Record number of boats make debut at Auckland Boat Show, as big buyers emerge
by Isla McKechnie 15 Mar 01:44 NZDT
Auckland Boat Show - Day 1 - Viaduct Event Centre | Jellicoe Harbour - Auckland - March 14, 2024 © Chris Cameron
The Auckland Boat Show started today, Thursday, with a record number of yachts making their New Zealand debut.
The 2024 Auckland Boat Show has displayed a record number of boats newly released in the New Zealand market. Filling Auckland’s Jellicoe Harbour and Viaduct Events Centre on what was definitely a summer's day, the show has over 250 boats on display, with new boat brands to New Zealand from Norway, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and France, as well as new launches from New Zealand.
“The large number of yacht debuts this year reflects the New Zealand marine market’s rapid growth in the larger sections of the market. People are buying bigger, expecting more, and embracing the luxury marine market within New Zealand,” says Auckland Boat Show organiser, Stacey Cook.
Marine brokers, 36 Degrees, has introduced the Beneteau First 44 to the New Zealand market at the show, direct from France. A three cabin performance cruiser, its generous sail plan, and top quality fittings make this a stunning cruiser and fast performer. One of five yachts presented by 36 Degrees, it has featured another New Zealand debut alongside the Beneteau; the Swift Trawler 41 Sedan is a long distance cruiser has a strikingly-stylish design.
Fellow brokers, Sports Marine has introduced New Zealand’s first Princess S62; a luxury 62ft sports bridge yacht which comes direct from the United Kingdom. It’s being displayed alongside a new release Bentley Bentayga, with the two brands teaming up for the second year in a row at the boat show.
Alongside brokerage listings international superyacht specialist, Ocean Independence, has seen a surge of interest in superyacht charters from New Zealanders.
“At Ocean Independence in Auckland at the top end of the market, we are seeing Kiwis chartering large vessels in the Mediterranean then coming home and scaling up. With more large yachts visiting the South Pacific it is also increasingly possible to charter larger yachts locally. We’ve found there are a number of clients who, after experiencing the service and luxury of a large yacht charter, want to purchase their own superyacht. Some purchases are facilitated in the Australasia region and we also help clients look to Europe for yachts,” says Ocean Independence’s Lars Bjorklund.
Orakei Marine’s debut today of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380, introduced a simple to handle and stunning sailing yacht, with naval architecture by Marc Lombard and an interior design by Piaton Bercault & Co.
Italy’s Sessa Marine has been introduced to New Zealand for the first time by New Zealand company, Wynyard Marine. Described as the Ferrari of yachts, the high quality Italian-built yachts, combine suitability for New Zealand conditions with a focus on finishing and high-spec technology.
New Zealand builder Rayglass has launched the first all-new Rayglass Legend in nearly a decade at the show. One of New Zealand’s largest GRP boat builders today announced the launch of the newest and most versatile model in its Legend Series, the Legend 3000. The multipurpose cabin cruiser comes fully equipped with premium features and is the perfect crossover for boaters looking to entertain family and friends, spend the day fishing, or take a weekend getaway.
Fellow New Zealand company, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, released its custom-built 18 metre yacht Zaphira, at the show. Designed and built in New Zealand, it’s one of four custom-built yachts in the show by New Zealand designer, Bill Upfold and Elite Design.
The Auckland Boat Show runs from 14th -17th March and brings festival goers in contact with New Zealand’s, and the international marine industry. Known for its unique sea trial area; the only one of its kind in a New Zealand boat show, it presents attendees with the chance to experience how vessels perform on the water. It presents the largest collection of vessels on the water available to view in New Zealand, acting as a one-stop shop for the industry to gather with its audience in Jellicoe Harbour and the Viaduct Events Centre.
On land, exhibitors include a range of brands across the industry, including engines, commercial, electrical and paint and antifoul.
Tickets on sale now auckland-boatshow.com