Team New Zealand To Race On Auck Anniversary Day

Team New Zealand To Race On Auckland Anniversary Day

Team New Zealand will interupt their training programme for the next America's Cup to
sail in the Auckland Anniversary New Zealand Herald Regatta on Monday.

It will be the first public demonstration of the two black boats since Team New Zealand won the America's Cup almost twelve months ago.

Subject to weather conditions on the day, the team's two yachts (NZL57 and the America's Cup winning NZL60) will demonstrate a pre start and a short course match race in the confined area of the inner Auckland Harbour between Orakei Wharf and North Head.

Suitable wind conditions on Monday morning will allow the black boats to sail in the area of the Harbour overlooked by Devonport's North Head and Tamaki Drive on the southern shore.

Team New Zealand plan to leave their base by 09.30 which should allow them to be under sail in the designated area by 10.15. The two-boat sailing is expected to take place between 10.15 and 10.45; providing conditions are suitable on the day.

Tom Schnackenberg, Head of Team New Zealand, says sailing on the Waitemata Harbour on Auckland Anniversary Day is a tradition that goes right back to 1840.

"This regatta began at least a decade before the origins of the America's Cup in England. It's a tradition we are proud to support and our team hope we can put on a lively demonstration before we head on out to the Hauraki Gulf for another day of testing."

Police and Team New Zealand chase boats will patrol the area during the Team New Zealand demonstration to avoid any chance of a collision with spectating boats. The team has requested other boats keep well clear of the two America's Cup yachts.

"Match racing two big IACC yacht within the confines of Auckland Harbour on the busiest day of the year will be a new challenge for Dean and the boys. But we want to put on a good display for the public," says Schnackenberg.

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