 600 plus people on an island and feed, water and entertain everyone, I can tell you. My watch tracker clocked me at 68.5kms walked for the four days. 36 Degrees Brokers once again was a great supporter of this and other events and we are very grateful for their support to make it bigger and better every year. Phil Madsen had a full stage this year and helped everyone dance

the night away. What a great tribute again to our 150th celebrations; check out the photos later in this edition as well as the video on our facebook page. By the time this goes to print, we will have completed the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta, which again has been a massive effort to bring to life in a time where we were unsure if any yachts could even get to New Zealand at one point. We also developed an exciting motoryacht adventure race to give the motoryachts some fun too. Then it’s on to the Bridge to Bean (B2B) for the dinghies and the re-invented CBRE City of Sails – Auckland Regatta. Add some business as usual, a couple of national champs and club racing and you can see why I said you will blink and miss summer with all of this going on. Our Karen Walker collaboration range is going exceptionally well and we are already planning some 21/22 summer items. We also have a range of limited 150th clothing, wine and collectables to help remember the year by. Since we can’t travel internationally, we also have our charter to the Sub-Antarctic Islands and only have a few berths left, if you are interested in this ‘bucket list’ trip. Membership continues to rise and the club continues to be sitting in a solid financial position compared to the targets we set ourselves for this year. This is thanks to you as members using the club, introducing new people and attending the events we put on for you, as well as some very dedicated and focused staff. This year in particular we have even more volunteers helping us with various tasks — thank you for putting your hand up to help. We sincerely appreciate the efforts. So please make the most of what will be our biggest summer ever or you will blink and miss it. You only turn 150 once! Hayden Porter, CEO

Beneteau Oceanis 34 An outstanding example that must be seen to be appreciated. A full service history confirms how well this yacht has been cared for. Wayne 0274 502 654 • wayne@lcw.co.nz • www.lauriecollins.co.nz

Breeze Magazine 9

Take eye-catching anywhere. The new Audi Q3 Sportback.

When selecting the perfect everyday companion you shouldn’t have to choose between form or function – the new Audi Q3 Sportback knows that. Bringing dynamic driving technology and the full features of an SUV together with a new coupé-style design. It goes without saying you’ll turn heads no matter where you take it.

Experience the new Audi Q3 Sportback. Book a test drive today.

giltrapaudi.co.nz

10 Breeze Magazine

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

Rally 3 – After warm humid northerlies during November, the December Rally felt the return of spring-like equinoxial sou’westerlies. Flat water in the Waitemata Harbour belied the 25 knots as 15 yachts assembled on the start line with expert communications via VHF ch17 from Race Manager Rochelle Seagar on board Bird on the Wing. We sailed a shortened Course 4 to finish off Motuihe reef marker, allowing us to join the Sundowner Beach Party organised by the Youth Committee. The fleet had enjoyed exciting sailing, flat off, first being threaded by the Melges 40’s out for a practice and soon finding their waterline length rating. A squall hit as we passed Browns Island with 35 knot gusts – hardly cruising weather!! Consequently, the southern end of the Eastern side of Motuihe revealed a bit of surf running to make for a fun (and for some wet) dinghy arrival ashore. The launches had already arrived, and we found a party in full swing. Along with the prize winners, acknowledgement was made to senior

Blustery spring-like conditions gave the Rally 3 cruisers an exhilarating sail.

DISCOVER THE ELECTRIC WINCH HANDLE • Power all your winches with just one winch handle! • Ewincher is the easiest way to power your winches. • Suits all boats up to 55ft, no installation needed, plug and play solution.

E: enquiry@sailingimports.co.nz

P: +64 (0)272 475568

W: www.ewincher.com

Breeze Magazine 11

Bringing a world class sales process to the

BOATING INDUSTRY ▪ Global audience via Ray White Marine Australia and NZ. ▪ Exclusive distributor for Ferretti Group. ▪ Specialist boat finance available. ▪ Funding options for marketing campaigns. ▪ A complimentary BoatSmart HQ pre-sale inspection. ▪ Dedicated team of experienced brokers. ▪ Reach the NZ market with 182 offices across NZ. ▪ Access to cutting edge marketing and design.

021 726 812 027 359 3040

grant@raywhitemarine.com alistair@raywhitemarine.com

12 Breeze Magazine members Colin Reid (40yrs+) Fine Line III, John Faire (40yrs+) Terminator, Peter Lavelle (50yrs+) Platine and Don Grayson (50yrs+) Warringa, House Chairman Garry Scarborough Equilibrio, and later Commodore Aaron Young, who had just finished the Gold Cup around Waiheke race on Checkmate. We didn’t scare all the wildlife, with ducks hitching a ride on a homeward-bound Y88 the following morning and a newish batch of nine ducklings sticking close to mum. 1st Line: Emotional Rescue, Carl Whiting. H’cap: 1st, Share Delight, Mike Lanigan; 2nd Nomos, Marguerite Delbet; 3rd, Platine, Peter Lavelle. The Cruising Series has a new sponsor – PIC Insurance Brokers. We are excited to be partnering with them and can’t wait to engage with them more going forward. • 2021 Cruising Rally Dates March 20th; April 17th Colin Forbes Easter Rally: April 2nd – 4th

Above: The shoreside gathering was enlivened by the dinghy ride ashore with the surf providing some wet thrills. Right: Mother duck brought her family along to join the beach-side proceedings.

By Sheryl Lanigan, Share Delight

For the BEST PRICED FUEL sign up for a NO FEES

GOfuel is the only NZ marine fuel card supplier

card

marine locations use nationwide on land & sea

Add your business fuel to your account for bigger discounts. Apply for a GOfuel card at www.gofuel.co.nz

SAVE

on every litre

member prices for oil & lubes delivered to your door or boat

and use the promo code: BREEZE Powered by

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 Welcome to 2021 and an action-packed year at the RNZYS. The year started with a new race, the New Year’s Eve Race to Kawau Island, won by John Faire on Terminator, followed the next day by the annual New Year’s Day Race, which saw 26 yachts racing over three divisions. Congratulations to Princess, Melting Pot and I believe one of the Pilkingtons in a laser radial taking out the dinghy division. The Prada Cup kicked off on the 15th January. This has been a very busy time for the RNZYS, providing and training all the course marshals for the event. The racing is proving to be as exciting as ever and all the planning and training gone into this event has been paying off. Bay of Islands turned on another stunning week for Bay of Islands Race Week.The RNZYS was well represented once again. Great to see all four of the new Melges 40s line up together for the first time in what looked like some very competitive racing in B division. But it was A J Reid on Anarchy who won this division on PHRF and General Handicap. The RNZYS club racing has been running as per usual with racing most nights of the week. The Doyle Sails Wednesday Series is as popular as ever and new courses have been designed for the Havana Club Rum Race, so that racing can be held at the same time as the Prada Cup racing. The RNZYS ran the Starling Match Racing National Championships for a second year, a great event run over two days. This regatta is great way to introduce young sailors to the RNZYS and promote the Mastercard Youth Training Programme, especially as for most, this was their first or second match racing regatta. The 36 Degrees Brokers Commodores Cup Squadron Weekend has just gone, and it was another great success — perfect sailing conditions combined with a great party on the Saturday night proved a winning formula. There was a real focus on safety this year after a serious man-overboard incident in 2020. Safety inspections were carried out before the Night Race to Kawau, wearing of life jackets was mandatory, and VHF communications was

much improved by the entire fleet, especially with call-ins required at the start and finish. Looking forward to the end of February, it will be a very busy time with the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta 23rd – 27th February, the Barfoot & Thompson Bridge to Bean Rock race on the 28th February and the Classics Regatta 27th February – 1st March. After which we roll straight into the America’s Cup, then back to back National Championships held at the club right through into May with the Doyle Sails Winter Series starting also. Busy times indeed. Make sure you get down to the club to catch some of the racing. There is a great atmosphere with the improvements on the Members’ Bar deck and the new North Lawn area outside the Ballroom/Dinghy Locker at the RNZYS Eastern Entrance. Go Emirates Team New Zealand! • We are saddened to hear that Barrie Pratt, club member (38+yrs) and long-time race management volunteer passed away

unexpectedly. On behalf of RNZYS, Sailing Office and all Race Management Volunteers, we wish to acknowledge all the time Barrie has given to the club’s race management over the years, earlier days as a Race Officer and more recently, fondly remembered as an experienced timekeeper. Actively involved with the Friday Rum Race team and Mark Foy races from the Tower, he previously worked across most other RNZYS club racing series and major events. He didn’t take himself too seriously, had a great sense of humor and loved just being involved and part of a team. Outside of Race Management, Barrie was a staunch rum race competitor in his Davidson 38, Great Escape, and loved his tennis and squash. Barrie will be dearly missed, and our thoughts and condolences are with Barrie’s wife, Annie, and his family, friends and all others he came across in his time with us. Laurie Jury, RNZYS Sailing Director

Nigel Hendy’s Nirvana won the B Division Round the Island Race on PHRF during Squadron Weekend.

