For a Vessel You Can Trust

Three “nautical pros” of New Zealand’s multi-million dollar boat building industry feature in “The Monocle 100” special supplement of “things to sample experience and discuss.”

“While Emirates Team New Zealand lost the America’s Cup in one of the biggest upsets in yachting history, Cookson Boats – which built the spectacular 72-foot catamaran Aotearoa – counted the regatta as a success, having built two boats in the fleet of four.

“Since then, it’s built multi-million-dollar America’s Cup match racers, fast ocean-going custom yachts, deep-water racers for the Volvo Ocean Race and 50-foot racer-cruiser class to its own design. They’re boats for true sailors – fast and sleek.

“McMullen & Wing make boats for sailors who want a superyacht that handles as well as small sailboat. Started in 1969 by two young boatbuilders, the firm specialises in beautifully crafted, custom-built boats from their yard in Auckland.”

The Auckland firm Southern Spars “makes composite rigging and masts, in a process that produces gear that’s both strong and light.”