The Ubërwealthy sail in on their superyachts
With more money than god, some of the world’s richest men are in Auckland – on board their floating gin palaces
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| Larry Ellison's super yacht Katana tied up at the AMEX Viaduct Harbour, Auckland |
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It’s all about money down here at the AMEX Viaduct Harbour, lots of it. Corporate tycoons are arriving in town, and they’re all sailing in on some of the most jaw-dropping, eye-ball popping superyachts ever seen here in Kiwi waters. (To be precise, they actually fly in on their private jets whilst the crew do the miles on the water.)
Larry Ellison, currently the 5th richest man in the world has almost become part of the woodwork here in Cup world. His superyacht Katana had become course de rigeur as far as superyachts were concerned and its sleek lines against the Viaduct skyline are now part of the wallpaper. Nonetheless, New Zealanders have been endlessly waxing lyrical on the virtues of the Ellison Empire however it was no surprise that the Oracle guru was recently outclassed by the arrival of his arch enemy, Paul Allen.
| A fleet of super yachts at the start of the Millenium Cup Regatta, Auckland |
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Allen was the young “IT geek” who founded Microsoft with the legendary Bill Gates. Allen is fourth in the billionaire's club now worth an estimated $25.2 billion. Allen owns the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA and the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. His association with OneWorld Challenge is petty change in the scheme of billionaire investments. What is not petty however is his superyacht Tatoosh, which is only 17m shorter than the New Zealand frigate, Te Kaha, at 347ft. We’re Talking Seriously Big.
Designed by Studio Acht, Tatoosh is nothing less that superb. Don’t miss the chopper on the back of Tatoosh which you will notice is sans rear propeller – using jet propulsion instead to steer the craft. In helicopter circles, this is the Modigliani of choppers. And then there’s the swimming pool, whirlpool spa, an air-conditioning system of medical standards and 'water-deck' allowing easy access through the rear of the boat to the sea…
Down the end of Te Wero (the island in the Viaduct Harbour on which the events stage is housed) is Vava, owned by Swiss pharmaceutical billionaire, Ernesto Bertarelli – syndicate head of Alinghi. At 36 years old, Italian-born Swiss citizen, Bertarelli is worth USD $8.4 billion and lies 31st on the world’s rich list.
From large motor-powered boats to real superyachts, the most beautiful and by far the most famous yacht in Auckland is the 146-foot Mari Cha III. In October, Mari Cha III set a new transAtlantic record for a monohull completing the 2,925-mile passage in 8 days, 23 hours. "This is ocean racing for adults," said skipper Lionel Pean. "We work like hell on deck, then go below for a hot shower and a dry bunk. Superyachts have their benefits."
Over the course of the Cup, many superyachts will be making their way to Auckland for what will be the largest gathering of gin palaces in the Southern Hemisphere. As the Millennium Cup Superyacht Regatta gets underway on February 10th – 13th 2003, the most amazing display of wealth and most stunning display of boats will be racing up to Kawau Island. It’s definitely one to mark down in your diary as a sight to see. If you’re down here at the viaduct basin you may get a peek on board or even meet a millionaire. Good luck!
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