MARINA NEWS
Welcome to the Summer News
Hi Boaties,
Welcome to our summer edition. The weather certainly influences our boating activity, so it is great to see so many of you taking advantage of the warmer days and getting out on the water. It has been great to throw off the winter clothes, pull on a pair of shorts again, and put on the swimmers to take that early morning swim and hoping that it becomes a regular event.
There were a few yachts lucky enough to escape the Auckland winter and head to the lovely Pacific Islands, by all accounts they thoroughly enjoyed their time exploring there and meeting new boaties - planning is already underway for next year’s venture! Many thanks to those who recommended Gulf Harbour to a few of the overseas vessels to haul with us, it is much appreciated.
The countdown to Santa Claus arriving is well underway which means a mass exit from Auckland marinas to get out and start exploring our beautiful Islands and coastlines. With this in mind please take time to check out the biosecurity article and how we can continue to protect our beautiful waters.
The Gulf Harbour team have been busy improving your facility including repainting of the Exterior retail buildings, Operations office, Rubbish bins bays, Oil waste bays and are currently rejuvenating the exterior of the Northern and Southern ablution blocks. The work throughout the gardens over the winter/spring is starting to pay dividends as they begin to flourish. For those unable to attend the recent AGM the minutes are available on the berth holders portal
Berth sitting empty while you’re away? Let us know! 12 Summer Haul -out
Pan Fried Snapper with herb butter sauce
When you have beautiful, fresher than fresh snapper, it’s tempting to cook it with nothing but a bit of butter and lemon. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to do something a little fancier – and if you’re entertaining, this recipe is perfect. The fish is still the star of the show, but added is a few lovely fresh flavours to take it from an everyday dish to something special. As always, it’s quick and easy to prepare – just don’t overcook the fish, the quality of the dish relies on it! This goes perfectly with a fresh green salad, or green beans in winter.
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 large or 6 medium terakihi fillets (or use snapper)
1 tbsp cornflour
¼ cup capers, drained
Neutral oil (such as canola or rice bran), for frying
Sauce
50g butter
½ cup finely chopped fresh herbs – parsley, dill, basil, chives
1 clove garlic, crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Method
Heat 1cm of neutral oil in a very small frying pan or saucepan over a high heat. Add the drained capers and fry for a few minutes until the capers puff up and open out. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Heat the butter over a medium-low heat and add the garlic. Cook gently for 5 minutes or so, but don’t brown the garlic. Add the lemon juice and zest and
keep warm.
Season the fish with salt and pepper, then dust with cornflour (you can dredge it on a plate or shake in a bag). Shake off the excess.
Heat 1 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large frying pan over a fairly high heat. When the pan is hot and the butter foams, place a couple of fish fillets in the pan. Turn them over carefully only when the underside is golden brown, then cook on the other side for a minute or so – you actually want the fish to be only just undercooked when you take it out of the pan (it will finish cooking out of the pan). Rest the fish lightly covered with foil on a warm plate while you cook the rest (for best results, wipe out the pan and add a little more butter and oil for each batch of fish).
When you’re ready to serve, add the fresh herbs to the lemony butter and mix to combine, then taste and season with salt and pepper if need be.
Serve the fish on top of crispy baked or boiled potatoes, and spoon the herb sauce over top. Sprinkle with some fried capers. Serve with a salad or steamed veges.
By Chelsea Winter
Marina Projects
It’s been another productive quarter here at the marina, with plenty of progress made on key projects to enhance our facilities and keep things looking their best.
Fresh Paint Across the Marina
Our team has been hard at work refreshing the Marina’s Retail and Administration Block, followed by the Operations Office and the central ablutions block. The north and southern blocks will also get a repaint to complete the upgrade!
The southern car park bin bays and waste oil bays have also been given a stylish upgrade with a sleek new matt black paint job. Work has already begun on updating the northern bin bays, and these should be completed by the time you’re reading this.
Equipment and Grounds Maintenance
Our trusty Wises travel lift has also had a makeover, with a fresh paint job leaving her looking as good as new and ready for action.
Meanwhile, our grounds maintenance team, led by Phil and Haru, has been battling spring’s rapid growth. With warmer conditions fueling the weeds, trimming and spraying have been top priorities. Thanks to their efforts, the marina grounds are looking particularly sharp!
