The New Zealand SailGP Team recently announced their new identity as the Black Foils, with driver and co-CEO Peter Burling announcing that the name represents the “spirit of New Zealand”, a nation of“pioneers, achievers, and ocean lovers”.
Indeed, few countries can quite boast such a relationship with the ocean – the sea is simply stitched into the Kiwi psyche. From those early Polynesian explorers that arrived on their sophisticated waka, through to the European settlers and ten-pound poms, the Pacific, Southern and Tasman waves have shaped our souls as much as they have shaped our coastlines.
According to a 2023 Maritime NZ’s Recreational Boating Monitor report, half of Kiwis – including kayakers and stand-up paddle-boarders – consider themselves recreational boaties, with 17% of those claiming “super fan” status. With around 1.5 million vessels around the county, that works out at a boat for every 3.5 people – the highest ratio in the world. Forty percent of those are in Tāmaki Makaurau – the City of Sails – with the upper half of North Island home to nearly three quarters of the nation’s boats. Auckland’s Westhaven Marina is also the largest in the southern hemisphere, with 1,800 berths, and a good few of those are no doubt occupied by vessels sold by Peter Hrones, founder of Eyachts.
Over three decades, Peter has sold over 1,000 boats across Australia and Aotearoa. His original sailing boat business has since evolved into Eyachts, Australasia’s exclusive power boat dealer of leading European performance day boats and luxurious long-range motor yachts. He tells Verve that luxury boat ownership has surged in popularity in recent years all over Aotearoa, with Auckland a particular hotspot for the trend.
“The statistics show that the majority of boat owners only use their boats during the day, the boats overnight capabilities going unused,” he says. “This is why many boat owners are downsizing, prioritising convenience and ease of use over extended cruising experiences.”
‘Day boats’, however, are more than capable of playing host for a night or two, usually equipped with the likes of double beds and ample cooking facilities.
Adventure boating is fast gaining popularity too, continues Peter, with the innovative, tailored vessels of the likes of Axopar and BRABUS Marine leading the line: “They’re designed to do it all – from wakeboarding and water skiing to fishing and paddleboarding.” Thrill-seeking credentials come courtesy of powerful engines coupled with agile handling, and backed by features like ski poles, fishing rod holders, and roof racks.
Axopar is also the fastest growing company when it comes to commuter boating as well, explains Peter, because of its promise of “speed, comfort and offshore performance”.
“We are certainly seeing more boat manufacturers turning towards performance sailing style hulls, powerboats with twin-stepped hulls and cutting bows which allow light weight boats to sit high and slice through large waves while remaining dry,” he says.
As with the automobile industry, more and more ocean-going enthusiasts are looking for sustainable solutions: leading the charge in this space are RAND and Greenline Yachts – both offering electric and hybrid vessels whose eco-credentials don’t come at the expense of performance. “Most users engage in short trips and prioritise social interaction on the water, seeking more eco-conscious solutions within boating,” reveals RAND co-founder, Oscar Rand.
Eyachts were the first to introduce hybrid boats into the local market around 10 years ago.
“The rise of day boating, adventure boating, and sustainable boating reflects a shift towards more accessible, environmentally conscious maritime experiences,” says Peter. “As Auckland’s boaters continue to evolve, so too does its boating culture.”
Aotearoa Sailing Through the Ages
The first Polynesians arrived in Aotearoa around the 13th century, sailing upon their legendary waka using celestial navigation and knowledge of ocean currents.
Waka played a crucial role in Māori culture and were also used for transport, exploration, fishing, and warfare.
European exploration of New Zealand began in the 17th century, with notable voyages by Abel Tasman in 1642 and James Cook in the late 18th century.
European settlers arrived in increasing numbers in the early 19th century, bringing with them Western sailing technology and traditions.
Yachting and recreational sailing became popular in New Zealand in the 19th century. At the Auckland Regatta, Māori and European fishermen and traders would compete.
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, founded in 1871, is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the country and has played a significant role in the development of sailing in New Zealand.
By the turn of the 20th century, Auckland was a major centre for boat building.
Sailing as a leisure pursuit took off after the second world war with an increase in prosperity and spare time.
The America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport, has a deep connection with New Zealand. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron won the cup for the first time in 1995, aboard Black Magic. More victories followed in 2000, 2017, and 2021.
