Trans-Pacific Bluewater Cruising: New Zealand of the Horizon
Date
2010
Authors
Koth, B.
Editors
Orams, M.
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Proceedings of the New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research conference 2010: Adding Value Through Research, 2010 / Orams, M. (ed./s), pp.178-183
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
New Zealand Tourism & Hospitality Research Conference 2010 (24 Nov 2010 - 26 Nov 2010 : AUT University, New Zealand)
Abstract
Although the academic literature shows several recent studies on bluewater yacht cruising, there remains a paucity of inquiry on this individualistic yet highly communal ‗leisure‘ subculture. Conceptual focus to date has been on the formation of community within a utopian paradigm (MacBeth 1992; 2000), yachting lifestyle and motivations (Lusby & Anderson 2008; 2010), and economic development. Reference is made to similarities with grey nomad campers, another lifestyle migration segment with strong codification of group norms. Studies to date have utilized in-depth personal interviews. In contrast, the author of this paper, an academic and trans-Pacific sailor, trialled survey methods in order to profile members of a complex community. Longdistance ocean sailors exhibit behaviours of both escape from modern society and creation of an idealized alternative, act as both seasonal resident and tourist, and live with close attachment to nature. This pilot study compared questionnaire results from international cruisers in the Whangarei harbour, North Island, New Zealand, with survey responses received via email from trans-Pacific sailors contacted through announcements on internet listserve groups. The relatively small number of responses from each subgroup (n = 18 and 15 respectively) can be expected given the self-sufficient and transient nature of cruisers, but the exploratory research also serves to ground an anticipated larger study of small-scale, community-based development for the bluewater cruising market in the ‗less developed‘ South Pacific islands. Preliminary findings focus on varying lifestyle arrangements (e.g. single-handers, families, part-time offshore sailors) and itinerary patterns, levels of integration cruisers may retain with home country, elaborations on cruising motivations (with gender-specific distinctions), economic impact as a function of employment status and travel generated by crew changes and hosting international visitors
onboard, and creation of a destination model for provision of quality services for foreign yachties.