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• Sailing Sail Nz Americas Cup Yacht

Sailing - Sail NZ America's Cup Yacht Auckland

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Sailing - Sail NZ America's Cup Yacht

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• Unique sailing experience in Auckland
• Become part of the crew on an America's Cup Yacht!
• Authentic America's Cup vessel
• Views of Auckland Harbour & city skyline

Description

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail in the world renowned America's Cup? Unfortunately, it takes a lot of practice and experience (and money!) to qualify; however, you are in luck, because New Zealand’s America's Cup Sailing Experience in Auckland has the next best thing. Climb aboard an actual America's Cup Yacht with Sail NZ!

You even get the chance to participate in the thrilling feeling of being a fully-fledged crew member. Operate the grinders, take the helm or just sit back and enjoy the magical atmosphere that is Waitemata Harbour.

With the America's Cup being one of the worlds oldest and most sought after titles, the opportunity for us 'commoners' to be aboard is certainly a thrilling occurrence. The billion dollar a year event – normally reserved for the illuminati of society – is not only competitive, but also a whole lot of fun. The unique opportunity for anyone to step aboard a purpose built sea machine, capable of blistering speeds, will replicate the glory of the America’s Cup and leave you in awe of the speed and agility of these amazing vessels.

The Waitemata Harbour is commonly known to the Māori people as Wai te Mataa (sparkling waters in its contemporary translation) and is in reference to obsidian glass. The 'sparkling waters' were known to sparkle like the the spectacular volcanic glass, giving you beautiful surrounds for your yachting adventure. The harbour itself is a whopping 70 square miles in diameter and connects to the City’s main ports. This grants you a plethora of companion adventures to complete your vacation. Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour is certainly on par with the unmatched beauty of New Zealand. The world renowned Harbour is the perfect setting for your yachting experience of a lifetime.

Departing daily, the glorious two hour adventure will have you mesmerised for the entire trip and is suitable for all sailing novices, with no experience necessary. 

Trip Includes

• Safety briefing
• Once in a lifetime sailing experience
• Lifejackets & sunscreen
• Allow 2 hours
• Summer (Nov - Mar) - 11:00am & 2:00pm
• Winter (Apr - Oct) - 1:00pm
• Departs Explore NZ Kiosk at Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Children must be 10 years or older to be able to participate in this experience
• No previous sailing experience is necessary
• Please dress comfortably. We recommend wearing soft soled shoes & to bring an extra jersey/jacket along, sun protection & of course, don’t forget your camera!

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$195.00
• Child (10-15yrs): NZD$135.00

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All prices shown in NZD$.

Genuine Customer Reviews powered by

Service rating:

Althro the staff member tried her best the experience in Sales Service wasn’t the best. I booked in good faith for an afternoon sailing online but after waiting for confirmation was told the boat was going in for maintenance. I was offered a different time/boat experience but when I asked for the 3:30 sailing I was told this sailing was in doubt. When I asked why, the information I got was that they needed a further 2 people. I said I would book and add my husband but ( due to difference in fare) on confirmation I was told that boat probably wasn’t sailing. Totally disappointed as I was so keen to go out on a beautiful day.

Product rating:

Disappointed with experience

Reviewed 15-Feb-2021

Reply from Everything Travel Group

Thank you so much for your feedback, we really appreciate it. We are very sorry that you were unable to go on the sailing trip on the 13th of February. Unfortunately, these trips are only confirmed when minimum numbers are reached. As I am sure you can understand, the impact of Covid on tourism operators is severe and operators are not able to run a trip when costs are not covered. These are challenging times for everyone and we have tried our very best to assist you with this booking but unfortunately, the operator was unable to operate the sailing trip on your preferred booking date. We hope that you still had a great time in Auckland. All the best!

Posted 07-Mar-2021

I had an excellent experience with Everything Travel. When I had questions about the trip prior to booking the tours both Callum and Belinda answered all my questions. It was easy to book travel and confirmations were received within 24 hours. Also, 5% discount for booking more than 1 tours with the company was a great advantage as opposed to directly booking these tours. When tours were canceled due to weather, I was provided option to reschedule or get my refund. In fact, on one occasion when I was unable to reach the tour operator to check if the activity was going to occur, Callum stepped in and helped out with the canceling the booking and processing the refund. All in all, great experience and great service.

