BREEZE
IssueNo.255



We gratefully acknowledge the support of our partners and corporate members















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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our partners and corporate members































DearMum,
tWe’vegotasurpriseforyouonSunday10May!We’retakingyouto lheRoyalNewZealandYachtSquadronforadeliciousbespokebuffet tunchandyougetadrinkonarrivaltoo!It’sintheQuarterdeck,and gheviewisreallyawesome.HappyMother’sDayMum!Weknowyou’re oingtohaveagreatday! th
YLoveyou,ourFavouriteChild(youknowwhichone)
MOTHER’SDAY AT RNZYS - Sunday 10 May th Quarterdeck Bespoke Buffet • Members $85 • Non-Members $95 Includes a glass of Prosecco, Peroni or a soft drink 12pm to 3pm • rnzys.org.nz/cal/mothersday

Saturday 16 May th Secureyourticketstoday!




inthefleet

February delivered the season’s highlight with the 25th anniversary Hardy Cup at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron In a thrilling all-Kiwi final,EthanFongandQuestRacingclaimedthe title,markingathirdconsecutivevictoryfor













“WE’RETRYINGTOTRAINAS MUCHASWECAN”

@questt racing

Everygreateventstartswithanidea,andthat’sexactlyhowtheNorthSails SuperYachtRallycametobe NorthSailsNewZealandGeneralManager RichardBicknelltogetherwithSuperYachtSalesManagerMattSmeatonand MarketingManagerAndrew“Willzy”Wills,cameupwiththeconcepttohosta superyachtrallyinconjunctionwithTheYachtSalesCo SquadronWeekendin lateJanuary.
AftertheunfortunatecancellationoftheMillenniumCup,theNorthSailsteam weredeterminedtoensurethatthevisitingsuperyachtshadamemorable experiencewhileinAuckland,withmostofthemusingtheirtimehereforrefits andothermajorworks.Thereweremultiplesuperyachtsintown,sotheidea wasfloated,withmanyofthemkeenasmustardtobeapartoftheweekend
NZMarinefullysupportedtheevent,donatingtheirrumbarrelforthefirstsuper yachtintoKawau Thetraditionalbarrelwasenjoyedbynotonlythewinnersof theday, Janice of Wyoming,butenjoyedbythe Radiance and Kinietic crewsas well
Sailorsfromallovertheworldtookpartintherally,andeventhoughonlythree ofthesuperyachtswereabletomaketheweekend,thestoriesofallthegood timesandincrediblesailingontheHaurakiGulffiltereddowntothoseunableto enjoyit-theFOMO(fearofmissingout)wasaliveandwell,withmanykeento ensuretheywerebacknextyeartotakepart
AmassivethankyougoestoRichard,Matt,WillzyandtheentireNorthSails team,aswellasNZMarineandTheYachtSalesCo formakingthisaweekend toremember,andtothesuperyachtownersandcrewwhobroughtthegulfalive withtheirsheerpresenceonthewater






Winter Hours
Wednesday to Sunday 12pm to 9pm






Nine sailors who recently completed the Short Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand’s Round North Island Race were graduates of the RNZYS Youth Training Programme spanning 24 years.







“What an epic adventure, only possible thanks to Ragnar’s owner, Derek Kerr who trusted Brett and I with his boat. Huge respect to all the competitors who pushed hard and made it to the finish line through such a wide range of conditions and testing moments for both crew and boat. Sharing it with a best mate and taking the win made it incredibly special Thanks to everyone who helped support such an awesome event” James Glidden RAGNAR




















From a childhood on Sydney Harbour to leading his own campaign, Nick Roberts returns to the Sydney to Hobart with unfinished business, and this time with an experienced team of friends who are backing him all the way.



“We’re not professionals,” Roberts says “But we’re committed sailors with broad experience We trust each other, we focus on safety and seamanship, and we make sure we’re enjoying it ”
His long-time two-handed partner, Max Livingstone, brings tens of thousands of offshore miles and a calm presence forged over decades atsea
Navigator Andrew Hall combines international short-handed racing experiencewithanintimateknowledgeoftheboat’ssailinventory
OnthebowisRyanMills,steppingintohisfirstSydneytoHobart
“It’s a full-circle moment,” Roberts says. “I still remember the trust and opportunity I was given when I did my first Hobart To now offer that to Ryan,it’sprettyspecial”
“As two-handed sailors, we do everything, including the bow Having a specialistbowmanonboardisabitofaluxury”




ViewRick’sworkandgetintouchto talkabouthisbespokepieces rickyoumanscom






WEDNESDAY







Lock in the 2026 Winter Motor Yacht Rallydates!TheMotorYachtRallyevents areopentoallmemberswithlaunches,or even yachts that want to motor to a destination. Each finish destination takes you to a new venue, where everyone gets together for a prize giving and gathering, which from previous reports, can sometimesgowellintotheevening!
30 May • 13 June • 11 July • 8 August th th th th
This winter, Wednesday night is CLUB NIGHT with the introduction of the Barfoot & Thompson Squadron Speaker Series
Come along for a mid-week dinner with family and friends and enjoy hearing from aspecialguestspeaker(orspeakers)
Our guest speakers include everyone fromsailorstoindustryexpertsandmore, so lock these dates in and we look forwardtoseeingyouonthenight. Wednesdays•6:30pm
20thMay 3 June rd 17 June th 1July 29 July th 12 August th 26 August th 9 September th
Informationisavailablevia rnzys.org.nz/motoryachtrally rnzys.org.nz/speakerseries


Want to be a part of Greta’s campaign?! Get in touch directly!



