Joint Media release - embargoed until 6pm 15 September 2008
Auckland City Council
Auckland Plus
Tourism Auckland

15 September 2008

World’s best in Auckland’s harbour playground

Auckland is thrilled to welcome the world’s best sailors to the city’s harbour playground for next year’s Louis Vuitton Pacific Cup.

Racing between at least six of the America’s Cup crews, including our own Emirates Team New Zealand, will take place in the Waitemata Harbour from 31 January to 14 February.

Mayor of Auckland Hon. John  Banks says securing such a high calibre event for the city is a real coup.

“This is an opportunity to combine two of New Zealand’s crown jewels – our yachting pedigree and the beautiful waters of our harbour.

“What a great part of our city to have on show to the world.”

AucklandPlus chair Michael Barnett says the regatta pushes Auckland further along the road to being a desirable major events destination.

“We want Auckland to be perceived as a dynamic, innovative and engaging city by global audiences.”

Barnett is pleased to see three Auckland organisations – Auckland City Council, AucklandPlus and Tourism Auckland – acting collaboratively to support this event.

“Following on from the successful regional approach to Rugby World Cup 2011, this is yet another example of key organisations working together to maximise the benefits for Aucklanders.”

Unlike the previous America’s Cup finals held in Auckland, this regatta will occur in the heart of the city between Rangitoto Island and Orakei Wharf, giving spectators on land a great view of the action from vantage points on Devonport’s North Head and Bastion Point.

Tourism Auckland chief executive Graeme Osborne says the breathtaking backdrop to the racing will be an incredibly powerful global image.

“International audiences will be able to see everything from our volcanic cones to our golden beaches while viewing world-class yachting. That sort of postcard image will have a dramatic impact.”

Today’s announcement follows news earlier this month that one of the biggest names in football, David Beckham, is coming to Auckland in December, and that the region has also secured all four matches at the business end of Rugby World Cup 2011.

Ends

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