Tour was canceled due to weather.

Reviewed 04-Dec-2015

Service was ok. Perhaps it is easier for first timer like us if the direction of kiosk given as simply opposite maritime museum rather than along snap dragon restaurant

It was our first experience. We have a slightly higher expectations than a "cruising" sailing experience.

Reviewed 07-Jun-2014

Latest Questions about Sailing - Sail NZ America's Cup Yacht (Auckland)

What is the accessibility like to get into the America's Cup Sailing boat in Auckland?

The America's Cup sailing boat in Auckland can accommodate a manual wheelchair which will be lifted on to the yacht and tied down for the duration of the sailing, or they can be seated along the side railing, but please keep in mind they may need to move between sides during the sailing if they would prefer to stay on the high or low side when the vessel is heeling.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 7th Feb 23 at 14:36

1 comment - Post a Comment

Is there a toilet available on the 2hr sail at 68 years of age being active I would just like to site back and enjoy a sail, thank you.

Hi Philip, thank you for your enquiry. There is a loo on board the America's Cup Sailing Experience however it's not regularly used and instead is there for emergencies if needed. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 12th Jan 16 at 15:59

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America’s Cup Sailing Auckland Harbour

Auckland America's Cup Sailing - Explore NZ

The opportunity to sail on an Ex. America’s Cup Sailing Yacht is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when visiting Auckland. 

Take the helm to help steer on the course or work hard on the grinders to hoist the mainsail during this hands-on sailing adventure on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.

Discover the excitement of sailing these impressive vessels. They were once part of the action of America’s Cup, the world’s oldest active sports trophy and most prestigious sailing regatta. America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy.

Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is the ultimate sailing destination in New Zealand so join the Explore Group on this unique tour aboard an actual America’s Cup yacht for an unforgettable two hours of sailing experience on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.

This is a unique opportunity to participate as crew on these grand Prix racing machines. Exert energy on the grinders, take the helm or just sit back, relax and watch the action or Take the opportunity to see the contrast of natural landscapes and city skyscrapers that line the harbour from the best view in town.

This tour experience departs daily from the Auckland Viaduct Harbour, and no sailing experience is necessary. Your skipper will show you how to be involved as a crew member or just back and enjoy the experience Children must be ten years or older to participate in this experience.

It’s advisable to dress comfortably, wear soft-soled shoes and bring an extra jersey/jacket along with sun protection and of course, don’t forget your camera!

2 hour sailing experience

A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or sit back, relax and enjoy the sail

Guidance from our professional crew who will show you the ropes

No sailing experience necessary

Need to know:

• Please wear a light jacket and flat soled shoes
• Please check in for your trip 15 minutes prior to departure
• This trip is suitable for children 10 years and over
• Participation is not compulsory if you prefer to sit back and watch the action
• The experience includes a full safety briefing before departure
• Lifejackets will be supplied
• In wet weather rain jackets will be provided
• This is an adventure activity and not recommended for pregnant women and people with medical conditions, please discuss any medical issues with us at time of booking

Phone: +64 9 359 5987              Freephone: 0800 397 567

Visit our Website:   www.exploregroup.co.nz/

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America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

Climb aboard a genuine America’s Cup yacht and set sail on the sparkling waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbor. No sailing experience required, you can take an active part or just enjoy the journey!

Our Top Experiences and Tours in Auckland:

Auckland city small group morning discovery tour, auckland harbour 1.5-hour sailing cruise, leigh: goat island guided snorkeling tour for beginners, auckland: ship to shore half-day excursion, auckland harbour 3-course dinner cruise with welcome drink.

• Set sail on a genuine America’s Cup yacht for a unique opportunity to participate as crew
• Discover race yacht sailing, regardless of your level of experience
• Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or sit back, relax and enjoy the sail
• Benefit from the guidance of a professional crew who will show you the ropes

Description

Important information.

