NOW YOU SEE IT…
The sleek 12m British-built craft – known as the Victa – is controlled by a two-man crew and can carry an additional six commandos. They all wear diving gear because the cockpit floods as the vessel submerges.
Dropped from a helicopter or released from the hull of a Royal Navy sub, the vessel can reach a speed of 40 knots across the water. At the flick of a switch though, it turns into a submarine and can dive to almost 30m.
Its 725hp Seatek diesel engine powers two Kongsberg Kamewa waterjets, giving it a surface range of up to 250 nautical miles. Submerged, its Twin Marine Propulsion 20kW electric thrusters – running on lithium-ion batteries – give it a cruise speed of 6 knots. Four vertically-mounted Copenhagen thrusters provide accurate slow-speed depth control.
Its compatibility with a standard ISO shipping container means it can be easily and discreetly moved to an area of operation while, equally, it can be lifted within the cargo bay of standard airtransports, most typically, the Lockheed C130 Hercules, or underslung from heavy- lift helicopters, typically the Boeing CH-47 Chinook.
With fly-by-wire controls the craft is ‘flown’ underwater, with roll and pitch control through forward and aft hydroplanes.
The Victa is made by SubSea Craft in Gosport, Hampshire, and features elements contributed by Olympic sailing champion Sir Ben Ainslie from his racing yacht designs.
Says the Royal Navy: “For decades, we’ve been waiting for a vessel to be developed which is effective on the surface of the water and below. The enemy won’t be able to see or hear us coming. Given the threat to British ships in the Strait of Hormuz, its arrival is very timely.”
Patented Ullman Dynamics moulded seats and advance shock-absorbing systems provide a comfortable ride even at high surface speed and can easily be reconfigured or removed to suit mission requirements.
For more information visit www.subseacraft.com
TAILORED ROPES
Fourteen years ago, Ian McFarlane, a keen sailor, decided to jump ship from his 28-year career in textile and product development to set up Nautilus Braids in Springston, near Christchurch.
“I’ve sailed most of my life and have plenty of experience with textiles, so it made sense to start a business to supply the marine industry with ropes made from high-performance, multi-filament polyester and synthetic materials.”
The successful business now employs five staff and supplies ropes to the marine, equine, caving, dairy and civil construction sectors.
McFarlane says it’s impossible to compete with mass-produced Chinese ropes, so he focuses on tailor-made ropes designed to meet his clients’ specifications. He relies on good internet connectivity to send drawings to clients, along with emails discussing applications and requirements.
“For example, riggers setting up a new or secondhand boat will describe applications for the rope and send through plans. We interpret their needs, make a rope sample, send it to them and then continue the discussion by email.”
Based in rural Canterbury, the team has also created valuable innovations for local farmers, products which are now sold globally.
“My neighbour had a problem with a cord used during milking. When cows are milked on a rotary platform, there’s an ACR cord which pulls the milking cups off the udders. If the cord breaks, the cluster of cups falls into the effluent which is a real problem.
“We developed a hard, durable cord with an increased twist level. We manufacture 168,000 metres of it per year for the New Zealand market and now sell it into Australia, Ireland and the US.”
Along with discovering new markets online, he also uses the internet to research and source high-tech fibre and machinery.
“We’re always breaking into new areas, and sometimes need to modify our machines. We’ve sourced new carriers for our braiding machines when we had requests to braid wire for safety harnesses and to make bungies for electric fences. I found the manufacturer online and we had ongoing communication to get the right product.
“We can do a quick turnaround and produce excellent custom-made rope. We recently had an email from a guy in the US who is testing our ropes for a dairying application. He said they are 2.6 times better than anything he’s had before, and he wants to start a business relationship.”
Nautilus Braids is currently upgrading its website which will soon provide plenty of technical information for customers – covering topics such as how ropes stretch, or the impact of knotting rather than splicing ropes.”