We’d like to remind everyone to help us maintain these high standards by using the appropriate bin enclosures for rubbish and waste and cleaning up
after your pets. Your cooperation plays a vital role in keeping the marina a clean and enjoyable space for all.
INUGO : A Quick Reminder
For those who are new to the marina—or anyone needing a refresher—our INUGO access control system streamlines access to pier gates and car park barrier arms using vehicle license plate recognition. Once registered, you won’t need to search for a key fob or proximity card, as the system automates entry.
If you’re unsure how to set this up, our friendly Administration Staff at Gate 3 are here to help. Simply drop by the office, and they’ll guide you through the registration process and setting up your mobile device.
Future Projects
Finally, our dive pile and floating structures condition survey has provided valuable data that is now under review by marina management. This information will help us plan the scope, timing, and budget for future improvement projects, ensuring the marina remains a top-tier destination for all our patrons.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant marina community. We look forward to sharing more updates with you in the months ahead!
By Phil Wiig Maintenance Manager
Brin Wilson Boats: Innovations, Restorations, and Decking Solutions
This winter, Brin Wilson Boats has been a hive of activity, with the team tackling a range of exciting projects. From cutting-edge installations to major restorations, the crew has been hard at work delivering exceptional results for local Gulf Harbour residents and beyond.
One standout project involved a complete deck refit on Babel Fish, a familiar name at Gulf Harbour Marina. The team also worked on Audacity, a Brin Wilson 45, repowering the vessel - another Gulf Harbour local. Currently, they’re performing a similar repower on a Don Webb vessel housed in the shed. This particular boat has an incredible story— it was fully rebuilt after sinking and is now receiving new engines to match its restored glory.
Another ambitious projet has been the transformation of Jontay , which now boasts a brand-new hull, a complete interior overhaul, a rewire, a hardtop upgrade, and a stunning repaint.
Synthetic teak decking has become a popular choice among boaties, and Flexiteek is leading the way as a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional teak. Brin Wilson Boats has been busy meeting the growing demand, installing Flexiteek on vessels across the North Island.
Our largest project to date was a 96ft sailing yacht in Whangārei, where the team spent nearly three months crafting and laying the new deck! Flexiteek is not only a favorite for retrofitting older vessels but is also being used on new builds. Brin Wilson is proud to collaborate with several Auckland-based
boatbuilders who now incorporate Flexiteek into their builds.
Osmosis Solutions is also part of Brin Wilson Boats, and they strongly suggest that regular hull inspections should be part of your annual servicing routine to detect and address osmosis early. For those purchasing a boat, we strongly recommend a professional survey to assess the hull condition and identify any potential issues.
From repowers and refits to pioneering deck solutions and hull care, Brin Wilson Boats continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in marine services. Whether you’re planning a new project or seeking expert advice, they’re here to help keep you on the water with confidence.
Double Rum Fishing Report
By Double Rum Fishing and Charters
August - November 2024
Ahoy, Boaties!
The last couple of months have been nothing short of spectacular for fishing around Gulf Harbour. If you’ve been pacing the marina wondering how to land those big, beautiful red snappers, I’ve got good news: it’s easier than you think. And yes, I’m spilling some of my tried-and-true secrets, so listen closely (or better yet, take notes).
The Red Snapper Recipe for Success
Anchor Smart: Position yourself so the wind and tide work together.
• Berley It Up: Think of berley as your underwater dinner bell. Get it flowing to draw in the action.
• Big Hooks, Big Baits: Use size 7 or 8 hooks— sharp ones. Trust me, the sharper, the better. Pair those hooks with generous bait (snapper don’t nibble like they’re at a tea party).
• Patience + Tidal Flow: Snapper love water movement, so a bit of patience during the right tidal flow will pay off.
Pro Tip: Always use fresh hooks on each trip. Snapper can tell when you’re using that “lucky” old one. And keep your trace to 20lb or less—it allows your bait to dance more naturally in the current, giving the snapper a better shot and adding a little sport to the game.