Breeze Magazine 15

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

DB729

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 MARCH - APRIL 2021

S T E WA R T 3 4 CHAMPIONSHIPS

BARFOOT & THOMPSON L ADIE S R ACING

COAST NZ E TCH E LL S SPRINT SERIES

D OY L E SA I L S W E D N E S D AY S E R I E S

N O R T H SA I L S YO U N G 8 8 SPRINT SERIES

1 March | 15 March | 29 March

9 March | 23 March

2 March | 9 March | 16 March

3 March | 17 March | 31 March

11 March | 25 March

23 March | 30 March

NESPRESSO ELLIOT 7 SPRINTS

H AVA N A C L U B R U M R AC E SERIES

PIC INSURANCE CRUISING SERIES

A M E R I C A’ S C U P M E M B E R S PA R T Y

HAR KE N SECON DARY SCHOOLS CHAMPS

4 March | 18 March

5 March | 12 March | 19 March

20 March | 16 April

2 March

5 - 7 March

LADIES COFFEE MORNING

CBRE CITY OF SAILS A U C K L A N D R E G A T TA

COLIN FORBES EASTER R A L LY

3 6 D E G R E E S H AY S TA C K PA S S AG E R AC E

2 March

26 - 28 March

2 - 4 April

10 April

NZ MRX MASTERS N AT I O N A L C H A M P S

N Z E T C H E L L N AT I O N A L CHAMPS

36 DEGREES BROKERS SQUADRON PICNIC

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

LADIES COFFEE MORNING - ZOO TRIP

10 - 11 April 2021

10 - 11 April

18 April

26 Apr | 9 Apr | 16 Apr | 23 Apr

H A R K E N YO U T H I N T E R N AT I O N A L M AT C H R ACING CU P 10 - 14 March 2021

25 April

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

6 April

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

Bruce Tantrum with his models in the Squadron Library.

Bruce Tantrum model exhibition Story and photo by Debra Douglas Bruce Tantrum’s fleet has come to town. Squadron member and model maker extraordinaire, Bruce has enlisted the support of Squadron members to lend models of their craft for display at the Squadron, as part of the club’s 150th celebrations. All the models in the exhibition were made by Bruce as commissions. Bruce’s detailed knowledge of classic yachts is second to none. Many of his creations have been built from original design drawings and although they are scale models, they use the same planking method. Displayed in clubrooms and lounges worldwide, this is a rare opportunity for members to get up close to NZ’s maritime history.

The 11 vessels range from the MV Hamal, an exploration ship launched in 1977, to America the 19th-century racing yacht and first winner of the America’s Cup. Bruce says he is more than delighted with the display. Hundreds and hundreds of hours have gone into building the models, but says he doesn’t regard it as work. “It’s a privileged opportunity. These models will last a very long time.” And a favourite? “Each one has its own importance. Waitangi (1892) is a particularly important vessel as it has great history and pedigree. Designed and built by Robert Logan senior, she is the probably the queen of the classic fleet and probably would be my favourite, at least until the next one comes along.” And the next model taking shape on Bruce’s bench? “I’m working on Squadron member

Dick Fisher’s Melodeon, a fishing vessel rescued from languishing at a Whangarei wharf. She had a chequered career as a survey and fishing boat. “All these models have real significance — their beauty, their history, their designer and what they have achieved — they are part of our culture. “The America’s Cup in my view is being contested in Auckland because of our harbour and climate, the kauri timber the old boats were built of and the passion and ability of the owners and sailors who participate on the world stage at a high level of excellence. We can compete successfully internationally because of those elements. “These boats here were the foundation of our success and are a huge part of our history.” The exhibition will continue until the conclusion of the America’s Cup event.

Breeze Magazine 19

While a Cup dispute rages, the eyes of the world are on our Friday Rum Race

Excited to support RNZYS this summer!

Official Sponsor of The secret is out. Auckland’s long-standing Friday afternoon ritual of ending the working week with a casual, no-spinnakers romp around the cans on the Waitemata Harbour has achieved international status. The RNZYS Havana Club Rum Race on February 19 attracted worldwide attention as a dispute briefly flared between the Challenger of Record (COR), Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, and America’s Cup Events Ltd (ACE) about sailing dates for the challenger final series. With Auckland under Level Two COVID restrictions, ACE proposed postponing racing for 10 days in the hope that restrictions would drop to Level One and full public access to the race village and vantage points could resume. COR, however, resisted any change to the race schedule and insisted racing should proceed under Level Two. “Alert Level Two allows us to go racing,” said COR’s legal counsel, Alessandra Pandarese. “The proof of this is that there are plenty of events happening in Auckland and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is racing. The issue is not in question.” Italian journalist Andrea Falcone, speaking via Zoom, seized on this point. He demanded an explanation from Regatta Director Iain Murray: if the RNZYS was going racing on Friday afternoon, why could the Prada Cup not follow suit? Looking slightly bemused, Murray noted: “There is sailing racing happening all over the world. None of it is patrolled like the America’s Cup and none is administered within an exclusive race area. There are very few AC75s taking part in yacht races around the world in excess of 40 knots. “It is very difficult to make a comparison between a club race on a Friday night and America’s Cup racing in an AC75.” Indeed, it goes without saying that no course marshals keep the spectator fleet at bay during the Havana Club Rum Races every Friday night, nor are special aviation regulations in place to control the TV helicopters, nor do

billionaire owners traverse the globe to attend. Of course, with the eyes of the world now on this Friday night extravaganza, all that may change. The once-a-month fancy dress race may have to progress from pirate outfits and over-the-top drag costumes to more haute couture creations. On the day of the February 19 race, however, the atmosphere at the RNZYS betrayed no special air of excitement or panic over the raised status of the event. Race Manager Rochelle Seagar was taking it all in her stride. She explained that several new harbour courses had been added to enable racing to take place in the upper harbour area. These could be used to ensure the Rum Racers did not interfere with the America’s Cuppers when they were also racing on Friday nights. Otherwise, her primary concern was about increasing participation in the Super Cruiser division, which was introduced to encourage more cruising type vessels, the kind with biminis over the cockpit and BBQs on the transom. “If people with this type of boat want to get involved, but need help finding crew, or require a bit of coaching, or mentoring assistance, we will be happy to help with that,” she said. AC75s need not apply. As it happened, the Havana Club Rum Race in question showed little sign the global attention had gone to anybody’s head. Twenty yachts – most of them production cruiserracers – turned out on a beautiful late summer evening and made their way down the harbour, dodging commuter ferries and the usual Friday evening exodus of pleasure boats heading off for the weekend away. The big boat division was won by a Beneteau 45. Sadly, there was only one competitor in the Super Cruiser division. Bottles of the sponsors’ product were awarded at the prize giving. The end of the working week had been duly celebrated. Everybody was happy. By Ivor Wilkins

20 Breeze Magazine

Escorted by a dolphin Sassafras is one of the entries in the 2021 Mastercard Superyacht Regatta. Ivor Wilkins Photo

Spectacular superyachts join RNZYS 150th celebrations As this issue of Breeze was going to press, the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta was under way as part of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. Taking place in the interval between the conclusion of the Prada Cup Challenger series and the America’s Cup, the programme included spectacular sailing yachts – including Sassafras pictured above – and motoryachts competing against the backdrop of the Hauraki Gulf, with on-shore events and entertainments for owners and crew. At the conclusion of the America’s Cup, the Superyacht Gathering was scheduled for 24 to 26 March 2021. The RNZYS has supported the event since its inception, and the 2021 edition will include an America’s Cup Recap Breakfast, sponsored by Rondal and hosted at the Squadron. Confirmed speakers of The Superyacht Gathering include famed yacht designer Andrew Winch, Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess, Captain Terry Gould of S/Y Adix and Captain Michael Gooding of M/Y Silentworld, with more to come. The three-day format includes the welcome party at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Storytelling Day, the RNZYS Breakfast and the popular long

lunch on Waiheke Island at Mudbrick Estate. Not your average superyacht industry event, the Superyacht Gathering brings together a like-minded group of people, including yacht owners, captains, designers, project managers, brokers, suppliers and more. Attendees share their experiences, stories

and knowledge in an engaging, authentic and relevant way, while cultivating friendships and relationships around a love of the sea and all beings that live in, on and around it. • For Superyacht Gathering information and tickets, www.thesuperyachtgathering.com

Superyacht Gathering guests enjoying lunch on Waiheke Island

Breeze Magazine 21

22 Breeze Magazine

RNZYS summer cruise to Great Barrier By Sheryl Lanigan The first events of 2021 marking the Squadron’s 150th anniversary were a great success, with a New Year race to Kawau Island followed by a flotilla cruise to Great Barrier Island, that fabulous guardian of the Hauraki Gulf.

It’s OK to start your motor in a rally, “but I prefer to sail,” came the reply. As we began our passage to Great Barrier, the rest of the sailing fleet must have been charging batteries, chilling the fridge/freezer and heating the water! Once out of Kawau Bay, we were greeted by a friendly north-westerly to ensure a pleasant passage across the Hauraki Gulf.