BIODEGRADABLE, SINGLE-USE BBQ
The ‘barbeque with a conscience’, the CasusGrill™ is the ideal accessory for boaties, foodies and eco-warriors. It uses nature’s own building blocks, brought together in a simple Danish design, to offer the best and easiest way to cook outdoors.
Constructed from sustainable materials, the unit uses lightweight lava stone, natural bamboo, Quick Oxylite™ bamboo charcoal briquettes, and cardboard. Once lit, the briquettes are ready to grill in five minutes and will retain their heat for more than 60 minutes. The disposable nature of the grill also makes it ideal for travellers.
The CasusGrill™ is distributed by Epicure Trading and is available for approximately $19.95 from outdoor living, gourmet food and kitchenware stores and selected supermarkets.
For more information visit www.epicuretrading.co.nz
Maritimo Racing wins in Shanghai
Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo's international Racing Technologies Division is on a high with its new R30 XCAT performing strongly in Shanghai resulting in Maritimo Racing taking out two of the three races in round two of the UIM XCAT World Championship in early November.
The new R30 was only having its second outing after a strong
debut in Italy earlier this year.
The new hull and design package benefiting from further
testing and development back in Australia, after Maritimo Racing shipped their
XCAT and equipment back to Maritimo Racing’s Technology Centre in between
rounds one and two for modifications and upgrades.
“The team have worked tirelessly on developing the setup to
improve performance since Italy, and we continue to find more pace with what
was already a fast package out of the box,” said driver Tom Barry-Cotter
"The new R30 advantages are seen in its handling and
balance characteristics with the new design carrying noticeably higher
cornering speeds to the rest of the competition in Shanghai,"
"The R30 differs radically in appearance to the rest of
the competition when at speed, but we are very comfortable in the cockpit and
the boat is proving extremely predictable in its handling characteristics.
Barry-Cotter, who raced the R30 with veteran offshore
powerboat campaigner, Ross Willaton, said a fuel pressure issue in the first
race of the Shanghai series saw Maritimo drop back from fourth to sixth
position in the closing laps with a podium position in sight.
The following two days were a different result he said, as the wins in Shanghai close up the
championship with just six points separating the top three boats with three
races to go in the final round in Dubai in December.
The team now turns its focus to the final Round of three
races in Dubai December 12-14 where the UIM XCAT World Championship will be
decided.
"The team is already back in Australia working on
upgrades for the final round, as we know we need yet more pace and more
important reliability to bring to the decider" he said.
A JOYSTICK TO FLY
UAE-based boatbuilder ENATA has released a new version of its Foiler – a ‘flying boat’. This one features a joystick and a more efficient industrial-grade hydraulic propulsion system.
Built in carbon-fibre, the new Foiler now also boasts a forward cockpit with a joystick that gives passengers a sense of flying above the water. From the traditional driving console, with its wheel and throttle, the skipper can choose to activate the joystick. Pushing forward or pulling back adjusts speed from a standstill up to 40 knots. Tilting to either side controls the direction.
Four hydrofoils, like wings in the water, lift the vessel 1.5m above the waves as it reaches a speed of 18 knots, with an effortless and progressive take-off and landing.
An additional benefit is that the Foiler virtually eliminates seasickness, keeps passengers dry from spray and splashes, and avoids discomforts such as back pain from bumpy rides.
This model carries a significant upgrade to the previous hybrid propulsion system – it’s been replaced with a more efficient industrial-grade hydraulic propulsion system. It is powered by twin V8 marine diesels, developing 740hp.
At the touch of a button, the hydrofoils are completely retracted so the Foiler can be used as a normal boat, able to venture into water just 60cm deep and to dock at a pontoon or a superyacht.
For more information visit www.Foiler.com
BOI MARINA IS TOPS
Bay of Islands Marina nabbed the top gong at a recent New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA) event in Russell, collecting the Marina of the Year Award.
Judges were impressed with the marina management’s vision, forward thinking, design initiatives and focus on local and regional development. The Marina attracts vessels from throughout the South Pacific and contributes to the well-being of its region in numerous ways.
