MARINA NEWS
Welcome to the Autumn News
Welcome to our Autumn edition, packed with the latest happenings around the marina. The last few months have been a cracker for boating, with plenty of sun and little rain. On Friday afternoon’s the carpark is bustling with activity as some of you slip away for a weekend of boating and fishing.
With Easter being later this year, unfortunately it didn’t produce the boating weather we were all hoping for.
For the next 3 months I encourage you to take advantage of the huge 20% discount when hauling with us, what a wonderful time to save on maintenance costs before the busy season. Our wonderful talented tenants would welcome your business.
The maintenance team have again been highly active this last quarter with details covered later in this issue.
Finally, I recently attended the funeral of well-known Americas Cup yachtie Matt Mitchell and what a send-off it was, held at the RAYC. Matt was the chairman of GH Berth Holders and also a highly active person within the Manly community. An extremely talented boatbuilder evident by the condition in which he maintained his beloved Columbia One. Our straight-shooting Matt touched many people’s lives throughout his short life, all will sorely miss him.
Happy boating
Winter Care for Stainless Steel: Protecting your Investment
A little effort over winter can make all the difference when summer rolls around again.
Corrosion and wear can take hold quickly if stainless steel is neglected, so keeping your metalwork clean and protected now will save you costly repairs later. Here are some key steps to keeping your stainless steel in top shape over winter:
• Thorough Cleaning is Essential - Salt, grime, and environmental contaminants can accelerate corrosion. Before storing your boat, wash all stainless steel surfaces with warm water and a mild detergent, rinse with fresh water, and dry completely to prevent water spots.
• Inspect for Damage - Check railings, fixtures, and fittings for any signs of pitting, rust, or wear. Addressing small issues now prevents bigger problems later. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to take a look.
• Apply a Protective Coating - Marine-grade stainless steel sprays or waxes provide an added layer of defence against moisture and salt exposure during winter storage.
• Cover and Store Properly - If possible, keep your boat under a cover or in a dry-storage facility. Use breathable covers to reduce condensation and protect stainless steel from unnecessary exposure.
Navigating Insurance Claims for Boat Repairs
Accidents happen - whether from storms, marina mishaps, or general wear and tear.
If your boat has suffered damage, now is the time to take care of repairs before the summer season begins.
Firefish Fabrication, regularly work with boat owners and insurers to provide thorough damage assessments, insurance-ready documentation, and expert repairs that restore your stainless steel to top condition.
The team makes the process simple
• Comprehensive assessments and quotes - We provide detailed reports and photos (if required) for your insurer.
• High-quality, long-lasting repairs - Our stainless steel fabrication expertise ensures durability and precision.
• Fast turnarounds where possible - We get you back on the water as quickly as we can, without compromising on quality.
Firefish Fabrication is offering 20% off labour for winter projects,!
They can only offer this discounted rate for the first 5 bookings confirmed for bookings in May, June, and July when you mention this offer. So, get in quick!
Quarterly Fishing Report
By the crew at Double Rum Fishing & Charters
December 2024 – March 2025
Well, what a few months it’s been! The last four weeks in particular have been nothing short of glorious - we’ve had one of the best weather windows in ages. Light winds, sunshine, and calm seas... it’s been the kind of run that makes even the saltiest skipper smile (and maybe knock off early for a cold one).
And in even better news - diesel prices are down slightly. Not quite enough to make us weep with joy, but we’ll take what we can get.
With the good weather, we’ve been able to venture far and wide - from the reefs around the Happy Jacks all the way out to Channel Island. It’s a bit of a trek, sure, but with the wind behaving itself for once, it’s been totally worth it.
Fish Tales from the Deep
In close, the snapper bite has been hot. We’ve been hitting our limits most trips, and the average size has been impressive. Also hanging around in good numbers are big trevally, especially in close where the current is moving - a real treat for those who love a good scrap on light gear.
There’s also been plenty of skipjack tuna busting up the surface in the Colville Channel. The water out there is crystal clear - that beautiful electric blue that gets every fisho’s heart racing.
And if you needed more proof the ocean’s alive and kicking, we’ve seen loads of little blue penguins out wide, which is always a good sign.
Now for a quick PSA: there are some serious sharks about. Big ones. Lurking just where you don’t want them. So maybe rethink the post-fishing swimunless you want to test how fast you can get back on the boat!
As for kahawai, they’ve been a bit elusive this season, but when they do show up, they’re absolute units. Big, strong, and feisty - just how we like them.
Fancy a Fish?