OFFICE FITOUT ● FREE MEASURE & QUOTE ● LOCALLY MADE

www.systemscommercial.com

558 ROSEBANK ROAD AVONDALE, AUCKLAND PH 093691880 sales@systemscommercial.com

Breeze Magazine 23

24 Breeze Magazine Soft rain thwarted our plans of a BBQ on Lidgard lawn for the predeparture briefing on January 2nd, so thanks to KBC for providing refuge. The briefing was attended by a bunch of keen boaties including senior members, former committee members and Past Commodores. Recentlypurchased Karen Walker rain capes cut a stylish dash. Special welcome to Clarion (Tony Bennett) making his first cruise to Barrier. The unofficial start was off Accord Point and boats checked in by VHF with MV Affinity around 9am-ish — not the most punctual bunch. The fleet consisted of 17 vessels, being eight launches and nine yachts. It was especially pleasing to have the “motoryachts” join us for this event. Some opted to start at dawn before the breeze came in. Some of the launches opted to call by Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier for lunch. Ivor and Elspeth Wilkins on their launch InkPot took “line honours”, making the crossing in 90 minutes. “We just set the autopilot and pushed the throttle down,” said Ivor. “Not much skill in that.” After entering Fitzroy Harbour through Man O’ War Passage, the fleet anchored in Kaiarara Bay, where everybody met ashore to meet new friends, chat about the passage and enjoy BBQ sausages and drinks. Past Commodore Steve Burrett acknowledged Colin Carran, chairman of the 150th Committee, and Mike Malcolm for organising and Chris Collins for his ongoing work maintaining the RNZYS history. Next day, activities were split between fishing or tramping, with the trampers having more success than the fishers. Walkers assembled around 9am for a reasonably strenuous trek through recovering bush up to the remnants of the first Kauri Dam. We were thankful for the improved track, drainage, and bridges available to cross rivers that previously we would have had to wade through. Some chose a more strenuous option. James Campbell a guest aboard Tequila being extra fit (and young!) ran to the top of Mt Hobson in under an hour! Afterwards, MV Inkpot made an emergency dash to Port Fitzroy — only to find the general store had sold out of icecream. Crisis! The evening gathering ashore was abuzz with friendly conversations and happily joined by Eleanor (Steve and Cindy Callagher), Acquiesce (Colin and Nicola Anderson), and Blueprint (Jonty and Vic Cullinane), who significantly lowered the average age with two young daughters along. After two nights at Kaiarara Bay there was a consensus to move, but first, a real treat was in store. All aboard MV Affinity and MV Blueprint to visit the gannet colony. This visit was organised by Rodger Jack (Alacaluffe) with the local

1. Kath Burrett and Loraine Fairest sporting new Karen Walker rain capes. 2. Colin Carran’s Defiance was one of eight motor vessels in the flotilla. 3. Thirsty work carting the dinghies across the mudflats at Kaiarara Bay.

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

SOLD

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 campaigns this year, achieving combined sales of over $35 million, I have met hundreds of buyers looking to purchase property in our area. During November I am offering obligation-free market appraisals which will provide instant information to assess your property value, or simply keep you abreast of the current market. Call Ashley 021 325 009 for FREE appraisal and advice

4. Colin Carran at the BBQ. 5. Trampers Debbie Whiting, Sheryl and Mike Lanigan. 6. James Campbell after his epic run up Mt Hobson, with Barbara Thomson. 7. MC Mike Malcolm. 8. Gannet guardian Aaron Ngawaka.

18 Dunedin St – St Mary’s Bay

SOLD

owners and caretakers of the land, Opo, Elaine and Aaron Ngawaka, who generously guided us up a short but steep hill to the main colony. Before us was an amazing sight: the hillside covered in nesting/feeding/ flying gannets. Walking slowly and quietly, we were mesmerized by the smell, sight, and stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf on a picture-perfect day. The fleet then motored to Karaka Bay for a swim, then ashore for another learning opportunity about the Orama Christian Trust and Camp Benzon. Many know of this already as a school camp destination (Hillary Adventure Trust). Rodger introduced Clinton (Quicksilver), who advised us the area is “boat friendly” with a shop, washing machines, casual meals if booked 24hrs in advance, and UV-treated water available on the wharf. Land based accommodation also available for non-boaties who wish to fly over. They do have a no-alcohol policy on site, but welcomed us

16 Dunedin St – St Mary’s Bay

SOLD

Photos by James Campbell, Sheryl Lanigan, Debbie Whiting and Ivor Wilkins

Breeze Magazine 25

ASHLEY TAIT

AREINZ

YOUR LOCAL TRUSTED ACHIEVER

021 325 009 ı a.tait@barfoot.co.nz ı barfoot.co.nz/a.tait ‘Ashley has sold two houses for our family over the past five years and we can’t speak highly enough of him. He is reliable, communicative and always delivers on what he promises. He has always got good outcomes for us in our property sales. We wouldn’t hesitate to use him again for any property transaction and would highly recommend him.’ Nick and Shannon, Westmere

26 Breeze Magazine

Above: Inspired by the gannets, the RNZYS make an unsuccessful attempt at take-off. Below: gannets and their chicks. Bottom: Sunset over Tequila. ashore with our “refreshments” on the front lawn. Another glorious day greeted the dispersing boats, with shrieking cicadas outdoing the birds and humans, until Fineline III left, sounding a bugle salute – a fitting end to a memorable RNZYS 150th special event. Back in “civilisation” following the cruise, a time for reflection. For Mike Malcolm, who served as master of ceremonies during the evening gatherings on the beach, the gannet colony visit was the highlight, a view shared by many. “But,” Mike added, “the really great thing was that we ushered in our 150th anniversary year with an event that everybody enjoyed in a great spirit of camaraderie. It was fabulous and many felt we should do it again.” Colin Carran said one objective of the flotilla was to engage with members who do not always frequent the cruising or racing events on the RNZYS calendar. Another was to introduce Great Barrier Island to some members who had not been there before. “All our objectives were achieved and a good time was had by all,” he said. “There are certainly discussions about having cruises of this type more often in the future.”

Breeze Magazine 27

28 Breeze Magazine

Welcoming New Members to the RNZYS 1

It was time to meet and greet when 80 new faces were welcomed to the RNZYS as full members, associate members, family members, country and overseas members. The summer evening event was hosted by Commodore Aaron Young and members of the General Committee, with the new members supported by proposers, family and friends. 1/ Marie Jordan and Chip Dawson. 2/ From left, Geoff and Heather Hollands and Marilyn and Ross Christensen. 3/ From left, Barry and Deborah McCullough and Peter and Patsy Nicholas. 4/ From left, John and Sue Cortese, Murray Holdaway and Helen Geary. 5/ From left, Tim and Lynne Jeffery and Gary and Esther Kirkland-Smith. 6/ From left, General Committee member Mike Leyland, Caro McCourtie, Vittoria Di Pietro Selwyn and Peter Selwyn. 7/ From left, Kay Flower, Susan Templeton and Annie Docking. Pictures by Debra Douglas

Breeze Magazine 29

1 Westhaven Drive, Auckland | 09 413 9465 | www.teamwindcraft.com/dehler

The Villa Collection Bluetooth Speaker Light is perfect for home, the beach, bach or boat

www.dayandage.co.nz

30 Breeze Magazine

Dmitry’s epic voyage fulfils a Christmas promise By Hamish Coleman Ross In 2014 Dmitry Pelevin, a recent Russian immigrant to New Zealand walked into the Squadron foyer and asked how he might be able to crew in a club race. A few hours later he was out on the water on a Friday Rum Race. Seven years later he would return to the waters of the Hauraki, only this time it would be the conclusion of a 8500nm solo sail from Martinique in the Caribbean to Gulf Harbour Marina. This epic journey was not a meticulously planned adventure, but an attempt to keep a promise to his seven year old son Andre in Auckland, that Dad would be home for Christmas. It was a promise that Pelevin, a New Zealand resident, didn’t think too hard to keep when he was in Russia on business in February 2020. Yet as the news of the threat of COVID spread it became apparent that he needed to make it home faster than anticipated. Initially traveling to Paris in March 2020, he had hoped to connect to Air New Zealand

Dmitry and Andre, reunited flight NZ1 in London, only to be caught in France’s lockdown until May. Devastated, he began to think of other ways he might be able to make it back home. Air travel was now an exorbitant cost with no guarantee of departure, so he started to look towards the coastline and a beckoning blue horizon. France began to allow limited distance of internal travel so Dmitry made his way 100km at a time to the southern coast to inquire about buying a yacht to sail solo to New

FIJI VIP BLUE LANES ACCESS THE SOUTH PACIFIC

WWW.YACHTHELP.COM

Zealand. Yachts in the area weren’t suitable for an Atlantic crossing and with France’s borders still closed his options seemed exhausted. In his online search for yachts an unintended option arose with boats listed in the French overseas territory of Martinique, an island in the Caribbean. Further investigation revealed he could fly there immediately as it was considered an internal flight. He leaped at the opportunity. There he found a suitable bluewater yacht in

Breeze Magazine 31

32 Breeze Magazine

the form of a 2002 Dufour GibSea 37 named Cupiditas, which in Latin means “big desire, enthusiasm, eager”. He set about learning the ropes of his new vessel and prepared her for the sail across the pacific. Remarkably, Pelevin had never sailed solo before, much of his experience coming from RNZYS club races, mostly crewing on the prize winning Catalina 40 Nomos. Skipper Marguerite Delbet remembers it well. “Dmitri raced on Nomos for a couple of years and

became a great friend. We stayed in touch and when he told me he had purchased a boat and was intending to sail to New Zealand solo, I thought, Wow! You’re gutsy - and what an awesome way to live your life.” After a short time in the Caribbean and passing through the Panama Canal Dmitry was confident of success. His journey saw him stop in the Marquesa Islands and Tahiti before arriving in Opua to clear quarantine. With negative tests at all of his

stops and having been at sea for over 14 days, he only needed another negative test before the final sail to Gulf Harbour Marina. Despite having navigated over 70 days at sea, one of the hardest parts of the entire voyage was the last four hours as he rounded into a westerly headwind at Tiritri Matangi on his final 3nm into the marina. At 3pm on Christmas Eve 2020, Dmitry Pelevin berthed Cupiditas, disembarked and walked calmly to his son. He shook Andre’s hand before giving him a big hug. It was a moving moment that was captured and broadcast on One News as well as carried across media the country over. International attention followed, including in his native Russia, where his efforts became a major story on multiple TV stations and publications, reaching an audience of millions. Regardless of all the attention his story has had, his focus always remained squarely on his motivation to undertake the journey in the first place. Aided in part by his experience at RNZYS, Dmitry overcame a pandemic, closed borders and the Pacific Ocean. No obstacle was going to stop a father determined to keep a promise to his son. • Dmitry Pelevin will be hosted by the RNZYS for a Q&A with the Commodore on Tuesday 27th April.