While Bay of Islands Marina is built on one of New Zealand’s oldest port sites, one of the country’s newest marinas also received special commendation from judges. Te Ana Marina in Lyttelton, which opened in May 2018, was recognised for reviving recreational boating in Canterbury.
Its environment-focused designs, developed in conjunction with Iwi, and the creation of a new destination for boaties and visitors were particularly noteworthy.
A small, privately-owned boatyard, Bridge Marina Travelift Ltd, received the Boatyard of the Year Award for its ability to maximise its use of space and to think outside the square, particularly in relation to the impressive water filtration system it developed.
The 500-berth Tauranga Bridge Marina Ltd won the overall award Best Environmental Performance category for implementing environmental initiatives within a marina that was built in a time when different environmental standards were in place. This includes facilities for recycling and infrastructure for sewage pump-outs. With a self-flushing design, this marina promotes pristine water clarity and abundant marine life.
Organised by the New Zealand Marina Operators Association, the awards were established to recognise and celebrate excellent practice in the marina industry.
AGELESS SOCRATES
A 77-year old Canadian woman has sailed into the record books as the oldest person to sail alone around the world.
Jeanne Socrates’ achievement was recognised by the UK-based Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) when she sailed into Victoria BC Harbour on 7th September, having successfully completed the single-handed unassisted nonstop circumnavigation.
Jeanne set sail from Victoria on the 3 October 2018 on Nereida.
The yacht suffered severe mainsail damage in the Cape Horn area which took a long time to repair. It also suffered a knock-down SW of New Zealand. She entered Timaru Bay in the South Island to make repairs, and later lost her headsail in the North Pacific.
The OCC is the ‘home port’ for those who have sailed long distances across big oceans. With 48 nationalities represented among almost 2,900 members and Port Officers around the world, it has a more diverse membership and a more international reach than any other blue water sailing organisation.
OCC exists to encourage long-distance sailing in small boats. A Full Member of the OCC must have completed a qualifying voyage of a non-stop port-to-port ocean passage, where the distance between the two ports is not less than 1,000 nautical miles, in a vessel of not more than 21.36m LOA.
MINIATURE TALL SHIP
The story in our September issue about the Chilean tall ship Esmeralda prompted reader Bruce Croll to submit this letter.
I grew up on Waiheke Island where my family had lived since 1911. Our family managed Fred Alison’s sheep farm of 2,200 acres at Matiatia.
On Friday, 23 June 1961, I borrowed Fred’s telescope and went up to the WW2 observation post above the wharf in Matiatia and watched the Esmeralda sail out from behind Rakino, go behind Motatapu and Rangitoto before finally showing up off East Coast bays.
I went back to the Alison family home to return the telescope and listened to Fred tell me more great old boating stories.
Three years ago we were in Taupo and visited a hobby shop, and in the window was a kitset of the Esmeralda. I went back to the motel to watch the 6pm news and there was the Esmeralda steaming up the Waitemata – that very day! I knew I had to go back and get that model.
I thought about what she had been used for in Chile – not the ship’s fault – so I bought the kitset and finished it a year later.
Never regretted that decision.
We visited the Esmeralda on her latest visit and went on board – absolutely in awe! Showed the officers photos of the model I’d built and could have sold it a hundred times over. No way!
Bruce Croll
BLUEWATER PRODUCTION BOATS?
A reader responds to the Mayday feature in our September issue – a story which covered the rescue of a crew of four when their yacht’s rig failed.
To me this article highlights the unsuitability of lightweight, mass-produced-to-a-price European boats being used in the Pacific Ocean. A 20mm stainless rod with a thread was never going to last in the Pacific. IMHO this should have been a 50mm rod with a serious connection.
Stainless steel is hard but brittle and can also corrode.
The Med maybe gets to 70 knots with some low-fetch swells. I personally have been in 90 knots constant and 15m swells on a cruise ship. I would only risk those conditions in a Salthouse or other substantial NZ boat.