• The activity is suitable for children 10 years and over
• The activity is not recommended for pregnant women and people with medical conditions, please contact the local partner after booking to discuss any medical issues
• The International America's Cup Class yachts have been designed to sail primarily in light winds. There are wind limits in place for the safety and comfort of all passengers. The final decision on whether to sail is at the skipper's discretion
• The activity requires minimum numbers to operate, in the unlikely even these are not met, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund

Easy cancellation

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Explore Auckland Sailing

Auckland is famous for offering some of the best sailing conditions in new zealand. come on board with us and sail where the wind takes you on the waitematā harbour. what better way to experience the city of sails, than to sail under the harbour bridge and back past some of auckland’s famous landmarks on board one of our yachts., america's cup sailing experience.

Join our crew sailing an America's Cup Yacht on Auckland’s Harbour on this 2 hour experience...

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PATRIOT, AMERICAN MAGIC'S SECOND AC75, LANDS IN AUCKLAND

New York Yacht Club American Magic, a Challenger for the 36th America's Cup, took delivery of its second AC75 racing yacht at its Auckland base on Friday, September 4th, 2020. The yacht is named PATRIOT, and will succeed the team's current AC75, DEFIANT.

American Magic is expected to use the new boat to compete in three upcoming regattas: America's Cup World Series Auckland (December 17-20, 2020), the Prada Cup (the Challenger Finals, January 15-February 22, 2021), and the 36th America's Cup Presented by Prada (March 6-21, if the team wins the Prada Cup).

The team has sustained an aggressive pace of operations during the current America's Cup cycle. American Magic was the first to launch a full-size test boat, "the Mule," in October 2018. 11 months later, they were the first to sail and foil on an AC75 shortly after launching DEFIANT. With PATRIOT being the first "second generation" Challenger AC75 to arrive in Auckland, American Magic will now look to maximize testing time on the water prior to the opening regatta.

"We are incredibly grateful to our production team in Bristol [Rhode Island], which includes over 50 people and is led by Brandon Linton, Tim Hacket and Silvio Arrivabene," said Terry Hutchinson, Skipper and Executive Director of American Magic. "That group built 188 combined feet of foiling monohulls over the past three years, which is pretty staggering. And they did it to the highest possible standard. In simple terms, our production team has put us in position to succeed over the next seven months."

Image: The name PATRIOT was chosen by American Magic's Team Principals and endorsed by the Flag Officers of the New York Yacht Club. The AC75 joins a venerable list of New York Yacht Club America's Cup yachts that have honored the United States with their names, such as AMERICA, COLUMBIA, FREEDOM, LIBERTY, YOUNG AMERICA and STARS & STRIPES (2003). © American Magic / Sebastian Slayter

Bringing a cutting-edge design off the drawing board and into reality was far from the only challenge for the team in Bristol. "The build was running quite smoothly up until the start of the pandemic," said Linton. "We reacted accordingly, and many of the difficult but necessary changes and precautions we implemented made the process far less comfortable for our build team. It is a credit to them that they worked on through in adverse conditions without missing a beat."

In terms of how the build process for PATRIOT compared to DEFIANT, Linton noted that all custom boatbuilding requires constant problem solving. "When comparing the build of boat #2 to boat #1, certain parts of the build were easier and others more difficult. This is a different design to DEFIANT and so there are limitations to being able to capitalize on doing the same things twice."

After being trucked from Bristol to T.F. Green Airport in Providence, PATRIOT was strapped into the cargo bay of an AN-124 transport aircraft, one of the largest in the world. After departing Providence with the AC75, several tons of equipment and American Magic team member Trevor Davidson onboard, the AN-124 made refueling stops in Chicago and Honolulu before landing in Auckland. After a journey of over 9,000 miles across four days, PATRIOT arrived at the American Magic Team Base in Auckland before dawn on Friday.

"We're coming down the final leg of a big dream for all of us," said Team Principal and CEO Hap Fauth, a multiple Maxi 72 World Champion. "Our hearts are all in one place, which is to bring the America's Cup back to Newport and to the New York Yacht Club." Team Principal and multiple TP52 World Champion Doug DeVos added, "This is another step forward in our quest to win back the Cup, and we have made it this far with the support of our donors, our fellow club members, our sponsors and our fans around the U.S."