Breeze Magazine 33

SUPERYACHTS FIJI

ESCAPE TO THE ISLANDS

WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

THE VIP BLUE LANES WWW.SUPERYACHTS-PORTDENARAUMARINA.COM Denarau Island, Fiji, South Pacific

34 Breeze Magazine

Nikitoo, the Oyster 63 Hugh Johnson and his partner Mariana Veleva have been sailing around the world for the past three years.

‘Stranded’ by COVID, they joined the RNZYS International sailors Hugh Johnson and his partner Mariana Veleva found themselves ‘stranded’ in New Zealand under COVID restrictions, so they joined the RNZYS. Hugh tells their story . . .

We sailed out of Sydney, Australia, at 2200 hours on January 30th 2020, against the advice of a weather router but happy that we knew the boat’s abilities better than he did after the 17,000 miles we had sailed from Lefkas Greece over the previous two years.

We sailed before a front as it gradually crept down on us, maintaining a 9.3 knot average to arrive at North Cape at 0300 on February 5th, 2020 just two hours before the front caught us. Our plan was to cruise in New Zealand waters for three months, then head back across the Tasman via Fiji, for a Whitsundays cruise, before returning to Auckland for the America’s Cup. After a pleasant couple of weeks in the Bay of Islands, we headed south to Whangarei and then out to Great Barrier Island, where we discovered the delightful anchorages around Port Fitzroy, our favourite being Kiwiriki Bay. Having settled the boat in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, we departed on a tour of the South Island. We were in Te Anau when we learned that COVID was going to change our lives for the foreseeable future. We managed to catch the last flight from Queenstown to Auckland before lock-down began on March 25th after squeezing in a helicopter visit to Milford Sound. What a truly majestic place – we agreed we should sail down there when spring sprung.

On arrival in Auckland, we just had time to find a hotel apartment in which to spend what we thought would be a couple of weeks. We all know about the next five weeks. As the world was caught in the grip of fear, we realised our plans to see Fiji again and sample the Whitsundays were going up in smoke. A few weeks later our plans to continue our circumnavigation went the same way, as more and more countries, including New Zealand, denied entrance to yachties. Many of our friends had left their boats in New Zealand and flown home. Those boats are now dotting the East Coast and no doubt suffering what boats suffer when left unattended. We had decided not to return home to Bulgaria simply because the thought of leaving the boat with an uncertain future was unimaginable. We got our NZ visas extended and were good to stay. With the first lock-down over, we took road trips. It was winter and we quickly realised that even though our winter back home can get to -30°C, winter here was going to be different. Kiwis seem to have a different tolerance to

Breeze Magazine 35

THE TEAM AT KEITH NELSON ARE ALL WAITING WITH BAITED BREATH FOR THE AMERICAS CUP TO START!

WWW.KEITHNELSON.CO.NZ

GO TEAM NZ

36 Breeze Magazine cold; we wrap up, they seem to unwrap — at least the young women around the Viaduct Basin do! Hotels had no double glazing, very little heating and in some cases the thinnest of walls behind which folks were managing to find ways to stay warm! We even enjoyed a second Christmas in Whitianga on July 25th complete with Santa and a great night in Grace O’Malleys Irish Inn. After six months living ashore and surviving the second lock-down, we finally moved back aboard on October 1st planning great trips down south at the onset of spring. New Zealand’s spring isn’t like a Bulgarian spring. It’s worse than winter. Plans of a quick dash south down the West Coast evaporated as weather windows of 48 hours just don’t exist. You can choose to get blasted on the way out, or get blasted on the way in and then no way to know how long to wait before being able to head north again. We tried the East Coast and made it to Mt Maunganui, but at that point we gave up, with the forecast changing every day. Heading back north we did find heaven in the form of Coralie Bay on the east side of Great Mercury, an anchorage we would rate as highly as any other we enjoyed on our voyage here. The only

downside was the sheep poo and resultant fly population, but the beauty of the place offset all of that. With the America’s Cup series kicking off, we hung around the Auckland area until the RNZYS New Year’s events, which took us to Kawau and Great Barrier islands for a load of fun and proof that we had joined a truly amazing club. We have been so impressed with the organisation and communication that the Squadron does so well.You are all truly lucky to have such a facility on your doorstep. We have thoroughly enjoyed our New Zealand experience and are most grateful for being allowed to stay. As with all great experiences, there have been a few drawbacks. The exploitation by the marinas who saw the America’s Cup as an excuse to print money would rank as a big negative. To be quoted $69 a day for a stay last year and $6,900 a day (not a typo) for a minimum 90 day stay in January to March 2021 is just crazy squared. We also think New Zealand let itself down by thinking that someone with a superyacht and $50,000 to spend on refit work was an acceptable COVID threat, while a cruiser who takes maybe 10 to 14 days to get here was denied entry.

This is just not thinking straight. Global cruisers are amongst the most responsible individuals on the planet when it comes to following rules. We have been out there and witnessed first-hand the impact of the irresponsible side of the planet’s population. Cruisers would definitely be a low-risk health threat and would have arrived with a large part if not all of their quarantine served at sea. For a Health Minister to suggest that sailors should wait until a cyclone is imminent before applying for permission to sail to New Zealand is simply bonkers, as is suggesting they should turn for home thus “enabling them all to secure safe harbour (in their home countries) in a timely fashion.” Anyway, enough of the grumps. You have been a wonderful host to us, but now it is time to go home. We have abandoned our circumnavigation as we have simply been away from friends and family too long. Even though it is risky from a COVID perspective, we must take that risk. Our sincere thanks to all of New Zealand and its people for your kindness.

Breeze Magazine 37

Italians rejoice as Brits rue Britannia

Above: Jubilation and champagne as the Italian team celebrate. Below: Pensive reflection as Sir Ben Ainslie bows out. Photos by © COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi

By Ivor Wilkins Down the 170-year history of the America’s Cup, one certainty has become cast in stone: the fastest boat always wins. For a while there, the round robin stage of the Prada Cup regatta called that certainty into question, before quickly reasserting itself in the final. Talk about changing fortunes, the pendulum swings in the summer racing in Auckland were enough to power Big Ben into the 22nd century. Ineos Team UK, for example, went from zero to hero and back to zero in a couple of months – leaving its mission to return the America’s Cup to British shores unaccomplished. A roller coaster ride is how skipper Sir Ben Ainslie described it.

In the racing before Christmas, the British team were lame ducks, at odds with the technology that makes the AC75s fly, bogged down for long periods while their opponents soared off over the horizon. Then a miracle Christmas transformation saw them take the early rounds of the Prada Cup by storm. After failing to register a single point before Christmas, Ineos Team UK rocketed directly through to the Prada Cup final with an unblemished 6-0 record in the round robin stage. Ainslie said the herculean efforts of the shore team had resulted in an extraordinary 10% performance gain. “The whole boat had a makeover,” he said. “Every component has been changed.” The stunning score, however, cast serious

38 Breeze Magazine doubt on that article of faith about the fastest boat always winning. The waterfront verdict was that fundamental sailing skills had played a much greater role than boatspeed in the British result. Clearly suspect in light conditions, the most that could be claimed was that in a breeze the British boat was competitive, not superior. Ainslie’s crew, however, consistently demonstrated slicker, more polished work than the other teams, nailing the starts and sailing smart around the track. In Race Two of Round Robin Three, by far the most engrossing battle of the entire Prada Cup series, the British crew, with a compromised mainsail cunningham system, slugged it out against Luna Rossa in a real thriller involving nine lead changes — and won by sheer match racing brilliance. By that stage in the proceedings, American Magic’s Patriot had suffered a disastrous capsize. Their heart-stopping crash saw the oftenfractious Cup community rushing to assist a mortally wounded fellow warrior. With pumps expelling water and the stricken boat supported by a raft-up of team RIBs, inflatable buoys, wrap-around liferafts and anything that would aid buoyancy, the punctured AC75 made the slow journey home in the dark. In the midst of the chaos and concern, images of an ETNZ chase boat delivering pizza to the chilled American crew added a human touch. With nobody injured, the capsize highlighted

Main Picture: Close encounters of the scary kind ... Ineos Team UK and Luna Rossa engage at close quarters with the Italian crew catching a spray in the process. Right: American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson facing the grim reality of being the first team to exit the contest. Their campaign was marred by a dramatic capsize, which caused extensive damage. Photos by © COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi

the wafer-thin line between control and disaster. Footage of the boat launching into the air and crashing down, seconds after Paul Goodison’s urgent double warning against the “hard manoeuvre”, was constantly replayed and dissected. Courtesy of a round-the-clock effort by the American shore team and help from the New Zealand marine industry, Patriot was repaired in time for the semi final against Luna Rossa, but was no match for the Italian crew. Here was another significant pendulum swing. American Magic was clearly strongest challenger in the pre-Christmas racing, with a 4-2 record; they were the only team to beat Emirates Team New Zealand. “Dangerously fast,” is how Ineos skipper Sir Ben Ainslie described the American boat. “Probably the fastest in a certain wind range,” conceded Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena. The bookies agreed. On the eve of the Prada Cup, they were paying $4 on USA, with Luna Rossa on $6 and Ineos on a whopping $41. The Prada Cup results confounded the predictions. American Magic did not win a single race before their spectacular crash, not after it, recording an ignominious 0-10 scoresheet. The fastest boat in the challenger group made the fastest exit from the competition. Leading into the challenger final, a mini debate arose over which passage to the deciding contest would prove most beneficial. The British claimed their three-week sabbatical was exactly what they needed to work on their

