For many yachties, owning a boat is the ultimate dream. Having the freedom to helm your own vessel, choose your own crew (ideally mates you love hanging out with), and head out whenever the breeze calls – what could be better?
But let’s be real. For most people, traditional boat ownership feels just out of reach. Between the upfront purchase, marina fees, ongoing maintenance, and new sails (don’t forget those!), the numbers can quickly get intimidating.
That’s where the MRX changes the game. Accessible, Affordable, Achievable
Believe it or not, becoming a boat owner – specifically an MRX owner – is easier than you think. You could literally make it happen before you finish reading this article.
Right now, there are multiple shares available across the MRX fleet. Whether you’re after full ownership or a one-sixth share, this is your chance to enjoy all the perks of owning a boat – without carrying the full weight on your own.
Wait… One-sixth of a boat? Does that even count?
Absolutely! Let’s be honest: how often are you really going sailing? Every night of the week? Both weekend days? Unless you’re in the Mastercard Youth Training Programme, that’s an aspirational schedule. A one-sixth share still gives you valuable time on the water – and in many cases, more racing than you’d get with a half-share, especially if you team up with like-minded sailors or gather a group of friends and go in together.
People are co-buying houses to get on the property ladder – why not boats?
Crunching the Numbers
A one-sixth share in an MRX will set you back just $4,000 a year, with an initial buy in to be negotiated with a current owner. At the moment there are some absolute bargains!
That yearly cost includes:
- Marina fees
- Insurance
- General maintenance
- Antifoul (every two years)
- A full-time fleet manager (yes, really)
Fleet Manager Cameron Thorpe is on deck every day, keeping the boats in top condition and race-ready at all times. The MRX fleet is exceptionally well maintained. In 2022, the engines were completely replaced and are expected to run smoothly for the next 30 years. Rigs across all 11 boats were refitted in 2020, and the sail wardrobes have been upgraded with new mains in 2023 and brand-new genoas in 2024 – only used for the first time during this year’s National Keelboat Championships.
2025 ACCOR MRX DAY. Wednesday 26 March 2025. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die for RNZYS
Each MRX is stocked with:
- 2 x mains
- 3 x #1s
- 1 x #23 x spinnakers
That’s an impressive kit for a 34-footer. And for cruising or training? There’s a stash of older sails ready for use.
Cruising Capability Just Got a Boost
Thinking of a quiet cruise rather than a competitive dash? Maritime New Zealand recently lifted the local waters restriction, which means MRX owners can now cruise much further afield. Think Great Barrier, Kawau Island, the Mercs, even the Bay of Islands – all within your reach. All you need to do is submit your plan to the Fleet Manager for approval to go beyond Auckland Enclosed Waters, wait for suitable weather and your off!
Because the boats are in survey, they’re equipped with everything required for safety and compliance. All you need is a portable BBQ, chilly bin, a couple of squabs, and your fishing rod. Adventure awaits.
Racing? You’re Covered
Clear your calendar, because the MRX is your golden ticket to some of the best racing on the Waitematā Harbour. Options include:
- Tuesday Night Sprints
- Rum Racing
- Wednesday Night Harbour Races
- Saturday & Sunday Club Racing
- National Keelboat Championships
- Women’s National Keelboat Champs
- Winter Series Races
You’ll even have the chance to join corporate events, which rarely conflict with racing. Better still, charter income from these events goes straight back into the fleet for maintenance and improvements. Any surplus? That means more new gear for the boats.
2025 ACCOR MRX DAY. Wednesday 26 March 2025. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die for RNZYS
Sponsors That Back the Fleet
Each MRX sports a sponsor decal – and those partnerships bring real value. For example, North Sails provides generous deals and supports sail repair. Harken delivered premium deck gear. U-Deck has revamped the decks with cushy non-slip foam – installed on six boats already, with the rest on the way. Benefits, NZ Spars & Rigging, KPMG, Floating Dock and Ovlov Marine round out the sponsors who provide ongoing support to the fleet.
Thanks to these sponsors, ownership is even easier, better, and more affordable.
Charter vs. Ownership – The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here’s a quick annual cost comparison once you’re purchased a share.
Charter for Tuesday Sprints (10 nights): $3,600
Charter for the National Keelboat Champs: $900
Total: $4,500
Meanwhile, a 1/6th ownership share costs just $4,000 annually – and gives you access to all of that and more. Straight up, you’re saving $500 and getting way more time on the water.
Flexibility Built In
Worried your boat might be unavailable? Don’t be. If your boat is tied up for maintenance, another vessel in the fleet is
made available to you. And if you’re racing (say, in the North Sails Winter Series) and have to swap boats, your handicap travels with you. That’s the beauty of a one-design fleet – it’s all about the skipper, not the hull.
Make the Move
So, what are you waiting for? The dream of boat ownership doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the MRX fleet, you get all the perks with none of the headaches – and a full-time fleet manager to boot.
Cameron Thorpe is here to help. He’ll meet with you to figure out what kind of share best suits your goals, and match you with the perfect boat owner configuration:
- Someone for Tuesday Sprints
- Someone for Rum Racing
- Someone for Winter Series Racing
- Someone for Women’s events
That “someone” could be you.
All new owners need to be approved by the board of MRX Yachting, For experienced racers this is normally a mere formality. For newbies this can be a gradual process with more options opening as experience builds. Cameron is available to help and talk you through the details.
Don’t Let Another Season Slip By
You were built for sailing – and the MRX was built to race. Contact Cameron Thorpe today and start living the dream:
021 679 125 • Email • mrxyachting.com