American Magic will continue to sail its first AC75, DEFIANT, for several weeks prior to launching PATRIOT later this year on Auckland's Waitematā Harbour.

Americas Cup Auckland New Zealand

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America's Cup 2021

The 36th edition of the America's Cup - also known as AC36 - will take place at Auckland , Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand commencing on the 6th of March 2021 and concluding on the 21st of March 2021.

Five courses have been selected that span from the north Auckland suburb of Takapuna to Waiheke Island. According to Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton, the courses were chosen to cater for all wind and tide directions and conditions while ensuring that land-based spectators and the large spectator fleet that is expected have excellent views of proceedings.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Circolo della Vela Sicilia, who are represented by the Emirates Team New Zealand and the Challenger of Record - Luna Rossa respectively, have collaborated on the building rules for the AC75 to ensure there is plenty of room for creativity and innovation while maintaining fair competition between vessels. The rules include:

• Strict limitations on the number of components that can be built including hulls, masts, rudders, foils, and sails, thus encouraging teams to do more R&D in simulation and subsequently less physical construction and testing

• Supplied foil arms and cant system to save design time and construction costs

• Supplied rigging

• One design mast tube

While the previous two editions used catamarans, the 36th edition of the America’s Cup will be contested in the AC75 mono-hulled foiling yacht, which has a hull length of 20.7m/67.9ft with a bowsprit of 2m/6.5ft, and a maximum beam of 5m/16.4ft. The total weight will not exceed 6.5T, while a crew of 11 has an expected weight range of 960-990kg.

The twin canting T-foils have a maximum span of 4m/13ft and a depth of 5m/16.4ft, while the centreline T-foil rudder has a maximum 3m/9.8ft span and a draft of up to 3.5m/11.5ft.

Attached to the 26.5m/86.9ft mast is a sail plan with a main sail of 135-145m2/1453-1560.7ft2, a jib of 90m2/968.7ft2 and a code zero of 200m2/2152.8ft2.

The World Series will take place in the second half of 2019 and in 2020, with a Christmas Regatta to end the year.

Timetable running up to the 36th America's Cup:

• Entries open - January 1 2018

• Entries close - June 30 2018

• America’s Cup World Series - 2019 - 2020

• America's Cup Christmas regatta - December 2020

• Prada Cup Regatta (Challenger Selection Series) - January - February 2021

• America’s Cup - 6th-21st March 2021

Save the Date

• 29th January to the 1st of February 2020: New Zealand Millennium Cup Superyacht Regatta in the Bay of Islands

• 31st December 2020: Royal New Zealand Rock Squadron – New Year’s Eve Race to Kawau Island

• January 2021 (exact dates to be confirmed): Prada Cup Challenger Series in the Hauraki Gulf

• 1st January 2021: Royal New Zealand Rock Squadron – 150th Anniversary & New Year’s Day Round Kawau Island Race

• 3rd to 6th of January 2021: Royal New Zealand Rock Squadron – Cruise to Great Barrier Island

• 12th to 14th February 2021: Superyacht Fishing Competition at the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club

• 15th to 18th February 2021: New Zealand Millennium Cup Superyacht and J Class Yacht Regatta in the Bay of Islands

• 24th to 26th February 2021: Royal New Zealand Rock Squadron – Superyacht Regatta

• 1st to 5th March 2021:

• 6th March 2021: J-Class Exhibition Sail J-Class Championships in the Hauraki Gulf

• 6th to 21st March 2021: 36th America’s Cup in the Hauraki Gulf

• 24th to 26th March 2021: The Superyacht Gathering

Four teams have been confirmed by the 1st of July 2019 deadline set by the defending Emirates Team New Zealand. They are:

• Emirates Team New Zealand

On 6 September 2019, Emirates Team New Zealand launched its mono-hull racing boat TE AIHE. Her aerodynamic design represented by an arrow-headed appearance, while two deep cockpits are desgined to increase efficiency while underway. TE AIHE was designed to strict rules of the competiton and her total weight doe not exceed 6.5T. This racing boat is expected to reach a speed of more than 50 knots. 

• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli

• INEOS Team UK

• American Magic NYYC

Of note is a change in the rules requiring at least 10 of the 12 crew to have to be citizens of the country that they represent, while the other two must meet strict residency criteria.

In addition, defenders Emirates Team New Zealand will not be taking part in the challenger series unlike previous winners ORACLE Team USA and will enter the competition once the America's Cup commences.

Stars + Stripes Team USA have joined the competition as late challengers and are liable to pay a $1,000,000 USD late entry fee with is due in instalments before the 1st of October 2019.

Although Royal Netherlands Yacht Club, DutchSail, were one of the original contenders, they were unable to secure a naming rights sponsor and therefore could not commit by the set deadline, resulting in their withdrawal from the competition.

Royal Malta Yacht Club also intended to take part in the 36th America's Cup, however a $40,000,000 USD package promised by backers did not come to pass.

No fee for luxury yachts dropping anchor in waters around Auckland

Auckland Council in consultation with NZ Marine have dropped fees for luxury yachts over 40m/131ft in length that wish to drop anchor in the waters surrounding the city. Instead, there will be a new visitor-friendly 12-month navigation and safety fee for vessels that fit into this size category, allowing foreign visitors and New Zealand residents from other parts of the country to take their time exploring the clear waters, coves and sandy beaches surrounding the metropolis. Find out more...

Upgraded marina facilities in the run-up to the 36th America’s Cup

New Zealand has a wall-established marine industry with shipyards on both islands and extensive repair and refit facilities in Auckland, and these are being further developed along with additional berthing ahead of the influx of superyachts expected for the America’s Cup.

New infrastructure includes a marina in the Bay of Islands plus a superyacht village in Auckalnd for the event. There will also be travel lifts available at Vessel Works in the Bay of Plenty and at Orams Marine in Auckland.

DYT Yacht Transport is also providing extra services to take luxury yachts to New Zealand waters for 2020/21 and returning them to the Mediterranean in time for the summer luxury yacht charter season.

Local luxury yacht charter attractions

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and as such has a massive array of galleries, museums, boutiques and shopping centres with international brands on offer. Nicknamed the 'City of Sails', one in three households owns a boat and the stunning surrounding islands and coast are well worth exploring on the water. 

The Bay of Islands - North of Auckland, the Bay of Islands reportedly has the second bluest skies anywhere in the world (after Rio de Janeiro) boasts some incredible beaches and ideal conditions for sailing and wind-powered water toys. The sport-fishing here is known internationally, with visitors coming to hook a kingfish or marlin. Dolphins and whales can also be spotted within the region, and the uninhabited islands make for a quiet sunbathing spot away from the pressures of the modern world.

The Bay of Plenty & Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - With 80 islands to explore by yacht, it's possible to spend an entire week exploring the northern tip of the North Island and still not see all of its wonders. Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano and the closest island to Auckland. Trails lead to the summit where visitors have sweeping views of the surroundings, and the island is also home to the world's largest pohutukawa forest, a tree that blooms with red flowers over the southern hemisphere summer and is often called the 'New Zealand Christmas Tree'.

Great Barrier Island is covered in historic sites including a whaling station, shipwrecks, and gold and copper mines. Snorkelers, Scuba divers and fishing groups come to the region to explore the crystal clear waters, and hikers will be in their element with the pristine beaches and trails through the forest on offer.

Poor Knights Islands - This area has a reputation as one of the best locations for Scuba divers to visit, offering incredible biodiversity in crystal clear waters, with attractions including a nudibranch wall and caves to suit more experienced divers, whereas beginners also have a selection of impressive sites to practise skills and gain experience.

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Congratulations to Emirates Team New Zealand , winners of the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA!

From December 2020 – March 2021, Tamaki Makaurau Auckland was host to three regattas: the PRADA America’s Cup World Series and Christmas Race, the PRADA Cup and the 36th America’s Cup Match. Thousands turned out to experience the spectacle on-land, on-the-water and in the Race Village, with millions more tuning in from all around the world. 

