Whitianga Waterways
According to Motu Economic, if you want quality of life, sun and a place by the beach, the best place to live in New Zealand is Whitianga. Those fortunate to live in Whitianga would only agree with that and given the amazing lifestyle benefits it makes a
A magical destination for anyone seeking a vibrant boating lifestyle.
Whitianga is home to the superior Hopper lifestyle development of Whitianga Waterways. The waterways project is a third of the way through and upon completion will contain over 1500 residential lots, a 100+ room resort hotel, mixed use commercial/retail areas, retirement village and a marine precinct with live-aboard berths and FLOATING HOMES.
The vision for Whitianga is not just to create a subdivision but provide a vibrant, innovative and exciting COMMUNITY, FLUSH WITH AMENITIES THAT ENHANCES THE natural area and grows the region.
Whitianga Waterways is a haven for those who desire a lifestyle by the water and want to spend more time enjoying the quality things in life. The Waterways lifestyle clearly appeals to boat owners and the canal-front sections enable owners to moor their boats right on the edge of their property.
BOATING IN THE AREA IS NOTHING SHORT OF MAGNIFICENT whether you’re cruising the Coromandel coastline or
Whitianga is home to the superior Hopper lifestyle development of Whitianga Waterways. The waterways project is a third of the way through and upon completion will contain over 1500 residential lots, a 100+ room resort hotel, mixed use commercial/retail areas, retirement village and a marine precinct with live aboard berths and floating homes.
The vision for Whitianga is not just to create a subdivision but provide a vibrant, innovative and exciting community, flush with amenities that enhances the natural area and grows the region.
Whitianga Waterways is a haven for those who desire a lifestyle by the water and want to spend more time enjoying the quality things in life. The Waterways lifestyle clearly appeals to boat owners and the canal front sections enable owners to moor their boats right on the edge of their property.
Boating in the area is nothing short of magnificent whether your cruising the Coromandel coastline or relaxing at the nearby Mercury Islands. The surrounding turquoise waters and white sandy beaches remind one why this is one of the best coastal locations in New Zealand.
Part of the Hopper ethos is to enjoy life and have fun and every year residents are invited to a boating weekend at the Great Barrier Island. Boat owners from Pauanui Waterways, Marsden Cove and Whitianga Waterways raft up together at the Barrier of an evening for a relaxed, social get together.
The weekend is an opportunity to get to know others that enjoy the waterways lifestyle and love to get out on the
relaxing at the nearby Mercury Islands. The surrounding turquoise waters and white sandy beaches remind one why this is one of the best coastal locations in New Zealand.
Part of the Hopper ethos is to enjoy life and have fun and every year residents are invited to a boating weekend at Great Barrier Island. Boat owners from Pauanui Waterways, Marsden Cove and Whitianga Waterways raft up together at the Barrier of an evening for a relaxed, social get-together.
The weekend is an opportunity to get to know others who enjoy the waterways lifestyle and love to get out on the water, although even with much prompting they are unlikely to reveal their favourite fishing spots.
Leigh Hopper, Managing Direct for Hopper Developments, is passionate about Whitianga Waterways and is destined to make the waterways his permanent home next year. It comes as no surprise to him that Whitianga is the #1 lifestyle place in New Zealand – it has been his vision for Whitianga Waterways to provide a lifestyle like no other in New Zealand or, for that matter, the world.
“It has been quite a journey of commitment to the vision to finally have independent qualified researchers label Whitianga
with this accolade. Lifestyle values and experiences drive our passion in the delivery of the built environment,” he says.
“I expect Whitianga will hold this status indefinitely as we roll out new and innovative infrastructure components further enhancing those unique experiences. I can’t wait to reside there permanently myself, with the advent of modern communication one can now achieve a better work-life balance.
“I plan to do a lot more socialising with my new neighbours and associates while retaining a solid connection to our team the Auckland office. I’m particularly looking forward to spending more time boating the magnificent Coromandel coast environs.”
Like Leigh, many others are choosing to leave behind a busy urban life and make their permanent home in the waterways and it isn’t hard to imagine why. The lure of the water has always been a captivating mistress but Whitianga offers much more than just a boating dream.
The town has a great energy with interesting cafes and shops, an engaging and diverse community. The area blessed with an abundant natural beauty, it is somewhere you just can’t wait to get to and then never want to leave. The locals have an apt description: “It’s good for your soul.”
Part of the Hopper ethos is to enjoy life and have fun and every year residents are invited to a boating weekend at the Great Barrier Island.
SAILING EXPERIENCE
New Zealand’s Evolution built the sails – in Expedition cloth – for this yacht. The headsail is 108% overlapping sheeted to an adjustable side deck track leading back through turning blocks to the Lewmar 40 winches on the cockpit coaming.