If reading this is making your casting hand twitch, why not come out with us? Double Rum Fishing Charters runs trips straight out of Gulf Harbour Marina, and we’d love to have you aboard.s runs trips Give us a call on 021 975 576 to line up a trip - just bring your hat, your sunnies, and maybe a rum or two for the skipper (kidding… mostly).
Tight lines until next time!
Crispy Skin John Dory with Cherry Tomato & Puttanesca Linguine
Simple, timeless, and full of bold Italian flavourthis recipe brings together silky linguine tossed in rich puttanesca sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes, and tops it all off with a perfectly crisp-skinned John Dory fillet. Finished with a dusting of parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s comfort food with coastal flair.
Ready in: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
• 720g John Dory fillets, skin on
• 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 530g puttanesca pasta sauce
• 400g linguine
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
To serve:
• Finely grated parmesan
• Extra chopped parsley
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Cracked black pepper
Method
1. Pat the John Dory fillets dry with paper towels, especially the skin side - this helps get that signature crisp when cooking. Sprinkle skin with sea salt.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the puttanesca sauce and let it simmer for
2–3 minutes until thick and bubbling.
4. While the sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to the packet instructions. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking.
5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully lay the John Dory fillets in the pan, skin side down. Press gently with a spatula so the entire skin makes contact with the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the skin is crisp, then flip and reduce heat to cook through until the flesh is just opaque.
6. Toss the drained linguine with the tomatoputtanesca sauce and 1 tablespoon of parsley.
To Serve
Divide the pasta between four plates. Top each with a John Dory fillet, then sprinkle generously with parmesan, more fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!
By Sandord and Sons Fishmonger
Typee: A Classic Kiwi Fishing Boat with
a Story to Tell
In a world of high-tech hulls and glossy fibreglass, Typee stands proudly as a timeless piece of New Zealand’s maritime history - a 33-foot kauri fishing boat designed by an artist, built by a craftsman, and loved by every skipper lucky enough to take her helm.
Built in 1968 by boatbuilder Alec Baxter in Whangārei, Typee was one of several beautiful wooden vessels constructed during Baxter’s time in Northland.
Before moving north in the late 1950s, Baxter had spent years in Picton working under legendary boatbuilder Roger Carey - the craftsmanship in Typee is unmistakable, right down to her strong beam and walkaround decks.
Following her launch, Typee had a stint trawling out of Whangārei before making her way to Auckland, where she spent many years seine fishing under the ownership of Ivan Guard.
After Ivan’s passing, Typee found a new chapter in 1993 when she was bought by Brian Cuthbert, who would become her longest-serving caretaker.
In 2006, Brian turned Typee into a charter fishing boat based out of Gulf Harbour. For over a decade, she carried keen fishers out into the Hauraki Gulf - a true local legend among Auckland fishing charters.
Her Gardner 5LW engine kept her cruising smoothlyat 7.5 knots, while her solid build and 10’6” beam made for a steady, comfortable platform for group of up to 12.
She became a recognisable sight at Gulf Harbour Marina, with her classic lines, kauri hull, and oldschool charm standing out proudly among the sleek modern fleet. Whether you were heading out fishing or just strolling the docks, Typee was hard to miss.
Now, after nearly 60 years afloat, Typee has sailed into a quieter phase. She resides at Mana Marina, near the stunning Marlborough Sounds, where she’s enjoying a well-earned retirement as a private vessel.
While she may no longer be ferrying hopeful anglers or returning to dock with the day’s catch, her spirit endures - in the gentle creak of her timber, in every tide she rocks to, and in the stories told by those lucky enough to have known her.
This boat has called Gulf Harbour home since 1993, and her final skipper, Brian Cuthbert, has now stepped back from charter fishing after many decades at sea. His legacy - and Typee’s - lives on in the memories made on deck and the generations of fishers she introduced to the joys of the ocean.
From Whangārei to Auckland and now Marlborough, Typee is more than just a fishing boat - she’s a piece of Kiwi maritime heritage, still going strong!
Marina Updates - A Productive Quarter Wrapped Up!
It’s been another busy and rewarding quarter for our marina maintenance team, with a number of improvement projects completed across the site.
Our crew takes great pride in both the planned and responsive work they do - and many of the enhancements you’ll see around the marina have been inspired by suggestions from you, our valued customers.
New Promenade Seating
If you’ve strolled along the western promenade recently, you may have noticed the sleek new bench seating. These have been very well received - thank you for all the kind words and feedback!
A few of you have asked about the timber - it’s Vitex, a durable hardwood from the Solomon Islands (great trivia if you’re ever at a quiz night!).
A big thank you goes to our Maintenance Supervisor, Stephen Rawles, who led the design and construction of theses benches.