By falling apart that Jeanneau endangered many lives.
Jim Glover, Process Engineer
I think it’s worth pointing out that there are hundreds of European production boats tackling bluewater passages all over the world at any given time. Also, this Jeanneau’s stainless steel rod failed in fairly modest conditions, suggesting that crevice corrosion might have been the actual cause – not the strength of the wind or state of the sea. Ed.
$8000+ Viking powered kayak to be won!
Tickets to the 2020 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show will be available on line from December 1 at www.boatshow.co.nz.
The online tickets not only give faster access into New Zealand’s favourite boat show, they also automatically go into a special draw for a Viking Kayaks’ ultimate fishing kayak package, worth over $8000 — and give a second, bonus entry into the Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize draw!
The Viking Kayaks’ prize package includes:
- A Viking Profish Reload fishing kayak, the fast, stable flagship of the Viking Kayaks’ range
- Viking’s innovative Tackle Pod™ system
- Viking’s Kid Pod™ system
- A powerful Bixpy electric motor
- A professionally installed Raymarine Dragonfly 5 PRO top-of-the-line multi-function display, with built-in dual channel CHIRP fishfinder, GPS chartplotter and WiFi-connectivity;
- A resuseable rescueMe Electronic Distress Flare;
- The world’s smallest personal locator beacon, the rescueMe PLB1;
- A Hutchwilco multi-fit safety vest
- A wide range of practical Viking Kayaks’ accessories
Viking Kayaks’ managing director, Grant Montague, says the prize package contains everything a kayak fisher could want.
“With a battery that can last up to 8 hours and a top speed of around 10kph, the new Bixpy electric motor is super-compact and light yet easily out-performs any comparable unit.”
Online bonus ticket
All tickets bought online also qualify for a Free Bonus Entry into the 2020 show’s Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize draw. This means those who buy their tickets online will double their chances of winning next year’s amazing Grand Prize (last year’s Grand Prize winner, Christchurch man Eden Waddington, bought his ticket online and won with his Free Bonus Entry ticket!).
Pre-Xmas bonus:
Tickets to the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show also make great Xmas presents and stocking fillers and those bought before 5pm on December 18 come with yet another bonus: they automatically go into a special draw for a Haswing electric trolling motor worth $1600!
The online tickets, which will be on sale on the show’s popular website www.boatshow.co.nz from December 1, are $25 each. They are easy to buy, download and print at home, in the office or on board.
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show will be held at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland on May 14-17, 2020.
THE DEFINITIVE TOWNSON
Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Des Townson – one of the country’s best-loved designers – it’s a safe bet that reading this book will reveal a lot more about his enigmatic work and life.
Peet’s biography – meticulously researched over more than a decade – is detailed and thorough yet hugely readable. He writes with an easy, almost colloquial style – with plenty of anecdotes – a clever tactic that helps to draw you into the mind of the complex and somewhat reclusive Townson.
And it’s an intriguing portrait he paints: getting your head around the sheer volume and variety of Townson’s work is one thing (it’s a lot more diverse than I believed). That it flowed from the pen of someone who was innately shy and withdrawn, who shunned the fame and publicity his boats/designs attracted, is a great irony.
In fact, it’s that ‘human’ side of Townson that I found most fascinating in Peet’s book – the slightly fractious relationship with his father (which probably spurred his stubbornness/ determination); his remarkable powers of observation (from even a young age his ability to absorb ‘boat theory’ simply by watching others, apply it and improve on it was extraordinary); his inventiveness; his mental strength and abilities as a competitive sailor.
Enthusiasts of the Townson ‘classics’ are particularly well-served in the pages: the genesis of the Zephyr, Starling, Mistral, Dart and Pied Piper – each is explored in colourful detail. As is his venture into bigger keelers – and the race boats with their complicated rules.