Breeze Magazine 39

40 Breeze Magazine

hardware, particularly in the continuing search for light-air improvement. The Italians claimed there was no substitute for time-on-the-water racing. They acknowledged the need for a big step up in their game. Luna Rossa’s 3-3 round robin score flattered to deceive: all three of its victories were at the expense of the Americans, two of them from “ghost races” when American Magic was in pieces back at the base. Their report card was marked with “must do better” in how they were sailing. Their timing at the starts was frequently off and their manoeuvres looked ragged and rushed at times, particularly during windward mark roundings when they seemed to skid out and splash down. In preparing for this America’s Cup

programme, Ainslie built a strong brains trust around him. The British were the only team to invest in a dedicated tactician at the expense of a grinder, a tricky calculation given the hydraulic power demands of these boats. However, the constant stream of communication between Ainslie, tactician Giles Scott and mainsail trimmer Bleddyn Mon became a muchadmired model. Luna Rossa, with its double helmsman setup between Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni, took note and initiated a “small revolution”, giving a more heads-up tactician-type role to mainsail trimmer Pietro Sibello. “The boat is going better and better,” said Bruni. “We have improved every department, including communication and tactics.” After the nine-lead-change thriller in the

Scenes of joy and celebration as Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli win the right to face Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup Match. Above left: Skipper Max Sirena with port-tack helmsman Francesco Bruni Photos by © COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi. round robin stage, fans were desperately hoping for the sparks to fly in the semi-final and final. The AC75s had proved they were not mere speed freaks. They could engage in all the fireworks of close-quarters tacking duels, aggressive luffs, lee-bow tacks, slick mark roundings, combative pre-starts. “This class has been a huge success,” declared Ainslie. “The best boat I have ever sailed … perfect for the America’s Cup.”

Breeze Magazine 41

42 Breeze Magazine

Both crews knew the match race formula. Only one was able to apply it with consistent authority. The ingredients for drama were all there. But, the results were terminally one-sided. The pendulum swung decisively in Italy’s favour as they inflicted a 4-0 semi final drubbing over the deflated American crew. No fairy tale redemption story for them. “It looks like they are just delivering the boat around the course,” said Nathan Outteridge from the commentary box. “They are in a race against themselves at the moment.” Although helmsman Dean Barker declared full confidence in the American boat, he indeed looked to be fighting it all the way. Wedged in his cockpit, his shoulders up around his ears and his face drawn in a taut grimace, he wrestled with the juddering wheel — like a runaway truck across a ploughed field. It was uncomfortable to watch. As the giant Stars and Stripes flag came down over the New York Yacht Club campaign, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and Ineos Team UK squared off against each other in the final. All the racing to date had demonstrated that, regardless of technological progress and unprecedented performance, fundamental match racing truths still prevailed. Win the start and starve your opponent of passing opportunities. With the short reaching start of the previous two America’s Cups replaced by a return to a straight windward-leeward track, starting dominance is crucial. The two combatants are consummate match racers. In the round robins, Ainslie had demonstrated that getting the match race fundamentals right could even neutralise a speed deficit. Jimmy Spithill built a career and

two America’s Cup victories on match racing aggression. He is not nicknamed Pitbull for nothing. Both crews knew the formula. Only one was able to apply it with consistent authority. Having tested and polished the afterguard’s “little revolution”, Luna Rossa smothered the British in the startbox and then exerted relentless “foot on throat” control round the track. Refinements to their foil package, a new mainsail and more polished crew work saw them come out of tacks and gybes faster and smoother. Ainslie’s crew enjoyed a glimpse of hope when they scored a point by winning the start in the sixth race and starving the Italians of passing opportunities. But the reality of their situation was rammed home in the eighth race when they again won the start and had the Italian boat nicely tucked away in turbulent wind on their windward hip. Instead of politely tacking away, however, Luna Rossa kept pace all the way to the course boundary. As the boats tacked simultaneously onto port, Luna Rossa became the leeward boat, and squeezed up higher and higher – until the British blinked and bailed out. At the next cross, the Italians were ahead and their 7-1 victory was assured. Speed had reasserted itself as the deciding factor. Ainslie reckoned the Italians had a 2-knot advantage. “It’s pretty hard to race against that,” he said. In many ways this was a strange challenger series.While the American Magic crash provided

some uplifting moments of comradeship in an often unnecessarily argumentative atmosphere, it underlined the fragility of an event with too few participants. The final round robin was reduced to farce with “ghost” starts against an absent opponent. COVID-19 circumstance robbed the teams of much-needed racing opportunities at the cancelled Sardinia and Portsmouth World Series regattas and the rust showed in the early engagements in Auckland. It was remarkable, however, how quickly the standard of racing improved. Technique and technology both made impressive advances through the rounds. While the results were disappointingly one-sided, they sometimes masked the closeness of the contest. More racing against more opponents might have delivered different outcomes. A new class often produces uneven racing in its early stages – and when the speeds are over 40 knots, the danger of one-sided contests is exaggerated. The Italians progressed to the America’s Cup match with a total of 24 races under their belt, not all of them very competitive. In terms of the modern era, that is light preparation. Emirates Team New Zealand, however, have had only six races in that time – and in the America’s Cup, time has a different dimension. In terms of progress and development, the period between the pre-Christmas race and the March Match is much longer than 10 calendar weeks. As the waterfront chorus reads the tea leaves, throws bones and sucks thumbs, many, including Jimmy Spithill, say the defenders still have a speed edge. But one on one combat is the only place where the truth will out., setting up an intriguing battle starting March 6.

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

A busy day in the course marshal life of Suzanne Bourke Story and pictures by Debra Douglas It has been a particularly busy summer season for Squadron member Suzanne Bourke who is juggling her 17th season running her Sailing Away School of Sailing with her course marshal role for the America’s Cup series. Suzanne shares with her fellow marshals a commitment to keep the racecourse area safe and spectator-free for the racing yachts, but it has involved giving up a lot of free time and some business opportunities. “With the excitement of the Cup, I’ve had a steady stream of locals and South Islanders wanting to learn to sail a keelboat, or to upskill to gain a skipper qualification,” said Suzanne. “Normally I would also be teaching in the weekends, but this year is different.” This is Suzanne’s fifth America’s Cup and her third on the Race Committee. She was the starting timer in 2000 and 2003 for the Louis Vuitton Regattas. “‘My starter timer job no longer exists as it is now done by a computer. I did, however, want to be involved this time, so I put my name forward in November 2019 — along with about 600 others. The 120 who were finally chosen are highly qualified yachties and professional skippers. “Most of us, however, didn’t have a background in high-powered twinengine 9m RIBs, so from mid-September 2020 onwards we underwent 80 hours of training, being 60 hours on the water and 20 hours of classroom sessions covering health and safety requirements and information relating to our role on the water. There was also police training on and off the water to help us to successfully interact with the public. All culminating in being on patrol for the practice races in December, four days of the World Series, the Prada Cup and the America’s Cup still to come.” Each race day, the marshals, who have been deputised as deputy harbour masters and rostered in groups of four, head out in the Protector RIBs. Jobs are shared including helming, navigation, radio coms and boundary mark laying and retrieval. “We have an interesting mix of people, including 12 women. Most of the guys are in the 65-plus age group, retired, semi-retired or selfemployed. The teams vary from day to day, so we have the opportunity to interact with the full group. And there is great camaraderie. “On the course we lay the boundary markers, those huge orange inflatable markers and then patrol the boundary to make sure the public is behind the boundary line.” Up to now Suzanne says there have been very few problems with spectators. If someone has anchored in the wrong spot, it is not intentional but through lack of knowledge. People are pretty aware she

Suzanne Bourke. says and if they are in the wrong place the course marshals will give them a specific, safe place to be. Suzanne: ‘’The only drama so far for me was the first time the A course off Milford was used. Some hard-core fishermen bristling with rods came charging in at 35 knots from outside Tiri, not realising they were heading straight into a fully-laid out race course. We were patrolling the top edge, so we had to really be on our game. We hooted at them and held up stop signs. They were at first surprised about being told to stop and then horrified when they saw the racing yachts.” Even though the days on the water are long, Suzanne says she would be keen to be part of another Cup challenge. “The boats are so spectacular, it is very exciting for all of us. But one message that would really help the course marshals is that when you arrive at the course to watch a race, don’t rush to anchor, just hold station until you can see where the boundary buoys are and then anchor behind them. If in doubt, ask us.”

The volunteers attend a morning briefing before heading out on the water.

Breeze Magazine 45

Oscar’s in charge of hugs and smiles Alana Pooley, the resourcing and logistics manager for the Squadron’s America’s Cup course marshal programme, deserves her own logistics manager to cope with her heavy work load. She has a lot on her plate, what with her responsibilities looking after the needs of 80 or so volunteer America’s Cup marshals and taking care of her six-month-old son, Oscar. Luckily, Alana’s day job as Cruising, Inshore and Offshore Racing Administrator for Yachting New Zealand, has equipped her with the skills to resolve issues at a moment’s notice. Alana started dinghy sailing as an eight-year-old, moved onto keel boats and then spent time crewing on private round-the-world yachts. Her involvement with the course marshal programme came when she was on maternity leave and Miranda Farr, AC Volunteer Co-ordinator & Course Marshal Training Programme Facilitator, called to enlist her. For the Christmas Cup, Prada Cup and the Cup itself it’s an 8am start for Alana, making sure everything is set up at the Squadron and everyone has everything they need before they go out on the water at 11.30am. This includes organising rosters, sorting out clothing, making sure the lunches are packed according to dietary requirements and liaising with the RNZYS about their dinner when the teams get back. “I also keep track of the guys during the day with a WhatsApp chat group. Basically, it is a case of making sure everyone is dressed, fed and happy on the water.” Impressive proof of Alana’s logistical skills is that she has managed to get baby Oscar helping rather than hindering the cause. Oscar is responsible for team morale. He provides the hugs and smiles. “As long as he has his own bean bag, he’s happy,” said Alana. “And everyone loves a happy baby. He’s one of the team. “There are not many workplaces you could bring your baby to, so I am happy to have that support from Hayden Porter and the rest of the team at the Squadron who make it work. “It’s been a great opportunity to be part of the AC programme, I’m enjoying it and so is Oscar.” Story and picture by Debra Douglas

Alana and Oscar on duty at the RNZYS

Book your summer service now!