Upgrades to Waste & Recycling Areas
The new waste and recycling bays are now complete, including the final touch - freshly painted charcoalgrey concrete beneath the bins.
While the paint looks sharp, it also serves a practical
purpose: sealing the concrete helps prevent staining from improper disposal of waste materials.
We appreciate everyone doing their part to help us keep this area clean.
Grounds Looking Better Than Ever
Our dedicated grounds team - Phil (Senior) and Harutaka Ariga - have been keeping the marina’s green spaces looking tidy and well-maintained.
Haru’s sharp eye for detail is especially evident in the pristine hedges and manicured foliage. Years of effort are really paying off, helping to position the marina not just as a place to berth, but as a welcoming destination in its own right.
The western promenade palms have also had their bi-annual tidy-up, with dead fronds removed and a refreshed appearance thanks to Nick and the crew from Precision Trees.
Fuel Dock Gangway Replacement
The fuel dock recently received an upgrade with the installation of a new aluminium gangway - cleverly repurposed from earlier marina infrastructure. This was no small task, requiring coordination between multiple contractors: Dixons Manufacturing, Electrical and Surveillance, Peter Jackson Electrical
Focus Electrical and of course, our own skilled maintenance team.
Fresh Look for Western Ablution Blocks
The western ablution facilities have had a muchneeded refresh, including the removal of old silicone sealant (which, despite being mould-resistant, wasn’t living up to its promise) and replaced with fresh grout for a longer-lasting and cleaner finish.
Several timber architraves around ventilation alcoves were also replaced and repainted.
Cleanliness has been a big focus - and we hope you’re noticing the difference!
Travel Lifts and Equipment Maintenance
Both of our travel lifts have recently been repainted, with our 30T lift now sporting fresh new signage completed in early April.
Our smaller forklift - a real workhorse around the yard - has also received a fresh coat of paint. The larger drystack forklift is next in line for similar treatment in the coming quarter, ensuring all our core equipment is preserved and looking sharp.
Boat Cleaning Basics
Keeping your boat clean isn’t just about look - it’s crucial for maintenance, longevity, and resale value. Here are some quick tips to stay on top of it:
Interior
• Carpet: Vacuum, scrub with soap and water, then dry (turn on air conditioning for faster drying).
• Fiberglass: Use a brush and mild cleaner; avoid wax on non-slip surfaces. Use non-skid protectants like Star Brite.
• Vinyl: Wash with soapy water; or use marine vinyl cleaner for stubborn stains. Finish with Vinyl protectant for extra shine.
• Cushions: Cold wash covers; treat foam with baking soda, vinegar, and air dry.
• Heads: Clean like home toilets; flush vinegar monthly to prevent scale.
Exterior:
• Hull & Gel-Coat: Wax seasonally, wash regularly, maintain antifouling paint.
Thanks for your continued support - and for the great ideas you share with us. If you have any feedback, we’d love to hear it!
• Canvas: Clean monthly with mild soap; machine or hand-wash as needed.
• Clear Canvas: Wash gently, dry to avoid spots, use proper protectants.
• Engines: Wash and wax outboards; leave deeper cleaning to pros.
• Teak: Scrub with soap and water; use acid cleaners carefully, ideally off-boat.
With regular upkeep, your boat will stay safe, stylish, and seaworthy!
Reminder: Contractor Access at the Marina
If you’re planning work on your boat and bringing in contractors, please remember they must be registered with the marina before they start.
Contractors need to get permission from marina management to access the site - it’s all about keeping our marina safe, secure, and running smoothly.
If you’re arranging work, just get in touch with the team first. We’re happy to guide you through the quick approval process.
Thanks for helping us keep the marina a safe and well-managed space for everyone.
See full list of registered contractors on the directory on our website!
Tech Stuff: Smarter Access This Winter
With winter here, staying dry when entering and exiting the marina is definitely a bonus. Instead of reaching for a proximity card and winding down your window in the rain, why not take advantage of our INUGO access control system?
With licence plate recognition now enabled, vehicle access through the barrier arms can be fully automated.
INUGO also provides simple, secure access through our pier gates and into the ablution blocks across the marina.
On the topic of tech - our marina WIFI continues to offer stable, high-speed internet across the piers for berth holders, patrons, and guests afloat.
There are three networks available: 5GHz — Higher speed, ideal for faster connections. 2.4GHz — Better for broader coverage.
GH Marina-Instruments — Designed for updating chart plotters, monitoring remote vessel systems, and similar needs. (This network is password-protected;
please see marina staff for access.)
Customers now only need to validate their WIFI login once a month, rather than weekly.