Local Hotspots
You don’t need to head to the outer reaches right now. Spawning season means the snapper are in closer than ever. Last week, we landed some beauties without even crossing the cables toward Little Barrier. The charter fleet is also reporting great catches 8km north of Tiri, around Flat Rock, in about 40 meters of water.
Bonus Catch: Red Gurnard
We’re not just talking snapper here. Each trip has delivered some stunning red gurnard, too—delicious and a great addition to your day’s haul. Oh, and good news: this season, there’s been no sign of the dreaded “mushy white flesh” disease in snapper. Last year, 30% of the catch wasn’t up to par, but this year the fish are as firm and fresh as they come.
If you’d rather leave the anchoring and berleying to the experts, why not hop aboard with us at Double Rum Fishing and Charters? Whether you’re new to fishing or looking to brush up on your skills, we’ll help you bring home dinner (or a good story, at least).
Give us a call at 021 975 576 to book a trip. Bring a group, bring your best bait, and bring your patience— we’ll supply the rest.
Tight lines,
Brett Fleetwood
Double Rum Fishing and Charters
Fishing tips from Gulf Harbour Marina:
1. Work the Channels: Target snapper in deep channels like Tiri Passage during tidal flow for active feeders.
2. Use small soft baits or micro jigs to mimic baitfish when kahawai schools are near.
3. Leverage sounders to locate bait schools and fish holding over structure or drop-offs.
4. Drift over reefs or contour lines with slow jigs for kingfish and snapper.
5. Current and Wind: Fish wind-against-tide areas for turbulence, where fish often ambush prey.
Spot the difference: 5 seaweeds that resemble Exotic Caulerpa
New Zealand’s waters are home to an incredible diversity of seaweeds, with over 1,000 species found along our coastlines. Among them, some native species are often mistaken for the invasive Caulerpa brachypus or Caulerpa parvifolia. Knowing how to tell them apart is essential for protecting our marine ecosystems. Here’s a closer look at five native seaweeds commonly confused with exotic caulerpa:
1. Sea Lettuces (Genus Ulva)
Bright green and abundant, sea lettuces are a frequent sight in our waters and on beaches. While their vibrant hue is similar to exotic caulerpa, there are subtle differences in their fronds.
• Ulva intestinalis: Tube-like and translucent, often found underwater or washed ashore.
• Ulva prolifera: Has a central stem with leaves radiating outward, giving it a bushier appearance.
When storm debris piles up on the beach, sea lettuce is often the first mistaken identity for caulerpa.
2. Common Flapjack
(Carpophyllum machalocarpum)
This mid to golden-brown seaweed is often confused with Sargassum and, occasionally, exotic caulerpa.
• Firm texture with round vesicles (small bladders).
• Vesicles often have pointed tips or leaf-like extensions.
3. Seagrass
Native seagrass is vital to the ecosystem and supports marine life. Its appearance is different but still close enough to cause confusion.
• Thin, ribbon-like leaves.
• Olive-green coloration.
Unlike the flat, oar-blade-shaped fronds of exotic caulerpa, seagrass has a graceful, flowing structure.
4. Native Caulerpa Species
Yes, New Zealand has its own species of caulerpa, and they’re completely harmless!
• Caulerpa flexilis (Fern caulerpa): Threedimensional fronds, unlike the flat blades of invasive caulerpa.
• Caulerpa articulata: Recognizable by its round, bead-like structures along the stem.
• Caulerpa geminata: A native species with distinctive growth patterns.
5. Paddle Weed (Ecklonia radiata)
Thick, brown, and leathery, paddle weed looks nothing like exotic caulerpa up close but can be mistaken for it when washed ashore.
• Dark brown coloration.
• Large, paddle-like fronds with a robust texture.
Sea Lettuces
Common Flapjack Seagrass
Native Caulerpa
What Does Exotic Caulerpa Look Like?
The invasive Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia are almost identical in appearance:
• Bright green fronds, up to 10cm long, shaped like small oar blades.
• Fronds grow from long runners (stolons) that spread across the seafloor.
For detailed images and comparisons, visit the Biosecurity NZ website.
Found Something Suspicious? Report It!
If you think you’ve spotted exotic caulerpa:
• Note the location.
• Take clear photos of the seaweed. marinepests.nz
Report it to Biosecurity New Zealand by calling 0800 80 99 66 or visiting report.mpi.govt.nz.