46 Breeze Magazine

The Annual RNZYS / 36 Degrees Brokers Squadron Weekend party had an extra sense of celebration this year as the Squadron marks its 150th anniversary. More than 60 yachts descended on Kawau Island in the 36 Degrees Brokers Commodores Cup Night Race to Kawau on the Friday night. With Bon Accord already quite full before the racers arrived late on Friday evening, it was clear many other members had already come along to enjoy the weekend festivities. Saturday afternoon saw the 36 Degrees Brokers Commodores Cup Round Kawau Race take place in perfect conditions, with a moderate breeze and sunshine ensuring everyone was back in the harbour for the 4pm party kick-off. This year’s theme was RNZYS – so anything from the words Royal, New Zealand, Yacht or Squadron were viable options, and this was incredibly well embraced by all with plenty of great outfits showing up on Lidgard Wharf. Whether it was members dressed as Royals, famous sailors, yachties in general, or anything Kiwiana (even Fred Dagg made it to the party) – everyone was looking great, and all were in even greater spirits come Saturday night.

Photos by Ivor Wilkins

Cracker Squadron Weekend in150th year

Top image: Mike Leyland’s War Machine won the Div. C Round Kawau Island Race on PHRF. Above: Ranger, competing in the non-spinnaker division beating up towards the finish line.

Breeze Magazine 47

Below the waterline? We’ve got it covered.

When you’re out on the water, you shouldn’t have to worry about what’s going on underneath it. That’s why we’ve been out in the field, designing, testing and optimising our coatings to safeguard your boat from fouling. Our results? A new range of antifoulings tailored for your convenience, each providing superior colour and performance you can trust.

international-yachtpaint.com New

10361/0221

48 Breeze Magazine

Power your

Aquatic Passion

Superyachts Recreational Boats Commercial Applications Diesel Marine Engines Recreational pleasure-craft engines and Commercial engines

Once again the RNZYS staff, led by party organiser and Membership Director Kim Bond, had put a couple of days’ worth of ‘hard yakka’ into setting up and theming the party area at Lidgard House, providing the perfect setting for what was an outstanding night. The weather couldn’t have been any better either, with minimal wind and not a drop of rain all evening. Plenty of refreshments, a BBQ dinner, games for the army of kids, as well as prizegiving and best dressed competitions, all were very well received by the crowd of more than 500 in attendance. Phil Madsen and his sidekick, performing from a raised stage on the Lidgard House deck, kept the party pumping with music pounding out across Smelting House Bay until very late. It is fair to say that this was surely one of the best Squadron Weekends in our history, a very fitting result as we celebrate our milestone year. If you missed out this time, a video capturing all the fun from the weekend can be viewed on our Facebook page, but make sure you join us for Squadron Weekend in 2022 – it is sure to be another cracker. By Andrew Delves

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.

•

Photos by Andrew Delves

n Single Phase 5.5-28kW n Three Phase 11.2 - 186kVA

Breeze Magazine 49

1°17’31.1”W

35° TWD

76°

#TRUSTEDTOPERFORM “B&G have really helped our team massively in terms of having the best instruments we can possibly have.”

Marine Electronics for sailing

Photos by Andrew Delves

50 Breeze Magazine

bakewell-white yacht design ltd.

www.bakewell-white.com info@bakewell-white.com Ph. +64 9 480 6800 Auckland, New Zealand.

Award Winning Designs Champion Boats

Breeze Magazine 51

MDT-tex RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND!

NZYS R n o d e ll a st in e b o t Soon k. ec d r a b er k c lo y h g in d

m r o St afe s

up to / h 8 0 km

OUR TYPE-TS UMBRELLA FOR YOUR HOME! The parasol type TS is available in square in the size 5x5m and 4x4. In contrast to other tensioning systems, the sunshade type TS is opened via a removable crank handle and it has a patented keder technology for storm-proof membranes. MDT-tex manufactures its telescopic umbrella frames from aluminium. As a storm-proof model, this TS type market glider has a reinforced mast and can therefore withstand wind speeds of up to 80km/h. It can therefore also be used in exposed locations with high wind loads.

Special offer to club members: MDT-tex is offering 5x5 and 4x4 Type TS umbrellas to RNZYS club members for a special price. Visit our page to learn more. www.mdt-tex.com

52 Breeze Magazine

North Lawn is a popular addition to RNZYS facilities The brand new North Lawn opened on Friday 15th of January and has been a very popular addition to the Squadron since. Located on the Eastern side of the RNZYS, The North Lawn offers a superb new space to enjoy our Squadron hospitality in the sunshine, as well as having a great view of the harbour. The space has been decked out with leaners, tables, chairs, bean bags and umbrellas to ensure it is comfortable for any occasion. Members also don’t have to move far for refreshments, with a bar set up on the lawn and food orders from The North Lawn / Race Day Menu. The North Lawn has been used nearly

every day since its opening, and has been especially popular on America’s Cup Race Days, with TV screens on the lawn for members to enjoy all the action. It is also now used regularly for sailing prizegivings, including the Havana Club Rum Race on Friday evenings, with a DJ on the decks every Friday from 6-9pm. If a Sunday BBQ is up your alley, then you’re in luck with Chef Jean Brito’s ‘all you can eat’ BBQ from 12-3pm every Sunday. “We are very happy with how the space has turned out and it is awesome to see how many members have been enjoying it since its grand opening. The North Lawn offers a completely different experience for members

and its multifunctional ability ensures it is a perfect addition to the club’s vast range of social spaces,” said CEO Hayden Porter. As well as the hard work from many Squadron staff members to get this space up and running, some key acknowledgements include; Fairview – Door opening from the Dinghy Locker Bar to the North Lawn Team Turf – Providing the fantastic lawn/turf surface Asahi Beverages – Furniture Pernod Ricard – Furniture We encourage you to come down and enjoy The North Lawn as soon as you can!

Proud to support RNZYS with their new North Lawn area

Breeze Magazine 53

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@soarprintco.nz

www.soarprint.co.nz

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

54 Breeze Magazine

Watching the Prada Cup aboard the good ship ALI The RNZYS had an opportunity to entertain major sponsors and supporters aboard the motoryacht ALI during the Prada Cup racing. A partnership arrangement with Phil Alison, owner of the Cherri Group of companies, enabled both organisations to host major supporters and clients in a premium on-water experience in a VIP area of the course. The outings provided an excellent platform for cementing good relationships with existing and potential supporters in a relaxed environment and against the backdrop of sailing’s pinnacle contest. Among those on board were: 1/ Sponsors Sarah Gair, 36 Degrees Brokers, and Mike Sanderson, Volvo

YOUR BOAT HERE

Ocean Race winner and CEO of Doyle Sails International. 2/ RNZYS Commodore Aaron Young with Past Commodore John Crawford. 3/ TVNZ’s Jesse Tuke leaped aboard to interview star of stage and screen, funny man Rhys Darby and ... 4/ ... also extracted some expert commentary from Commodore Young. 5/ Guests had an opportunity to wish ALI’s owner, Phil Alison, many happy returns for his birthday – and share a slice of birthday cake. 6/ Enjoying a refreshing sip of Mumm champagne. Ivor Wilkins Photos

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 55

56 Breeze Magazine

IT’ S A L L A B OUT W OODEN B OATS waitematawoodys.com

Buying or Selling?

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

Breeze Magazine 57 Executive Chef Jean Brito plates up for the luncheon. Pictures by Debra Douglas

An exclusive fine dining lunch in the Crow’s Nest In a ‘not-so-ordinary-lunch’, RNZYS Executive Chef Jean Brito and his team catered for a VIP event hosted in the Crow’s Nest by Peter Montgomery and TV presenter Hilary Barry, with guests from Partridge Jewellers. The fine dining four-course occasion, with the America’s Cup in attendance, was an auction item won at the Squadron’s Corporate Regatta late last year. Jean suggests that if members would like to experience a private, special occasion menu and meal, contact Catriona Stanton, Events Team, Ph 360 6834, events@rnzys.org.nz THE MENU Amuse Bouche (Hors-d’œuvre) Lamb shank, baklava, pickled onion, red capsicum, burnt honey aioli, pistachio

Entrée Ora King Salmon crudo, lemon cream, juzu gel, Nashi pear

Main Duncan Venison Wellington, porcini, cherries, port wine jus, courgette flowers, parmesan foam

Dessert Dark chocolate, hibiscus flower, cocoa nibs, apple blossom

BUILT TO PERFORM northsails.com

58 Breeze Magazine

Anniversary Weekend a celebration of freedom and fun In the bustling summer of 2021, Auckland Anniversary weekend saw plenty of action on and off the water, including the onesided conclusion of the Prada Cup semi-final between American Magic and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Alongside the customary Monday regatta on the Waitemata Harbour, extensive entertainments and amusements included a buskers festival, visits to the America’s Cup village, a festival of light and multiple other occasions in which New Zealanders and visitors were able to gather in numbers and celebrate their relative freedom in a world gripped by the COVID pandemic. Preceding the Monday regatta, the classic boat community began proceedings with the customary Friday night race to the Mahurangi River in time for the popular and picturesque Saturday Mahurangi Regatta. Winds were light and fickle, but the action remained as keen as ever and the sight of carefully preserved classics racing in this historic setting a feast for the eye. Photos by Ivor Wilkins

The Squadron ‘Blue’ flies proudly off the transom of Tawera at the 2021 Mahurangi Regatta.