HowaWhatsApp message,achartered boat,andacrewofnearstrangersturnedintoone ofthemoststressful,yet satisfyingSydneyto Hobartcampaignsof SquadronmemberMarc Michel’scareer.





Mick Formosa
Watch captain / Mainsheet
Tony Sutton Helm / Mast
Michael Giles Helm / Trim
Stephanie Lyons Bow
Julie Loader Trim
Still,Marchasnoregrets
“Tofinish,andtobethetopKiwiboat,wewere prettypleased,”hesays “Thereweresomebigmoney campaigns there For a bunch of rank amateurs, with old sails and a pretty tight gear budget,itwassatisfying”
Even getting to the start line had been an exercise in improvisation A new A2 had been built for the campaign, only for the team to discover during an IRC inspection the day before the race that it was larger than the sail listed on the certificate The deadline for rating updates had passed The sail had to stay ashore
Then came the headsails The J1 initially appeared too large as well until an impromptu measurement in the park beside the CYCA revealed that age had caused it to shrink just enough to scrape inside the certificate dimensions









The Hauraki Gulf is our playground. It’s where we race, cruise, fish, train, socialise and spend time with family and friends. It’s also an environment that relies on us to treat it with care, as boat owners, sailors and as a club.
That’s why the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is proud to launch the RNZYS Guide for Sustainable Boating: a practical, member-focused resource designed to help us lower our boating impact, both on the water and around our marinas, without taking the enjoyment out of boating.

We are delighted to acknowledge ecostore, a long-standing Squadron sponsor and partner, as the sponsor of this guide.




BecauseifwelookaftertheGulf,itwillkeeplookingafterus

Importantly,it’salivingresource Asruleschange,technologyimprovesandnewideaseme theguidewillcontinuetoevolve
Looking after the Hauraki Gulf is a shared responsibility, and one that sits naturally along everything the Squadron stands for: excellence on the water, leadership within the sa community,andrespectforourenvironment
With the support of our partner ecostore, the commitment of our staff and volunteers, and everydaychoicesmadebyourmembers,wecancontinuetoenjoyourplaygroundwhilehel toprotectitforfuturegenerations













ForthosewholovetoexploretheHaurakiGulf,BayofIslandsor Coromandel,accessiseverything.Theabilitytomoveeasilybetween landandsea,andvisitplacesbeyondthereachoframpsormarinascan definetheentireboatingexperience.TheHainesHunterOverlander OP725isdesignedforexactlythiswayofboating,deliveringanewlevel offreedomforwaterfrontpropertyownersandcoastalexplorersalike.









Built on Haines Hunter’s proven deep-Vhull platform, the Overlander carries the same DNAthat has defined the brand for decades. The hull is engineered for offshore confidence, delivering a soft, predictable ride through chop and swell, whether running across the Hauraki Gulf at 45 knots, or threading through the channels of the Bay of Islands. This is a boat designed to inspire confidence when the weather changesandconditionsbecomedemanding.
WhatsetstheOverlanderapartisitsamphibious,4-seasoncapabilities. Equipped with a fully integrated Anura all-wheel-drive system, the OP725 allows owners to drive directly from the shore into the water and back again without getting their feet wet. For those with beachfront ortidal access properties, thisremoves theneedfortrailers, ramps and tide windows. Morning departures become effortless, and returninghomeisjustassimple,regardlessoftideheight.
In regions where secluded beaches, sheltered coves and island anchorages define the boating lifestyle, this capability transforms how the boat is used. Pull up onto a quiet beach for lunch. Launch straight from your front lawn. Explore bays that others can only reach by tender The Overlander removes barriers and opens up opportunities thattraditionalboatssimplycannotmatch.
On the water, performance remains uncompromised. Powered by a high-output Yamaha outboard, the Overlander delivers strong acceleration, confident handling and efficient cruising speeds.The hull maintains grip and stability through turns, and the ride remains composed in short, steep chop common to New Zealand’s coastal waters. This balance of off-shore performance and control is a hallmarkoftheHainesHuntername.
Inside, the OP725 is equally considered. The layout is designed for versatility, whether fishing, cruising or spending time on the water with family and friends. Seating is generous and secure, storage is practical and accessible, and the helm offers clear sightlines and intuitive control. Optional overnight accommodation, enclosed toilet and onboard amenities allow owners to extend their time afloat withoutcompromise.
Denis Kendal, Haines Hunters CEO, and long standing RNZYS member says “We’ve taken the best of Haines Hunter’s DNA and created a boat that provides a truly magical experience. No detail has been spared – from the hull construction, amphibious integration, through to fitout. Our owners tell us they love the freedom and performance of the Overlander. They love the ride, and can’t believe howdryitis.It’sperfectlybalancedonthewaterandland.”
TheOverlanderOP725offersindependence,flexibilityandconfidence in one package. It is a boat that adapts to the way you live, not the otherwayaround.
With the Overlander, the shoreline is no longer the end of the journey Itissimplythebeginning.
To arrange a test drive contact Haines Hunter today, call 09 579 9661 orvisitwww.haineshunter.co.nz.