Plugging in? Tag it! Walking away? EWOF it!
Fire and electrocution are the biggest marina hazard. Lives and property can be at risk.
Doing your part to keep your boat’s electrics in order will help keep everyone safe. Electrical compliance is key! A great marina means being safe with electricity.
1. Unattended Power Connection (UPC): Is where your boat has an Electrical Warrant Of Fitness (EWOF) and the lead you connect to your pedestal is Tag Tested (TT). EWOF expire every FOUR years, and TT expires ANNUALLY. You will get a reminder from the Customer Service Team the month before the expiry dates to give you plenty of time to get compliant again. IF either the EWOF or TT are out of date, you must not leave your vessel unattended.
2. Attended Power Connection (APC): This is when your vessel does not have an EWOF, and you simply want to connect to the pedestal occasionally while you are onboard the vessel. To have an attended power connection you must have a valid TT, and you must remain onboard for the time you are plugged in. You must NOT leave the vessel plugged in and unattended. If the dockmasters find this, they will unplug the power supply.
3. No Power Connection (NPC): If you never want to plug in, you don't have an EWOF, or TT. Power will not be supplied to the pedestal if you elect an NPC connection.
Paddle Weed
Exotic Caulerpa
Alan Wright Tribute Weekend
It was such a privilege to be able to honour our club patron Alan Wright here at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club on the weekend of the 22-24 November.
Wright boats have been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s boating industry and still remain the majority of New Zealand’s registered boats.
Alan’s impact on the boating community for both sail and motor boats is unparalleled and he is known for innovative designs that prioritize practicality and seakindliness without sacrificing speed.
The weekend’s celebrations were a resounding success, and to quote the man of the moment, Alan Wright himself: “I haven’t had a day like this for many, many, many years.”
Friday night saw over 100 people captivated by tales from Alan’s extraordinary life, including a special appearance by the star of the show, Pam, aged 95, who was Alan’s childhood friend.
Saturday brought incredible energy to the water, with over 60 sailors putting their Wright-designed boats through their paces with Alan right there in the middle of the course to view his amazing designs.
The evening that followed was nothing short of spectacular—a packed clubhouse enjoyed a delicious dinner and heartfelt speeches from Alan and our inspiring speakers: Penny Whiting MBE, Phil Wilson, David Abercrombie, and Bruce Pilbrow. Each shared moving reflections on Alan’s unparalleled influence on the NZ boating industry.
Sunday wrapped up the weekend with a lively brunch, prizegiving, and a breathtaking sail past. Wright owners and Gulf Harbour Yacht Club members dressed their boats in semaphore messages and bunting, creating a stunning tribute as they saluted Alan, who watched from Phil Wilson’s launch, Fremar.
Sam Kynman-Cole, captured the magic of the weekend on and off the water. You can view the full gallery of images here.
On another note, the next Friday night Rum Race is on the 14th February 2025. These are the perfect way to dip your toes into racing and you don’t need to be a club member to join in and give it a go! Staggered start times so no heavily congested start lines, and just main and head sails allowed.
Berth sitting empty while you’re away? Let us know!
Are you planning to head out on an extended cruise or holiday? Why not let your berth work for you while you’re gone? If you are a Berth owner, you can add your berth to our rental pool during your absence!
Our marina often sees high demand for larger berths, particularly 15m, 18m, and 20m spaces, which are sought after by casual boaties visiting the area. By adding your berth to the pool, you not only help meet this demand but also enjoy the benefits of earning rental income while your berth is being put to good use.
Joining the rental pool is simple, and our team takes care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your time away. Your berth will be ready and waiting for you upon your return.
Tribute Pursuit Racing Tribute sail/motor parade
SUMMER HAUL OUT
Gulf Harbour Marina offers two travel lifts, handling up to 100 tonnes (7.8m beam) and 30 tonnes.
After haul-out and a water blast, your boat can return to the water, move to the hardstand, the covered Hardstand Shed or onto a transporter truck. Once on its cradle, you can work on your boat, hire on-site trades or contractors, or store it long-term. Secure your haul-out spot today!
To book yours in contact boatyard@gulfharbourmarina.co.nz