If you experience unstable connections on the 5GHz network, we recommend switching to 2.4GHz for better reliability.
Need a hand setting up INUGO or connecting to the marina WIFI?
Our friendly Administration team at Gate 3 is happy to help.
Reducing Marina Waste - Turning Waste into Resource
At our marina, we’re proud to be part of the Clean Marina programme - and we’re always looking for ways to reduce waste and protect the environment we love.
Recently, we were approached by Hibiscus Zero Waste, who challenged us to ask: Are we doing the best we can for our environment?
The truth is, much of what we throw away could actually be recycled or repurposed. But to make a real difference, we need your help.
Many of our boat owners are already doing a fantastic job separating waste - thank you!
However, our maintenance team still spends a lot of time sorting paper, cardboard, and bottles out of the blue landfill bins and into the green recycling bins.
Remember: anything placed in the blue bins goes straight to landfill.
As boaties, the ocean is our playground, and every small action we take helps protect it. We all want future generations to enjoy the same clean, beautiful
marine environment we do today.
Our discussions with Hibiscus Zero Waste are ongoing, and we’re excited to share more updates soon.
In the meantime, here’s how you can help:
Blue Bins = Landfill
Green Bins = Recycling
Batteries and gas bottles - please leave them beside the bins for staff to collect.
Oil and filters - use the oil disposal bins located in the car parks.
Recycling isn’t new - most of us already do it at home. Let’s bring that same care to the marina.
After all, the marina and the ocean are your home away from home.
Thank you for helping us respect and protect it.
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
Women Take the Helm: Gulf Harbour’s Evolution Sails WOW Weekend
Gulf Harbour Yacht Club once again proved to be a powerhouse of community and seafaring spirit as it hosted the Evolution Sails Women on Water Weekend (WOWW) in March 2025.
This much-loved annual event brought together 162 enthusiastic participants, including 146 women, 16 race management volunteers, and 21 boats - all united by a shared love of the ocean and a drive to support and uplift women in sailing.
Over the course of three lively days, the marina buzzed with energy, laughter, and the sound of sails catching the breeze. Designed to be inclusive for all levels, WOWW welcomed complete beginners through to seasoned sailors, offering something for everyone - whether that was learning the ropes or testing tactical skills in competition.
A standout addition this year was the introduction of the Harbour Division, a non-competitive format ideal for those new to sailing or looking to build confidence at sea in a relaxed, supportive environment. This division ran alongside the more competitive Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions, which brought thrilling races and strategic challenges to the water.
The event’s reach extended well beyond the local community, with participants travelling from Nelson, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Napier, and even a returning crew from Australia. What makes WOWW so accessible - and so special - is that boat ownership isn’t required. Newcomers were paired with experienced Gulf Harbour Yacht Club members - we wanted it to be inclusive for everybody!
The team at Live Sail Die captured the excitement beautifully - be sure to explore the WOWW 2025 Gallery and relive the best moments.
A special congratulations goes out to this year’s division winners - all proudly local boats from Gulf Harbour Marina!
Spinnaker Division: Southern Fun – Franklin 37 (Anna Merchant)
Non-Spinnaker Division: Glory Days – Hanse 400E (Jocelyn Allemann)
Harbour Course Division: Seabrook – Hanse 415 (Gary & Maria Drummond)
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible:
Evolution Sails NZ, Auckland Yachting & Boating Association, Anita Dobson & Co, Bay Insurance, Burnsco Gulf Harbour, Chains Ropes & Anchors, Davenports Law, PredictWind, and Live Sail Die.
And a special shoutout to Gulf Harbour Marina for warmly welcoming and berthing our visiting boats throughout the weekend.
We also saw a wave of new sailors fall head over heels for the sport - welcome to the sailing whānau! And when the sun went down, the dance floor lit up, revealing some seriously impressive moves!
Whether you were on the boats or cheering from the clubhouse, WOWW 2025 was a reminder of what makes our sailing community so vibrant - friendship, and fearless fun on the water!
Mark your calendars
Women on Water Weekend returns from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026. Whether you’re returning or joining for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome even more boats and brilliant women to the race.
Berths for Sale
Now’s a great time to secure your spot at the marina, with a range of berths currently for sale - from 10.5m to 18m, including a catamaran berth and some at reduced prices.
Whether you’ve got a runabout, launch, or sailing yacht, there are berth options to suit a variety of vessel sizes and preferences.
To see what’s currently available, head to our website for the full list: www.gulfharbourmarina.co.nz/product-category/ marina-berth-sale
If you have any questions or would like help finding the right fit, feel free to get in touch with our team on 09 424 6200 or visit the marina office - we’re happy to help!
