VIPs line up to crew Pacific Series yachts
07 Feb 2009
Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is hosting a celebrity line-up - not all famous yachties - during the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series races on the Hauraki Gulf.
On race days, the sought after 18th man position on the four competing boats - stars themselves of former America’s Cup regattas - has been filled with international celebrities, high profile businessmen and media.
18th man position
Some of those lucky enough to be in the hot seat have included high-flyer Chinese businessman, Chaoyong Wang. Mr Wang, president of venture capital fund China Equity, is a co-founder of Team China.
BBC presenter / historian Dan Snow also enjoyed the 18th man position during this week’s Round Robin 1. Listed by the Evening Standard as one of London’s 1000 most influential people, Dan is the son of yachtsman and BBC presenter Peter Snow. He is in New Zealand for The Times Online.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is one who didn’t quite make it to 18th man. The PM had to turn down a chance to ride on the back of Emirates Team New Zealand because of a broken arm sustained during a fall from the stage at an official function.
Learning to sail
American National Football League (NFL) player Dhani Jones, who travels the world in search of new sports to try, has sailed as 18th man with Emirates Team New Zealand.
The sports star is learning to sail with Team New Zealand as part of his latest series for the Discovery Network’s Travel Channel in the United States. As well as immersing himself in sailing life, he’s experiencing local culture and activities in Auckland and Northland.
Top Gear
Two British celebrities well used to racing, but not necessarily on water, are also hoping to catch a ride on the big boats. Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond of the award winning BBC series Top Gear are rumoured to be lining up for an 18th man position and a chance to experience racing on the world’s fastest yachts.
It’s the first time Top Gear Live has been presented from New Zealand. The television stars are appearing in 10 shows at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland from 12 - 15 February.
Charity dinner
The 10 teams and support crew in Auckland for the LVPS got a well deserved break last Wednesday. The lay day gave crews time to prepare for a black tie charity dinner held at Sky City’s Grand Hotel.
The event was a who’s who of world yachting and more than 900 national and international guests enjoyed a lavish evening in aid of Asthma New Zealand. A live auction raised over $200,000 with a catalogue of prizes that included luxury travel, a guitar signed by Paul McCartney, and a book signed by President Barrack Obama.
One international guest paid NZ$11,000 for the position of 18th man on a race boat.
Cultural experience
On Saturday (7.02.09), LVPS visitors will get a taste of Māori culture at a function on Auckland’s historic Bastion Point.
More than 600 guests have been invited to a private function which will begin with a powhiri (welcome) featuring well-known New Zealand singer - songwriter Hinewehi Mohi.
Bastion Point has a commanding view of Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour and is of particular significance to local Māori. In the 1970s the land became embroiled in an historic land ownership dispute between Māori and the Crown.
In the 1980s the New Zealand Government returned Bastion Point to the local Ngati Whatua tribe with compensation as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement process.
Round Robin 1
The first round robin in the LVPS finished last Tuesday (3.02.09) producing some surprising results, as well as a major upset when South African team Shosholoza beat the Swiss Alinghi team by 3m 49s.
Emirates Team New Zealand finished the first round top of Pool A with 4 points, followed by BMW Oracle 3, Damiani Italia Challenge 2, Pataugas K-Challenge 1, China Team 0.
In Pool B, Team Origin finished on 4 points, followed by Alinghi 2, Luna Rossa 2, Team Shosholoza 1, Greek Challenge 0.
Round Robin 2
For the second round robin the fleet is again divided into two - a ‘gold fleet’ comprising ETNZ, Origin, Damiani Italia, Alinghi, BMW Oracle and Luna Rossa, and a ‘silver fleet’ of Shosholoza, Greek Challenge, K-Challenge and China Team.
If sailing conditions are favourable Round Robin 2 should finish next Tuesday (10.02.09).
More information:
Pool draw for friendly yachting series
Yachties arrive in NZ for Louis Vuitton Pacific Series
International yachting fever relaunches in New Zealand
Summer fun on the water
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| Yachts racing during Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. |
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