The legacy is extraordinary – particularly in terms of its impact on the evolution of New Zealand sailing. So much of this country’s sailing tradition can be traced to the Townson boats still being used by youngsters learning to sail and race.
I found myself reading large swathes of this book in a single sitting – but I’d suggest much of its appeal lies in its suitability for ‘grazers’ – readers who like to dip in and out of a book over weeks or even months. It runs to nearly 350 pages and is filled with scores of rare monochrome and colour images – sourcing them must have been an epic in itself.
Plenty of material already exists about Townson. For me this is the ‘Definitive Townson’. A finely-produced publication that’s guaranteed to generate plenty of discussion if left on your coffee table. It won’t fit into a Christmas stocking, but it will look good under the tree. Ed
The book is available in most bookstores but can also be ordered from: www.destownson.co.nz
Des Townson – A Sailing Legacy By Brian Peet
Mary Egan Publishing RRP $80.00
Royal Huisman joins the NZ Millennium Cup
The world’s most-southerly superyacht regatta has signed the Dutch yard as a sponsor, alongside existing platinum sponsor Orams Marine, as it builds towards a February start.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup is proud to announce Royal Huisman has joined the regatta as co-platinum sponsor.
The Dutch builder and yard will join New Zealand’s Orams Marine as co-platinum sponsor for the 2020 and 2021 regattas which will be raced in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds, the Bay of Islands.
“Royal Huisman is proud to announce its sponsorship of the New Zealand Millennium Cup. The team is looking forward to meeting new friends and to reinforcing existing ties during this sailing event in the impressive New Zealand cruising grounds,” says Jurjen van 't Verlaat, marketing and communications manager at Royal Huisman.
“Due to recent and current projects there is a good deal to update you on. We are always delighted to discuss new build or refit projects that call upon all the skills, ingenuity and experience we can offer at our two main shipyards in the Netherlands – Vollenhove and Amsterdam – and also at various flexible locations. We are looking forward to meeting you and of course, to hearing all of the New Zealand industry’s own news,” continued van 't Verlaat.
The 2020 regatta will be raced from 29 January to 1 February and is rapidly building towards a bumper edition with New Zealand’s summer yachting season already showing signs of being busy, as America’s Cup fever hits.
“We always advise refit clients to book well in advance as the yard is invariably full through the New Zealand season of August to May,” says Orams Marine’s Craig Park.”
“At the moment, that’s even more important than ever. It’s great to see so many yachts taking the time to cruise through the Pacific and make their way to New Zealand and we’re looking forward to introducing more of our international colleagues, peers and friends to the beautiful Bay of Islands when racing begins in February.”
The Royal Huisman build Sassafras will return to the race, as will fellow past competitors Silvertip, Tawera, and Janice of Wyoming, and new entrant Kawil will take to the water. Entries have also rolled in for 2021 with Cilliam and Black Sails already entering, along with Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras and Silvertip.
Additional sponsors have returned to the regatta including Doyle Sails, Smuggler Marine and Bay of Islands Marina as gold sponsors, COAST, Breed Media, North Sails/Southern Spars and Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL) as silver sponsors, and Holton Marine, Power Equipment and Attest Ltd as friends of the industry sponsors.
At the prizegiving of the 2019 edition in February the owner of entrant, Freya described the regatta.
"It’s fantastic to come to this beautiful place, in this beautiful country, in the beautiful Bay of Islands. I’d like to say thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful, wonderful time.” The regatta will take place amongst the 144 islets of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s Northland, a sub-tropical playground that has been a home to sailors since the earliest Māori voyagers arrived in New Zealand.
Its headquarters will be in the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel which received New Zealand’s first liquor license in 1840.
“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said Marcus Blackmore in 2018, owner of the year’s champion Ammonite.
The notice of race was released earlier this year by the organising authority; the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee and the New Zealand Marine Export Group Inc. under the auspices of the Russell Boating Club, and can be found on the NZ Millennium Cup website. Millennium cup.com/notice-of-race.html
