Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland Summer 2009

For two weeks - 30 January to 14 February 2009 - Auckland Harbour will once again hosted yachts raced by leading international sailing teams. This time it was a completely new regatta - the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. Recognised for its ability to host a great regatta, both on and off the water, this vibrant city welcomed many to a warm South Pacific summer.

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Auckland's Waitemata harbour erupted with boat and cheers as the host team - Emirates Team New Zealand - scored a decisive 3 - 1 victory over top challenger Alinghi in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series on Sunday 14 February 2009.

For the New Zealand crew, it was a fitting climax to the inagural friendly yachting series that brought many of the world's best yachsmen back together again - for the first time since the 2007 America's Cup - and in New Zealand waters.

Nine teams - from the USA, Switzerland, Great Britain, Italy, France, China, South Africa and Greece - had spend the past two weeks competing for the chance to sail against Emirates Team New Zealand for the new Louis Vuitton Pacific Series trophy.

Auckland event

As the champagne flowed and the victorious crew hugged family and friends, Louis Vuitton Pacific Series coordinator Bruno Troublé vowed he would bring the event back to Auckland.

"We achieved 53 races in two weeks, we stuck to the schedule and we had a great winner... I think we will come back now. Maybe even next year," Troublé announced.

Challenger trophy

Alinghi takes home the trophy for the winner of the challenger series.

"Team New Zealand sailed incredibly well, the boats held together,and the breeze made it incredibly exciting," Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth said.

"I love it here, and everyone else had a fantastic time here too."

The world's best attracted to a new prize


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The new series was organised in association with the New Zealand Government, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), Auckland City and Sky City Entertainment Group. Quite separate from the America’s Cup, the intention was to provide a friendly regatta that saw 12 teams compete in full America’s Cup-sized boats for a new prize - the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series Trophy. The Louis Vuitton Cup which was won by Emirates Team New Zealand in Valencia, Spain, in 2007, is not in contention and will remain locked in its trophy cabinet at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

The regatta was sailed on Auckland’s inner harbour. Auckland, the City of Sails, has hosted two highly successful America’s Cup series in 2000 and 2003. For this regatta, Emirates Team New Zealand will provide two near-identical boats, NZL92 and NZL84, which were built for the 33rd America’s Cup challenge in Valencia.

A spectator's dream event

The race course was laid each day at the entrance to Auckland's inner harbour, between the city foreshore and Rangitoto Island, an uninhabited and dormant volcanic cone. It's a natural amphitheatre, with Auckland's numerous coastal headlands and green volcanic cones providing ideal vantage points for spectators.

The cream of the world's sailor fought it out in big, high-performing racing yachts on the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, within close view of the surrounding shore. And all of this took place just minutes from the vibrant, international heart of New Zealand's largest city.

A nation of sailors and sailing opportunities

With around 15,000 kilometers of coastlines, numerous sheltered harbours, and ideallic cruising grounds dotted with picturesque islands, it's not surprising that yachting is strong in New Zealand. In the weekends, thousands of children set out from shore to compete in small dinghy races. Keelboat racing fills the harbours on weeknights and boating families often head away cruising at the end of the working week.

In the Olympic Games, New Zealand sailors have won 10 gold, seven silver and five bronze medals since 1956. Internationally-renowned yacht designer Bruce Farr is a born and bread New Zealander.And when it comes to ocean racing, many Kiwis have earned respect and distinction - none more so than Sir Peter Blake (1948 - 2001). From 1971, when Sir Peter won line honours in the inaugural Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro race, hardly a year went by without him adding to his sailing honours board.

For visitors to New Zealand, there is a wide range of opportunities to get out on the water. You can catch a fast modern ferry to an island for the day or charter a luxury yacht and explore the more remote islands and sheltered coves. For experienced sailors, bareboat yacht charter services are available in the prime cruising grounds - Bay of Islands in the north, Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island.

Strap in and scale the Auckland Harbour Bridge

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Auckland - a sophisticated yet very natural city

Auckland is located on a narrow isthmus between two magnificent harbours and recently earned the title of fifth top lifestyle city in the world. At every point of the compass, you’ll find fantastic adventures and experiences.

An hour’s drive west of the city centre takes you through lush native forest to wild black-sand surf beaches with rugged headlands. Travel north and you’ll discover the wine-growing areas of Kumeu and Matakana. To the east there are islands for fishing, sailing and luxury lodge escapes. South is all about country living and world-class golf.

The city itself is packed with colour, culture and places of interest. People from the Pacific Islands, Europe and Asia have chosen to make Auckland their home, each adding a layer to the city’s personality. You’ll discover their influences in the unique local arts and crafts, music, food, fashion and warm hospitality.