Clockwise from top left: The A-Class gaffers, queens of the Auckland fleet, assemble in their pre-start. Laughing Lady, a handsome American ‘import’ looks right at home in the Mahurangi River. Two giants of the A-Class, Ariki and Rawhiti duel in the light conditions. Fully dressed for the occasion, the venerable Jane Gifford serves as Committee Boat for the Mahurangi Regatta.

Breeze Magazine 59

GOOD LUCK EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND WE LOVE WATCHING KIWIS FLY! www.fostersshipchandlery.co.nz 129 Westhaven Drive

Ph: 09 303 3744

info@harken.co.nz

60BBreeze reezeM Magazine agazine 58

Clockwise from top left: A contrast of rigs, from junk and gaff yawl; Little Jim (left) and Rainbow engage in a close tacking duel out of the Mahurangi River; representing different eras, the 6-Metre Scout, built in 1909, lines up neck and neck with the Stewart 34 Precedent behind the reef off Saddle Island; a sinister presence ghosted through the fleet.

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

Breeze Magazine 61

www.classicyacht.org.nz

ISSN 1175-804X

Issue 133 – April 2021

Bringing a classic S&S Half Tonner back to life By Peter Bourke Diablo is a Sparkman and Stephens designed 29ft, Half Tonner, built in heart kauri by Keith Eade in 1970. To me, this ticks all the boxes. S&S are said to be one of the most successful and influential yacht design firms in the history of yachting. The partnership was formed between brothers, Olin and Rod Stephens and Drake Sparkman in the late 1920’s and the firm still exists today. Based at Rhode Island in North East USA, S&S has designed some of the most magnificent yachts for clients including names like Vanderbilt and Kennedy. Yachts like Ranger, Dorade, Columbia, Intrepid, Kialoa, Courageous and Freedom, were unbeatable. S&S yacht design is based mainly on fine ends, generous mid sections and sweeping sheerlines. They seem to always be in perfect proportion. Not only beautiful, but fast to boot. Their designs led the 6-, 8- and 12-Metre fleets and, until the 80’s, the America’s Cup. In New Zealand and Australia, S&S yachts like Rainbow II, Stormy Petrel, Young Nick, Escapade and others, were prominent One

Ton Cup campaigners. The next level down was the Half Ton Cup. Following on from Rainbow’s success, as far as I know three S&S Half Tonners were commissioned; William Tell, Contender (for Helmer Pederson) and her sistership, Diablo, commissioned by Russell Hume, the then Commodore of Royal Akarana Yacht Club. All built around 1970, the S&S Half Tonners were very competitive when they arrived on the offshore scene in New Zealand. But that was short lived. In 1972, the Farr designed Titus Canby, revolutionized IOR racing. Short ended, light displacement designs ended the era of the classic S&S styled, beautiful ocean racers. My heart remained in the classic design era. I found Diablo a year ago, languishing on a mooring at Opua. To me, she’s a lovely example of fine design, superb New Zealand boat building skills employing the best boat building product – kauri timber. Worthy of saving from decline. I sailed her back to Sandspit a year ago. Bits were falling off her, sails in tatters and the motor was big on noise, small on speed. Over the past year she’s lain on the hard at Sandspit,

Diablo on her way back to former glory or the piles in the Matakana Estuary. The hull and decks have been given a thorough going over by Lees Boatbuilders and are now sound-as. The old Shabaura donk has been replaced with a Volvo 20hp saildrive installed by Matakana Marine. The spars and rigging have been completely overhauled by Gulf Harbour Rigging. All new Harken deck hardware, and new upholstery. She still looks like a

construction site but through this year I plan to have her repainted and a few new sails to replace old Hood sails from her original wardrobe. At this stage, the pangs of buyer remorse are getting fewer and further apart. The budget is only what’s ahead of me. My goal is to restore this classic little IOR racer to her original condition. My mantra is: If S&S didn’t design it, or Keith Eade wouldn’t build it, it has no place on Diablo.

Last minute entry brings rewards By Tobias Forsyth. It was late Saturday night when we entered our race boat Shearwater in the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. We’d been in the Mahurangi Regatta launch parade and Jason Prew suggested we enter in the Classic Launch Race in Auckland too. “You’ll probably do pretty well”, he said. It didn’t take much to convince the kids we should race either, so the next day we launched at Birkenhead boat ramp and were on the harbour in time to see the Tugboat Race start. We dropped the family off at

the RNZYS to watch the live broadcast and went out to our line-up. Classic launches were milling around, jostling for their place in the start line. Then the start horn went off and we were off too. I was looking ahead but understand there were a few surprised watching faces. We were back at the finish line before many of the others had rounded the second mark. When we saw the drone footage afterwards, we knew we were well ahead

and the excitement of the family watching inside was ecstatic. “Dad won the race; Dad won the race.” Shearwater is 21ft x 5ft 4” at the waterline and the widest point on the foredeck is 7’3”. She’s 5/8th kauri planking – all full-length planks and stem, frames & seam battens are also kauri. Her knees are Pohutukawa. Whilst we don’t know much of her history, we do know that much of the main conversion to how she is today was carried out at

Murton’s Timber Craft in Nelson. We purchased her from Christchurch as a hull on a trailer in late 2015. Our part of the project began on Waiheke Island where we finished timber work and cosmetics as well as importing a brand new 330hp fuel injected crate motor from America. Her lines are very close to the 21ft restricted class race boats of 1917 and if anyone has more information, we would love to hear from them.

Auckland Traditional Boatbuilding School desperate for a new home By Steve Cranch. Since its foundation in 2005, the Auckland Traditional Boatbuilding School has provided education and skill development to many students. Originally based at Hobsonville in an old air force barracks, a number of restorations took place there including the 26’ Mullet boat Corona. The late Owen Reid built a new M-class and a number of traditional clinker dinghies were built. Alongside all this small

craft were built in what was termed the hobby class. In 2009 a change of government and education policy saw the end of apprentice training for NZTBS and then in 2013 we were pushed out of Hobsonville and into enforced recess by the great rush to build houses. Nearly four years later, we leased a small factory in Te Atatu peninsula and began classes again. That was 2017 and since then we’ve run more than 30

courses for more than 100 happy students. Just before Christmas in conjunction with Taikata Sailing club, NZTBS held a dinghy build for a group of 8-9-year-old girls. This was a huge success with the girls proudly launching two small plywood dinghies they built. As we enter 2021, we once again face tough challenges. On one hand we have some new courses up and running and good ticket sales; on the other hand we are being asked to vacate our location

by the end of April and as yet have nowhere to go. Covid 19 has been tough on the NZTBS and, like many other volunteer-run charities, we have been unsuccessful in getting additional funding to support our day-to-day operational expenses. We would love to continue helping people to learn new skills, but the future looks uncertain. Unless a solution can be found, perhaps it’s the end of the road for wooden boat building education in New Zealand.

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

64 Breeze Magazine

How will investors respond to very low interest rates? Investors need to look for alternatives to cash and term deposits Low and close to zero interest rates mean investors need to look for alternatives to cash to generate decent returns on their savings. These alternatives include shares, company debt (corporate bonds) or investments into managed funds that invest in company shares and fixed income securities. To achieve those higher returns, investors will need to take more risk

Unfortunately, once the capital gain has been received, the future return from holding the investment will be lower by around 2% per annum. Following strong gains in share markets over recent years, we expect returns to be lower in the future – dividend yields are already lower. Having said that, we believe that shares should still generate a higher return than cash over the medium-term. For share markets, ultra-low rates potentially increase volatility

Unfortunately, investing in these alternatives requires taking on more risk and complexity. The returns from shares and managed funds are

Given a large part of share market returns has been created by lower

not fixed – they are reliant upon company profits and the value that

interest rates (and therefore higher valuations), markets may be vulner-

share markets place on these profits.

able to sharp rises in interest rates. Additionally, given the current low

Accordingly, investors must be prepared for ups and downs in the

level of rates, the ability of central banks to lower rates further to help

value of their investments and be willing to take a longer-term view.

cushion future economic and market falls has reduced.

Investors should carefully consider their tolerance for risk when selecting their investment strategy.

Global central banks have looked to address this by using other tools such as buying longer-dated bonds – however these solutions are less

Lower interest rates boost short-term market returns, but decrease

proven.

long-term returns

Low rates increase the importance of good active investment

When interest rates fall, the valuations which investors are willing to

management

pay for shares generally increase. For example, if a company was pay-

We believe lower rates increase the importance of active investment

ing a dividend yield of 7%, for the yield to fall to 5% the share price

management. In an environment of low returns, any additional returns

would rise by 40% (all else being equal).

above passive investment returns become increasingly valuable. Additionally, the ability to manage risk becomes more important when asset valuations are high and growth is low. Investors in well managed active funds should take comfort that the manager is monitoring the risks of their investments and investing where they believe they will be rewarded for taking risk. However, it is important that investors in actively managed funds carefully consider the credentials of the manager they choose and the risk profile of the fund they invest in. 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.

