Chris Woodhams's Articles

Sodebo halves deficit as ULTIM rivals sprint for Martinique in Transat Cafe L'OR

Sodebo Ultim 3 slashes its deficit, Conrad Colman gains ground, and drama unfolds across every class as the Transat Cafe L'OR fleet races for Martinique.

LED upgrades and brightwork care: how to lift your boat's look and efficiency

Learn how marine LED lighting boosts efficiency and how to maintain brightwork with the right oils and varnishes. Tips and products for NZ boaties.

Hayden Whitburn brings 20-plus years of sailing experience to Kiwi Yachting sales role

Hayden Whitburn brings 20-plus years of sailing expertise to Kiwi Yachting, from North Sails to RS Sailing, helping boat owners and builders across New Zealand.

Auckland-built VS-Drive powers Vessev hydrofoil to 25 knots with zero emissions

Discover the VS-Drive, Auckland's purpose-built electric propulsion system powering the Vessev VS-9 hydrofoil to 25 knots with zero emissions and whisper-quiet performance.

SVR Lazartigue leads Transat with 160 miles in hand as ULTIM fleet nears Martinique

SVR Lazartigue holds a 160-mile lead as ULTIM trimarans race to Martinique. Follow the latest Transat updates across ULTIM, IMOCA, Ocean Fifty and Class 40 fleets.

Transact Café L'OR Course shortened as ULTIMs chase grouped finish

Free NZ Boat Register launches to give every Kiwi vessel a verified digital identity

The NZ Boat Register gives every New Zealand boat a free verified digital identity, simplifying insurance, ownership transfers, and search and rescue response.

Transat Cafe L'OR fleet resumes racing after three-day La Coruna storm halt

The Class 40 fleet restarts the Transat Cafe L'OR from La Coruna after a three-day Atlantic storm stopover, with NZ sailor Conrad Colman among those back racing.

SVR Lazartigue leads Transat Cafe L'OR as fleet hits trade winds after bruising week

SVR Lazartigue leads the Transat Cafe L'OR as 74 boats hit the trade winds after a bruising opening week of squalls, calms, and tactical battles.

Conrad Colman battles autopilot failures and torn radar dome in Transat Cafe L'Or

Conrad Colman and Mathieu Blanchard face autopilot failures and a torn radar dome in the gruelling Transat Cafe L'Or. Follow their IMOCA campaign to Martinique.

Transat Cafe L'OR 2025 is the biggest edition yet with 148 skippers across four classes

The 2025 Transat Cafe L'OR is the largest in history, with 148 skippers across four classes racing 3,800 nautical miles from Le Havre to Martinique.