NZ Marine Export Group Inc.

Media statement

5 November 2009

Superyachts invited to Auckland by NZ Marine

With the Louis Vuitton World Series scheduled to head to Auckland in March 2010, the New Zealand marine industry association, NZ Marine Export Group Inc., is again inviting superyacht owners and crews to enjoy a unique Kiwi experience before enjoying watching the intense Louis Vuitton racing.

The invitation was formally issued to all sail and motor superyachts by the NZ Marine team at the hugely-popular, well-attended ‘Kiwi night’ during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Florida, USA.

“The one-day NZ Marine superyacht event will involve a race from Auckland to a well-known Hauraki Gulf island where the yacht crews will be treated to a fun beach barbeque and prize-giving event at the day’s end,” says NZ Marine chairman Mark Wightman. “This entertaining event, for both motor and sailing yachts, will have a true Kiwi flavour as we build up to the super-competitive racing in the Louis Vuitton World Series on Auckland’s beautiful Waitemata Harbour.”

The Louis Vuitton World Series is a series of match race regattas in America's Cup Class yachts to be held in late 2009 and early 2010 organised by Louis Vuitton and the newly-formed World Sailing Team Association. The French city of Nice hosts the first regatta from 7 to 22 November. The Auckland dates are not confirmed at this point, but the regatta is expected to run in March 2010 with a third LVWS regatta planned in La Maddalena, Italy, in May next year.

During the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series early in 2009, NZ Marine successfully hosted the New Zealand Millennium Cup superyacht regatta won by the New Zealand-built yacht Silvertip (builder: Yachting Developments).

“However superyacht owners should note that the planned March one-day event is not a regatta for the Millennium Cup, but a separate celebration for superyachts run by the same organising team,” comments Wightman.

“New Zealand is proving a very popular destination for large yachts and superyachts again this year. Our March event promises to be one of the highlights of the cruising season down-under for superyacht owners and their crews, and it will complement the Louis Vuitton World Series perfectly,” concludes Wightman.

ENDS/