Superyacht owners’ guide to the Rugby World Cup 2011

WHERE AND WHEN

Rugby fans cruising in the South Pacific region this year will surely be drawn towards an early spring rendezvous in New Zealand, where the Rugby World Cup takes place from 9 September to 23 October. Twenty rugby nations will compete in four pools of five for the right to advance to the final.

The devastating February earthquake in Christchurch, regarded by many as the heartland of New Zealand rugby, has forced officials to reschedule matches away from the city because of the damage. Auckland has been the major beneficiary and will now host 15 matches, 11 of them at the rebuilt Eden Park stadium and four at North Harbour stadium.

Westpac Stadium in Wellington is hosting numerous matches | photo by Andy Radka/photonewzealand/New Zealand Tourism

AUCKLAND SUPERYACHT FACILITIES

Auckland is the centre of New Zealand’s marine industry and where the bulk of international superyacht traffic and activity takes place.

The Viaduct Basin developed as a superyacht marina in the heart of the city for the America’s Cup in 2000, has 150 berths up to 60 metres. Recent developments include a new events centre on the western side and a bridge that will link the basin, its restaurants and bars with new projects taking shape further west.

These include the Wynyard Quarter, where a hub of marine service and refit companies and yards are located. Part of this quarter includes three new 90 metre superyacht berths, which came into operation early this year.

For more information on the Viaduct Basin superyacht marina visit www.viaduct.co.nz.

Big Fish in Auckland Harbour | photo by Ivor Wilkins

EVENTS

Auckland International Boat Show
15 – 18 September
Viaduct Events Centre, Halsey Street, Auckland
www.aucklandinternationalboatshow.com

The show, which was originally planned for March, has been rescheduled in order to take advantage of the influx of rugby fans during the World Cup.

With 85,000 extra visitors to New Zealand expected and around 3,000 international journalists, the country is gearing up to showcase its attractions across all fronts – not least to reinforce its reputation as a great service and recreation destination for the superyacht and cruising fraternity.

Auckland International Boat Show

NZ Marine National Yard Tours
9 September – 23 October, various locations
Contact: Michelle Khan, events manager, NZ Marine Industry Association
T: +64 9 376 7739/ +64 29 770 5373
E: michelle@bia.org.nz

Established marine companies and innovative new businesses will open their doors to international visitors who are interested in Zealand boats and marine products or services. The New Zealand Marine Industry Association, which is organising the tours, will ensure visitors are directed towards the businesses that match their areas of interest.

The tours will take place at many of the locations in which rugby matches will be played, including Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, New Plymouth, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Superyacht Captains Forum
15-16 September, 9am-5pm
Viaduct Events Centre, Halsey Street, Auckland
Contact: Michelle Khan, events manager, NZ Marine Industry Association
T: +64 9 376 7739/ +64 29 770 5373
E: michelle.bia.org.nz

The forum will focus on executive level up-skilling for superyacht captains and others who are interested in cruising the South Pacific or carrying out a refit or new build in New Zealand.

Speakers will include experienced captains, project managers and experts from international tourism agencies.

The New Zealand Marine Industry Association canvassed 40 superyacht captains based in Auckland to determine topics for the forum, which include: ‘Destination South Pacific: cruising Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti and Tonga’, ‘International security and piracy’ and ‘Your say: creating the ultimate superyacht facility’.

The forum features a welcome cocktail party on 14 September.

Registration costs $NZ900 plus 15 per cent GST.

Cruising grounds in Abel Tasmen Park, Malborough, New Zealand | Tourism New Zealand

International Boat Building Competition
17 September, 11am-4pm
Viaduct Events Centre, Halsey Street, Auckland
Contact: Michelle Khan, events manager, NZ Marine Industry Association
T: +64 9 376 7739/ +64 29 770 5373
E: michelle.bia.org.nz

The first international boat building competition to be held in New Zealand will involve 8 to 12 teams, each comprising four international representatives currently working in the yachting industry in New Zealand.

The teams will have 90 minutes to build a prepared catamaran from supplies provided by the organisers including masts, engine, paddle and sails. They will then launch the boats and race them over three legs under paddle, sail and motor.

Full details of Rugby World Cup fixtures, teams and tickets can be found at www.rugbyworldcup.com.

The double draws of rugby and New Zealand itself | photo by Arno Gasteiger/Tourism New Zealand

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