THE KIWI SAILOR THE KIWI SAILOR THE KIWI SAILOR TAKING ON THE ELITE TAKING THE ELITE TAKING ON THE ELITE FRENCH OFFSHORE FRENCH OFFSHORE FRENCH OFFSHORE RACING SCENE RACING SCENE RACING SCENE










rsingh@rnzys.org.nz/events@rnzys.org.nz 0273733919 rnzysorgnz/venues

Looking for the perfect daytime meeting space? FromMaytoSeptember2026,it’sneverbeeneasier, orbettervalue,tohostyournextmidweekeventatoneofAuckland’smosticonicwaterfrontvenues.
Enjoy:
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Check out our venue spaces rnzys.org.nz/venues



“I think my role on the AC75 is going to keep developing all the way through to the America’s Cup itself,” Jo Aleh




RNZYS Commodore David Blakey gets the ride of a lifetime!







rnzysorgnz/kawau/lidgardhouse





“Hey Suellen...”
“Do you want to go for a ride on our AC75, Taihoro?”














John Bailey – Milford Wealth Management Adviser
Theglobalinvestmentlandscapein2026isbeingshapedlessbypredictablepolicysettingsandmoreby ongoinggeopoliticaluncertaintyandtechnologicalchangesdrivenbyartificialintelligence.From regionalconflictsandtradetensionstofragilesupplychainsandshakyglobalalliances,marketsare reactingtoeventsthatcanescalateandde-escalatequicklyandwithoutwarning.



I also got a few comments from top sailors telling me they weren’t enjoying MRX racing anymore because of the cheating, however therewasstillamassivereluctancetoprotest ThesolutionIcametowastoremovemyselfa

“Youhaven’twontherace,ifby winningtherace,youhavelost therespectofyourcompetitors.” GeneralLeeRumRacingProtests v.Akatea v.Systems Thunder


“Missing any event is hard on the team, but we also appreciate that there are a lot of moving parts in building a new boat and getting that boat to an event. We are working closely with the league on solving that puzzle. We already get limited time on our boats across the year, so adding in commissioning time for a completely new boat also adds a layer of complexity SailGP Technologies do an amazing job looking after the league’s needs and we know they are trying to get us back out there as soon as possible.”
Peter Burling



p AclearerindicationoftheBlackFoils’returnisexpectedfollowingtheRioevent.
TheSailGPseasoncontinuesatpaceregardless,withupcomingstopsscheduledfor Bermuda (10–11 May), New York (31 May–1 June), and Halifax (21–22 June), before thefleetheadsacrosstheAtlanticfortheEuropeanlegbeginninginPortsmouth(26–27July)
ForBlackFoilsCo-CEOanddriverPeterBurling,thechallengeofreturningtoracing isfarfromstraightforward
“Missing any event is hard on the team,” Burling said “But we also appreciate that there are a lot of moving parts in building a new boat and getting that boat to an event Weareworkingcloselywiththeleagueonsolvingthatpuzzle Wealreadyget limited time on our boats across the year, so adding in commissioning time for a completely new boat also adds a layer of complexity SailGP Technologies do an amazing job looking after the league’s needs and we know they are trying to get us backoutthereassoonaspossible.”


andmakeusallstrongerforoureventualreturntoracing”
Whileonepartoftheteamfocusesonrecovery,therestarehardatworkpreparingfor astrongcomeback UndertheguidanceofHeadCoachMattSteven,thesailingsquad is continuing its development off the water, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground runningwhentheirnewF50isdelivered.
That process will soon ramp up, with members of the Black Foils shore crew set to traveltoEnglandlaterthismonth.There,theywillworkalongsideSailGPTechnologies inSouthamptononthefinalstagesofthenewboat’sbuildanddelivery
Despite the setbacks, the team remains buoyed by the support of fans and partners aroundtheworld
“We are always incredibly grateful for the support of our fans and partners,” Burling and Tuke said “Even more so during challenging times like this The messages of supportandongoingencouragementareinvaluable”
Inashowofsportsmanship,theBlackFoilsalsoextendedtheirbestwishestotheDS AutomobilesTeamFranceastheyreturnedtoracinginRio-areminderthateveninthe wakeofadramaticincident,thespiritoftheSailGPfleetremainsfirmlyintact













LimitededitionDryGinandSpicedRum,signedbyCommodoreDavidBlakeyandbatchdistilledbyour friendsatPuhoiOrganicDistilleryCo.isnowbackintheSquadronBottleShop.We'veworkedcloselywith AlexKirichuktobringthisspecialrecipebackforourmembers Getinquick,onceit'sgone-it'sgone!Availableinstoreonly.





