The 25th edition of the Auckland Boat Show will feature an estimated 200 boats on water and land, 150 exhibitors and 500 brands. Since its first edition in 1999, the Auckland Boat Show has evolved into a celebration of New Zealand’s marine innovation and success with Asia-Pacific premieres, world-leading technology, and inspiring sustainability initiatives. Stacey Cook of NZ Marine says that new information is coming in every week about new innovations, and that boat builders are working hard to put the finishing touches on new boats.
Here are a few:
Kaeā
Kaeā Kaeā is Marra Marine’s first build and securing the project a milestone for Tim Marra who had built many high-end boats for other brands, and as Marra Marine established an excellent reputation for superyacht refits, including warranty repairs, planned maintenance and teak work. “While we’ve established the business over the years, the driving force has always been to create quality boats under our own name,” says wife and co-director of the business Maddie Marra. She and Tim started together from a home garage in 2018, and built up its reputation, workshops, machinery and most importantly the team to prepare for this project. “A boat build is such a journey to go on with a client, it’s special and personal. We always wanted to live by what we wanted our business to do and to be.”
Elite AT43
The production Elite AT43 from Allan Tongs Boatbuilders is a New Zealand success story that has surpassed expectations and captured the market’s imagination. Like Zaphira and Kaeā, the Elite AT43 is from the desk of Bill Upfold and Elite Marine Design, and the most recent launch will be on display.
New amphibious boat on the block
The new and ambitious Fin Chaser 800 Hard Top, from Hamilton company Fin Chaser, will make its debut at the Auckland Boat Show and be available to sea trial. “This boat truly does it all – we are excited to show it off at the Auckland Boat Show, says Tim Fairhurst of this dry and comfortable evolution of the brand’s range.
New releases from Jeanneau family
Orakei Marine is also gearing up for a standout display. Making its New Zealand debut are the all-new Prestige F4.3, and the new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 – a wider, more spacious evolution of the much-loved JSO349.
