Auckland City Council - City Scene

Cup Village Update

More challenger teams are arriving at the Cup Village in preparation for the America's Cup challenger series.

They include:
* The America True team who are now testing their new generation boat and building up a crew training programme.
* The Dennis Connor led team, Stars and Stripes, has opened a merchandising shop at its base, and the Stars and Stripes Waterfront Bar at the corner of Quay and Albert Streets.
* The Aloha Racing team from Hawaii is erecting its base facilities and has entered into an agreement with the TV series 'Baywatch'.
* The Swiss FAST 2000 challenger has secured its base at the Village with a new sponsor, Swiss watchmaker Piquet.

This brings a total of ten confirmed challengers for the Cup.

Defender, Team New Zealand, expects to have all its crew in place for training by early August as a number of crew members have been competing in regattas overseas.
With more than 100 superyachts expected to visit Auckland for the Cup series arrangements are well in hand following the completion of attractive promenade plazas, hospitality areas and deep water berths.

Most are scheduled to start arriving in October, staying through until the end of March, with almost half indicating they will have significant boat refurbishment work carried out while here and will take the opportunity to travel throughout the country.

The visiting media programme, run by Tourism Auckland has already assisted over 300 overseas TV and media groups to maximise the opportunities for international exposure of the city.

One of the activities associated with this programme will involve up to 30 'ambassadors' assisting the media and 'fronting' programmes. A value of more than $30m has been put on the international promotional coverage expected to be generated through this programme.

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