The fully-battened mainsail, free-footed along the boom, has a German sheeting system, where the main sheet runs either side of the yacht and can be adjusted from the windward or leeward winches.
An adjustable traveller on the cockpit floor, just ahead of the twin composite wheels, takes the mainsheet, with its control lines conveniently cleating on the sides of the cockpit. Attention to detail is clearly visible with nice chrome plates protecting the cabin top from sheet wear, where the mainsheet curves gently into the forward turning block.
Dufour and Felci Yacht Design have done a great job in executing the notoriously tricky design brief of producing a racer/cruiser that achieves both objectives.
Mast and boom are aluminium by Sparcraft, with Dyform standing rigging. The backstay has a 24-purchase system adjustable in two speeds.
All halyards and lines lead aft over covered cavities in the cabin top to jammers. All loose rope ends can conveniently be cascaded down into the cabin to the keep the cockpit working area free for action.
Twin helms are connected to the rudder with cables and each wheel has an angled pedestal bolted to the cockpit walls. This leaves the cockpit floor free from unnecessary protrusions and it feels ‘clean’. There are also excellent sightlines for sailing from helming at the side of the yacht.
Teak footrests on the cockpit floor offer the helmsman plenty of security – there are more on the floor centreline for the crew. I found this very useful sailing upwind as the boat’s sweet spot is at a good angle of heel. Also noticeable was the non-skid pattern in the deck moulding, which provided good grip.
Another nice touch was having all the hatches recessed into the deck moulding, leaving a flush surface. Nothing to catch that stray rope! A closer examination reveals the cleverly-integrated drainage channels for the recessed hatches.
No dodger was fitted to the yacht – perfect for her racing configuration. No doubt one can be retrofitted for cruising comfort.
Similarly, a bimini would be great for cruising – probably a collapsible model folding to the rear when sailing and deployed when at anchor, providing relief from the sun.
COCKPIT
The cockpit is large by any standard, and with the option of removing the cockpit lockers the area really opens up for full-on racing. With cruising, the lockers provide two more comfortable seating positions.
The cockpit’s rear end lowers and transforms into a full-width
duckboard. At her marina berth this makes for easy access, particularly when handling large sails and bags. A hinged, retractable boarding ladder facilitates swimming access. Also in the rear of the cockpit is a recess space for a life raft (to port), with a lazarette locker (starboard) through a floor hatch. A self-draining locker for a small gas bottle is located on the port side aft. As this is a racer/cruiser, instrumentation is important. Raymarine I70 displays are mounted at each helm, with a Raymarine es75 multifunction display on the bulkhead. Wind data’s provided by a wired anemometer at the masthead. Also fitted is the Raymarine Evolution autopilot – a great cruising feature.
LAYOUT
The Dufour 36 Performance is available in two layout options – two or three cabins.
This is the three-cabin version, with two double quarter berth cabins and a forward double cabin. The accommodation compromise with the three-cabin version is you lose a separate nav station, with the heads moving forward on the starboard side. All doubles have split squabs with the option of a pull-up divider, so the crew can rest without having to get too close to each other.
Access to the interior is easy via the four wide timber steps from the cockpit. The saloon is a bright airy space, with plenty of light flooding in through deck hatches and cabin/hull windows.
To port the L-shaped galley contains a very practical double sink arrangement, an electric fridge with a pull-up lid which cleverly stays open by itself to allow two-handed access to the contents. A two-burner stainless steel gas hob and oven caters for cooking. To starboard is the head, with a manual toilet, hand basin and shower.
Pride of place in the saloon area is a central island double leaf table with long settees either side. These could be used for additional sleeping berths for racing if lee cloths are fitted.
A double, opening door separates the forward cabin – with its good-sized double berth – from the main cabin. The oak finish exudes warmth and comfort – and attention to detail is faultless.
A 40hp Volvo Penta (standard engine is 29hp) with sail drive lives under the saloon entrance steps and easily pushed the streamlined hull along with a two-bladed folding propeller.
OPTIONS
As with most production yachts, a number of different options and packages are available to buyers.
Extras to the standard options included the electronics package, larger engine, the full winch upgrades and a number of upgraded sailing options such the Evolution package. This package features a gennaker, spinnaker and code 0.
Dufour yachts are imported by Auckland’s Flagship Marine – as tested, this 36 is worth $468,500.
Dufour and Felci Yacht Design have done a great job in executing the notoriously tricky design brief of producing a racer/cruiser that achieves both objectives.
This yacht really performs – and the light helm is a pleasure. Great sail control systems and a large, clear cockpit set this yacht apart, while down below the cruising comforts come with great internal ambience and finish.
Overall, something special indeed.