Delve deeper into what went into making America’s Cup a success. A range of post-event reports are available now. 

Missing the excitement? Re-live all the races on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, from the first races of the PRADA America’s Cup World Series to the final nail-biting moments of the Match. 

Want to know what’s next? Get the latest news and updates about the America’s Cup, team syndicates, and future America's Cup campaigns.  

The 36th America’s Cup was a collaborative work programme between Crown, Auckland Council, Mana Whenua and America’s Cup Event Ltd (ACE ). Find out more about the event delivery framework and hosting objectives.

Infrastructure works for the 36th America’s cup has enhanced Auckland’s waterfront for generations, putting the city on par with global destinations around the world.  

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At America’s Cup, Auckland Laments the Boats That Didn’t Come

With strict coronavirus rules keeping out superyachts and their wealthy owners, New Zealand’s marine industry is missing both their glamour and their money.

By Serena Solomon

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — As the executive director of a marine trades organization, Peter Busfield makes it his business to know which superyachts are sailing to New Zealand because of their high value to his members and their businesses.

But last fall, months before the country was set to host races in the America’s Cup , he began to notice a disheartening pattern.

Global-positioning data — tracked in real time by multiple websites and apps — showed dozens of the multimillion-dollar yachts headed to New Zealand for the event turning around and heading for home. By October, it was well known that the country’s borders were closed as part of the government’s strict response to the coronavirus pandemic. Other than a few exceptions, New Zealand had informed the world that its drawbridge would only come down for citizens and residents.

The consequences for the America’s Cup , sailing’s most prized trophy, were significant. Each superyacht — about 150 were scheduled to arrive for the cup, which will begin its final round of races next week — represented millions of dollars that their owners might inject into the economy over the weeks and months they would stay, in the form of boat maintenance and refits as well as the usual spending on pricey restaurants, helicopter joy rides and private air travel.

“It’s like a magnet,” said Busfield, who leads the NZ Marine Industry Association , an alliance representing dozens of boatbuilders, sailmakers, mechanics and suppliers who make their livings in the boat business. “Wherever the America’s Cup goes, you get the corporate backers that want their corporate box, and the best one is a superyacht because it is out on the water.”

The superyacht class has no universal definition, except this: If you need to ask how big one has to be to qualify, or how much they cost, you probably can’t afford one. Generally, a vessel more than 78 feet long gets the superyacht label, but one thing is certain: Their annual operating costs can run in the millions for maintenance, crew, gas, insurance and more, especially for a new generation of owners bent on exploring rather than lounging.

Similar to Formula 1 auto racing, the America’s Cup attracts a distinct group of spectators in relatively large numbers: people with very high net worths. At major events, they can shower a host city’s economy with money, a key to justifying what a government spends — on infrastructure upgrades and fees paid to event organizers — to serve as host.

So, whatever the reason, an America’s Cup without the glamour of superyachts and their owners qualifies as a missed opportunity for New Zealand’s economy and its marine industry.

“The America’s Cup would have been a big attraction to boats that wouldn’t ordinarily come down to this part of the world,” said Jim McColl, the general manager of Southern Spars , an Auckland-based company that makes masts for the world’s biggest sailing yachts.

In a 2017 economic assessment produced by a New Zealand government office, superyachts were seen as one of the biggest contributors to making the current America’s Cup a financial success.

The report predicted that if 159 superyachts came to the races, the direct spending to the local economy would reach 300 million in New Zealand dollars (about $217 million). The figure was equivalent to about 120,000 tourists from nearby Australia, visitors who spend an average of a few thousand dollars per person on a New Zealand vacation.

The revenue projection helped to justify the decision by the federal government and the Auckland Council to invest almost $150 million in wharf and other infrastructure spending to prepare for the cup.

But the report, criticized for being erroneous and overly rosy, also predicted the average number of superyachts visiting New Zealand in a non-America’s Cup year would rise from 60 to around 160 by 2035. “The cup would have been the catalyst for that,” McColl said.

With such high stakes for the country’s marine industry, organizations like Busfield’s NZ Marine Industry Association and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the club behind New Zealand’s 2017 cup victory , spent much of 2020 lobbying the government to allow superyachts — and their owners and families — into the country. The government had already carved out similar provisions for other big-spending industries like film production, including flying in the director James Cameron and his crew to finish a new series of “Avatar” movies being filmed here.

The lobbying had some success. Since July, New Zealand’s government has allowed in about 20 boats that committed to spend an agreed-upon five-figure minimum for repairs. However, only the crew can sail in on the boats, shutting out the superyacht owners eager to come to watch the cup races.

One superyacht agent, Mark Wightman, said he had five clients with 200-foot plus vessels coming for the races. Two or three would have made the trip from nearby Tahiti if they had been allowed, he said.

“From my point of view, it is probably one of the safest ways to enter the country,” said Hayden Porter, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron chief executive. “There are yachts that will be out there for 20 days at sea, with no contact with anyone, and if they can prove that, return a negative test, surely that is what you want.”

Sailing in on a private luxury vessel with its own accommodations, he added, also meant owners would not take up any of the limited space in New Zealand’s quarantine hotels. Many hotels have been booked out months in advance to house returning Kiwis and essential workers, forcing even wealthy guests like Doug DeVos, the New York Yacht Club member who helped lead the American Magic cup team, to spend his two-week quarantine in a modest hotel two hours south of Auckland.

As Porter spoke from the squadron’s seaside deck, the $120 million superyacht Sherpa, owned by the British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, pulled out of its Auckland berth with some bellowing honks from its horn. Ratcliffe is the owner and financial sponsor of the cup’s British entry, which bowed out of the competition one step short of next week’s finals when it lost to an Italian team in the challenger races. (Unlike many wealthy fans, America’s Cup team owners qualified for special entry into the country.)

With the finals tentatively scheduled to start on Wednesday, the window to get superyacht spectators into New Zealand has all but closed. That has its small advantages, Busfield said. Like a child avoiding the seat behind a big-headed adult at a baseball game, the smaller and locally owned boats did not have to jostle with bigger vessels for a view of the racing during the recent Prada Cup, which determined the final challenger to face the cup defender, Team New Zealand.

Also absent was the three-hour wait to dock a boat after racing finished for the day, as there was during the 2003 America’s Cup in Auckland.

“It’s a bit of a parking jam,” Busfield said of the increased boat traffic. “We don’t have that problem at the moment.”

America's Cup Village

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America's Cup Village - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.05 mi) Park Hyatt Auckland
• (0.11 mi) Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter
• (0.20 mi) Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
• (0.25 mi) QT Auckland
• (0.16 mi) Viaduct Harbour Waterside Apartment
• (0.00 mi) Halsey St Kitchen
• (0.02 mi) Wynyard Grill
• (0.03 mi) Wander Café & Bistro
• (0.08 mi) Baduzzi
• (0.07 mi) The Conservatory

THE AMERICA'S CUP VILLAGE IS OPEN

The official opening of America’s Cup Race Village was commenced early this morning in Auckland Viaduct harbour and Wynyard Quarter with a small Dawn Ceremony with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei who blessed the village and its new structures with Karakia and Waiata Tawhito.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, have played a key role alongside event organisers and officials to provide support to help ensure a world class and successful experience for all taking part and visiting Auckland during the various events.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for all of the event management team at America’s Cup Event Ltd (ACE) and the Challenger of Record AC36 (COR36), who have been working around the clock for the past 6 months especially, to ensure the delivery of a world class race village and sailing spectacle for the public of Auckland and New Zealand to enjoy for the summer ahead.

America’s Cup Event Ltd COO Steve Dunbar said, “It has taken a huge effort by a lot of people to overcome a lot of hurdles this year to get to this point. It makes me incredibly proud to take a minute today to appreciate the work of the team to get us to the day, the opening of the America’s Cup Race Village.”

“We have some excellent family friendly activations and facilities down here. The best part is that it is free to visit and be part of what will be one of the world’s largest sporting events in 2021.”

The dawn village opening was closely followed up by the official opening ceremony of the PRADA America’s Cup World Series and PRADA Christmas Race hosted by COR 36 with a Powhiri , a traditional Maori welcome to the overseas challengers, led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

A warm welcome to all of the visitors to Tāmaki Makaurau for the America’s Cup was also echoed in the welcome speeches of dignitaries, Minister Hon. Stuart Nash and Auckland Mayor, Hon. Phil Goff.

Joining the host dignitaries on stage was COR 36th CEO representative in Auckland and Title Sponsor Liaison Francesco Longanesi Cattani as well as the Italian Ambassador in New Zealand Francesco Calogero, the United States of America Vice Ambassador Kevin Covert and the Consul General in Auckland (and deputy Governor of the Pitcairn Island) Robin Shackell.

The opening of the first AC36 lead up regattas was concluded with the introduction of the four teams and their crew by the words of America’s Cup legend Bruno Trouble from COR36: INEOS TEAM UK with Sir Ben Ainslie, New York Yacht Club American Magic with skipper Terry Hutchinson and helmsman Dean Barker, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team with skipper Max Sirena and the two helmsmen Francesco Bruni and James Spithill and finally the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand with their full sailing team collectively.

 “This was an impressive ceremony, dense with meanings and of cultural references, one you will never forget,” said Francesco Longanesi, the COR36 CEO representative in Auckland.

“The village is now open, and this is an achievement in itself: to accomplish the work under the many unpredictable and difficult circumstances which occurred, respecting the deadlines and the timing without compromising the  top quality standards to which we had committed to, has been a great success. On behalf of Patrizio Bertelli – CEO of the PRADA Group – I would like to extend his appreciation, thanks and congratulations to all the workers, teams and suppliers who have contributed to this success”.

Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton was especially pleased to have the America’s Cup Race Village open and the racing about to begin. “It is really satisfying to look around and see the vibrant village open and ready for the public to enjoy everything great about Auckland, New Zealand and the America’s Cup over the next few months. And now it is time for racing to begin, for the amazing AC75’s to do battle out on Auckland Waitematā Harbour.”

At the end of the ceremony the four teams headed back out on the water for one final day of practice racing before the start of the PRADA ACWS Auckland on Thursday 17th December until Saturday 19th, with the PRADA Christmas Race on Sunday 20th.

America’s Cup: Luna Rossa sign Luca Kirwan, son of All Black John Kirwan, to cyclor team

Christopher Reive

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Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have revealed their power unit for the upcoming America’s Cup , with Kiwi Luca Kirwan signed as one of the team’s cyclors.

The son of former All Black Sir John Kirwan grew up in Italy but took up rowing when he returned to New Zealand in 2012.

He competed for New Zealand at the under-23 world championship in 2019, and was a reserve in NZ’s squad for the 2022 Rowing World Cup.

Kirwan, whose mother Fiorella is Italian, met with Luna Rossa during the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, after which he decided to trial for a place in the power group for this year’s regatta in Barcelona.

The America’s Cup has implemented a strict nationality rule for the 2024 campaign, requiring 100 per cent of race crews to either be a passport holder of the country the team’s yacht club resides in as at March 19, 2021, or to have been physically present in that country for two of the previous three years before March 18, 2021.

A Luna Rossa promotional video announcing the team revealed Kirwan will wear No 14 for the team, the same number his father wore for the All Blacks.

Kirwan’s sporting background is a similar one to the majority of the Luna Rossa power unit.

Romano Battisti, Emanuele Liuzzi, Bruno Rosetti, Nicholas Brezzi and Cesare Gabbia are all well-credentialled rowers. Paolo Simion (cycling), Enrico Voltolini (sailing) and Mattia Camboni (windsurfing) make up the rest of the group.

It’s a route many of the competing teams are taking in their power unit.

Team NZ’s cyclor team welcomed Hamish Bond (rowing, cycling), Dougal Allan (multisport), Louis Crosby (cycling), Cameron Webster (rowing), and Sam Meech (sailing) alongside 2021 power providers Simon van Velthooven, Louis Sinclair, Marcus Hansen and Marius van der Pol.

Olympic rowers Matt Rossiter, Harry Leask and Matt Gotrel feature among Ineos Brittania’s power group.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.

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