Yacht haven under threat after repeated thefts

Repeated attacks on yachts and cars at Whangarei's Town Basin are destroying its international reputation as a sailing destination, say yachties.

American sailors Vicky and Chuck Levdar, of San Francisco, had tennis gear valued at about $500 stolen from their car parked 30m from their boat mooring in the Town Basin on Tuesday.

"This is the last straw...there is a real problem in Whangarei and I honestly can't give it a positive recommendation as a destination for other sailors," Mr Levdar said.

The two have sailed in and out of Whangarei for the past six years.

Mr Levdar said Whangarei was an attractive sailing destination as there were a number of boating-related businesses that offered quality work at reasonable prices.

However, the word was spreading through the sailing fraternity it was becoming an unsafe destination, he said.

"I have had this boat for 25 years and sailed the world and until now I have never locked it, but now there are locks, bolts and chains."

In November last year their boat was hauled out at Whangarei for repair work.

One night off the boat cost the couple $10,000 after thieves stole equipment, including a laptop computer, binoculars and a digital barometer.

In March their car was targeted by thieves and broken into while parked near their mooring.

The couple had noted a large number of young people drinking and loitering in the area, Mrs Levdar said.

"Police need to get tougher with these kids as it's petty crime that becomes major crimes."

Whangarei Marina manager Lew Sabin said 100 international yachts had passed through since November.

He was disappointed boaties had been hit again.

"When stuff like this happens it reflects badly outside the Whangarei area and goes internationally."

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE