Our top five boating YouTube channels 

The changing season may herald a little less time out on the water, and a little more time for checking out some boating YouTube channels offering information and entertainment.

America’s Cup

This one has been a favourite in the lead up to the latest America’s Cup challenge. Introducing… the official YouTube channel for the 36th America’s Cup, in which Emirates Team New Zealand successfully defended the ‘Auld Mug’ in a new AC75 foiling class. There’s been footage on the fleet of challengers, and the defender too, to enjoy.

This has been a “go to” channel for all sorts of updates with a multitude of things to watch under the video and playlist tabs.  There’s also footage on the history of the Cup, and on the history, innovation, design and build involved in bringing the AC75 from concept to reality.

And, if you feel you need more, then there are links on this channel to the America’s Cup website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts too. The big race may be over, but our interest hasn’t died.

Boating New Zealand

Chances are you already know about the reputable Boating New Zealand magazine. The associated YouTube channel is also a goodie.

Geared at people who “love the adventure of boating” this informative channel includes videos of Boating New Zealand feature writers getting on board various craft and sharing their insights. Prepare to be impressed. Recent videos, for example, promo the Assegai 51 (built in Australia for game fishing and rare in New Zealand); the transformation of a boat to include foil technology (America’s Cup inspired); an Innovision 707 Explorer; a Caribbean 420 Express (the first in New Zealand) and a Sealegs 7.5. That’s but a taste of it.

It’s not just boats that feature in the videos. There’s a clip in which Raglan volunteer coastguard’s president talks about Raglan’s bar, where sail actually gives way to motor. He talks about the role of jet skiis in rescue operations and about bar crossing education.

So, in amongst all the aspiration, there’s some education information too.

Ultimate Fishing

Matt Watson needs no introduction in the fishing world. You would expect his YouTube channel to be great given he is part stuntman (he did leap out of a helicopter to wrestle a marlin), part conservationist and self-confessed “mad fisherman”.

This – his online video platform – was established to offer free access to some of the greatest fishing content available. And so… you would expect some ultimate material, and you wouldn’t be disappointed.

The site offers a huge amount of information. Click on the Categories tab for information on matter as diverse as game fishing tips, marine electronics, fishing hacks, land-based fishing, product reviews and Matt’s home vids.

There’s a multitude of how to, action, and EP videos to enjoy.

Safer Boating NZ

If there’s ever a place to go for up-to-date and thorough boating safety information this will be it. This YouTube channel is managed by Maritime New Zealand on behalf of the Safer Boating Forum.

There’s plenty of easy-to-access “What’s Your Plan” messaging around life jackets, alcohol, boating rules, communications and the weather, for example. Dinghies, kayaks, jet skis, yachts… safety particular to all sorts of craft is covered.

Want some information on crossing the Bowentown, Tairua or Raglan bars? You’ll find that on this channel where advice around specific bars is covered. Other helpful clips provide information on helpful, diverse matters like inflatable life jacket servicing and surviving in cold water. And, the channel includes “win a day fishing” and other competition opportunities.

We suggest you make time to check this channel out. Perhaps encourage your young boaties to have a look too – after all, young people like to source information on-line.

Sailing La Vagabonde

This channel follows a young Australian couple and their baby son as they attempt to circumnavigate the world via their boat. Initially they had no clue how to sail and have learned along the way how to make sailing work! 

They have now sailed over 90,000nm across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific and along the way they've encountered terrifying storms, pirate scares, financial breakdowns, equipment failures, water shortages and other interesting mishaps.

The Sailing La Vagabonde YouTube channel is very popular and currently has over 1.5 million subscribers! 

Looking for the right cover on the water in New Zealand?

No matter where you're boating in New Zealand, Mariner Insurance is here to support you. We have been offering Kiwis specialist marine insurance in New Zealand for over a decade with cover for all types of boats and watercraft. Just talk to us about what you’re doing on the water, and we can tailor one of our insurance policies to fit.