Breeze Magazine 65

When you invest your money with Milford... You are investing in a New Zealand company who invests in global expertise, technology, performance and insights, delivering a high level of client satisfaction. You are investing in a driven team with world-class expertise who actively manage your money, making insightful investment decisions on your behalf. You are investing in people who invest their own money in the same funds as their clients, so you know they are motivated to see you do well because they’re on the journey with you. Let us help you get to where you want to go.

0800 662 345 milfordasset.com KiwiSaver Investment Funds Private Wealth & Advice

Proudly supporting

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement as issued by Milford Funds Ltd at milfordasset.com. Before investing you may wish to seek independent fi nancial advice.

66 Breeze Magazine

Learn-to-Sail Report

Wives and partners of visiting America’s Cup teams are among those attending the Ladies’ Tuesday Level One courses.

Busy times at the Learn to Sail Programme Last year we began offering our weekday Ladies’ Tuesday Level One course, targeted at those who are after a social learning sailing experience followed by lunch and a glass of wine in our RNZYS Members’ Bar. This course kicked off well seeing a large number of women complete the course, including a few wives and partners of America’s Cup team members. The success of this course has seen us create a Ladies MRX Level 1.5. This is specially tailored to those who have completed our Ladies Level One and wish to continue to expand their knowledge before catching up over a glass of wine. Over the school holidays, we also ran a number of Junior Learn to Sail courses. The

Elliott 7 is a great boat for coaching juniors, as it enables having a coach on board instructing young students in a safe and controlled way. Superstar coach Haylee Outteridge says the highlight of the course for her was watching how much the kids progressed in just a couple of days. We’re just as excited to have seen a few of our graduates get involved with some of our Club Racing. We regularly have crew joining in with the Doyle Sails Wednesday Series along with our Havanna Club Rum Racing and 36 Degrees Brokers Commodores Cup Series. Upcoming events that we would love to see some graduates get involved with include our Women’s 50:50 Regatta, CBRE City of Sails

Auckland Regatta, and hopefully the Barfoot & Thompson Ladies’ series. RNZYS Learn to Sail also featured on One News during the America’s Cup coverage, with our very own Training Manager, Peter Linford taking Kimberlee Downs out for a Level One experience on the water. It was a breezy and challenging day, but she handled it like a champ. So far this season, since May 2020 we have had 365 students complete our RNZYS courses, with more still to come. Looking ahead, it’s going to be another busy year. Megan Thomson RNZYS Sailing Assistant

Breeze Magazine 67

MAJOR SPONSOR

MASTERCARD YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME The regular Mastercard Youth Training Programme 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 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 very 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 day 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 Programme 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

Products

and

Ser vices

B&G’s Nemesis Sailing Display on show

Hutchwilco Boat Show sponsors Coastguard The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show has become an official sponsor of Coastguard NZ. “The show has long been a strong supporter of Coastguard and the great work they do helping save lives at sea,” says the show’s general manager Dave Gibbs. “We are proud to have now taken the next step and become one of Coastguard’s official sponsors.” As part of the new sponsorship, the organisers will run a live auction on the Saturday of the show, with all proceeds going direct to Coastguard NZ. “We have already been promised some great products for the auction and expect to have many more by the time the show opens on Thursday, May 13,” says Gibbs. The products to be auctioned, along with their usual retail price, will be listed on the show’s website and will be on display in the

Hall 2 foyer throughout the show. The show has also made it for easy for those buying their tickets on-line to make a donation to Coastguard at the same time. “We know that, like us, many boaties and fishers have a huge respect for Coastguard and the work they do and would like to support them. We have therefore made it easy for those buying their show tickets on-line to also make a $2 donation to Coastguard, if they wish.” As part of the agreement, Coastguard will donate a Lifetime Coastguard Membership and a Day Skipper course to the winner of the 2021 Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize package. The 2021 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show will be held at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane Auckland on May 13-16.

As part of the Navico stand at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show B&G will showcase the Nemesis™ Sailing Display, which represents a new generation of intelligent sailing data displays offering great visibility, with complete customisation, or easy-to-use pre-set multifunction templates and automatic dashboards based on the point of sail. Visit stand 245.

A riveting tale of high adventure in high latitudes

www.boatshow.co.nz

Bring your retro or quirky boats and cars ... The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is sending out a call to owners of retro and/or quirky powerboats or “oddities”. “To give everyone a bit of a lift after the tough times of 2020, we would like to create a special, fun display for the 2021 show,” says general manager Dave Gibbs. “We want to celebrate those who have beautifully restored some of the classic powerboats of days gone by, as well as those

imaginative Kiwis who have created some of our more unusual floating oddities (floating caravans, outboard-powered bathtubs and the like).” Those who have matched their retro boats with a classic vehicle of similar vintage are welcome to bring both and the boats will be able to be displayed with a for-sale sign. • Anyone interested should email info@p-e. co.nz with a brief description and photograph.

A spellbinding and entertaining account of a cruise to Greenland with one of New Zealand’s top racing yachtsmen by awardwinning journalist Rebecca Hayter. A must for every boatie’s bookshelf. www.rebeccahayter.co.nz

Breeze Magazine 69

Raymarine’s new software offers more control and safety

New Island Escape vessel offers luxury cruising to exciting and exotic locations In 2021 Island Escape Cruises launch their brand-new yacht, the Island Escape. She is a 53.5m motoryacht designed by Vard in Norway. With the interior designed by well-known Tillberg Design of Sweden, she will offer a new standard of yachting to guests. With just 32 guests onboard, Island Escape will provide an exclusive experience that is supported by a professional crew of 14, who love to overdeliver on personalized service. Island Escape Cruises operate in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific. During the southern hemisphere summer months, November to April, they can take you to NZ’s World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Virtually isolated, with access only by sea

and helicopter, this region is beyond sensational and often described as the ultimate nature lovers’ paradise. They also offer cruises in the beautiful Bay of Islands with its rich history and more than 140 subtropical islands, undeveloped beaches and rich fishing grounds. In Australia, guests can explore the Great Barrier Reef, with its 2,900 individual reefs, unihabited cays and islands, stretching over 2,100km with a huge abundance of sealife. During the winter season, from May to October, they call the beautiful South Pacific home. www.islandescapecruises.com

CS Free delivers fast portable battery charging CTEK’s new CS FREE portable battery charger can recharge a flat battery in just 15 minutes, even when nowhere near a power outlet. A must-have for boaties and vehicle owners, CS FREE uses a plug-in detachable DC clamp cable to quickly and easily connect to the battery connection points. CTEK’s Adaptive Boost technology automatically works out the quickest and safest way to power up and protect the battery so that, in just 15 minutes, it will have enough power to restart the engine. CS FREE supplies just enough charge to get the boat or vehicle going, avoiding damage to the battery and the electronics. With an internal battery that will retain a full charge for up to a year, CS FREE can be charged up and powered using solar power or a 12v battery and used for maintenance charging.

CS FREE works with all types of 12V leadacid and lithium batteries. It has USB-C and USB-A outlets to charge laptops, smartphones and tablets, has a new ergonomic design and tough, durable case and comes with a two-year warranty.

LightHouse Edgartown 3.13 is the latest update to Raymarine’s popular operating system for the Axiom range, offering owners more control over their onboard systems, more safety and greater access to technical support. Proven to be beneficial for those using CZone digital switching to control their various onboard systems, Edgartown allows users to automatically populate their Axiom displays with all their digital switches, without the need for any additional graphics files or tools. Another stand-out feature is the addition of the Oscar Collison Avoidance App. www.lusty-blundell.co.nz.

All things teak at TAG

www.lusty-blundell.co.nz. Tag Marine (NZ) Limited is the New Zealand distributor for Teak Decking Systems (TDS). Florida-based TDS is the world’s leading manufacturer of teak decks for all types and sizes of marine craft, including bespoke boatbuilders such as ChrisCraft to custom superyachts. At Tag Marine, we stock all the TDS products including caulking (SIS440 cartridges and sausages in black, grey and white), epoxy bonding/fairing compounds, teak cleaners/sealers, and hand tools. 09 443 4248 • 021 220 2125

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.

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

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

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS C

SAILS SERVICE RIGGING

by sailors, for sailors www.doylesails.com

CMY

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

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

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Breeze Magazine 73

RIGGING C

RIGGING

PROPELLERS

Nick Nicholson nickn@doylerigging.com 021 885 947 www.doylesails.com

CMY

320 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1010

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

The Folding Propeller for Yachts Lowest Drag, Highest Thrust

2 blade 3 blade 4 blade

Wild Seas to Greenland 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

45)

$600.00

for

Six iSSueS (1 Year)

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

BOAT HAULAGE

HEAVY BOAT TRANSPORT & CARTAGE CONTRACTORS

www.boathaulage.co.nz | pete@boathaulage.co.nz | 09 483 8111 | Pete: 0274 731 260 | Luke: 021 686 394

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

74 Breeze Magazine

100% Organic Cotton Sail T-Shirt $115 | Members $103.50

100% Organic Cotton Lighthouse T-Shirt $115 | Members $103.50

100% Organic Cotton Squadron T-Shirt $115 | Members $103.50

Navigator’s Whistle Necklace Sterling Silver $279 | Members $251

Seahorse Sleepers Sterling Silver $249 | Members $225

Voyager Spin Ring Sterling Silver $259 | Members $233

Bright Blue Rain Jacket $145 | Members $130.50

Bright Yellow Rain Jacket $145 | Members $130.50

Navy Rain Jacket $145 | Members $130.50

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

Breeze Magazine 75

2 0 2 1

NEW MODELS

AVAILABLE NOW PRICED FROM $10,799* RRP

MODEL FEATURED: FX HO /YamahaMarineNZ

yamaha-motor.co.nz

*Includes GST. See your local Yamaha dealer for details.

76 Breeze Magazine