Sailing

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race crews are back in racing mode after an action-packed stopover at Tauranga, in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty.

Pacific maritime history came to life on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour today (15.4.11) as a fleet of traditional waka prepared to set sail on a 27,000km ocean voyage.

An authentic Māori cultural experience that includes sailing on a traditional waka to the Bay of Islands to celebrate Waitangi Day – New Zealand’s national holiday – is being offered by a new Auckland tour operator.

New Zealand boat builders are the toast of the international sailing community with the successful launch of the new AC45 catamaran – a scaled-down version of the boats to race in the next America’s Cup.

Kiwi yachtsmen have again showed they are top of their game with Emirates Team New Zealand winning the Louis Vuitton Trophy in Dubai, and dominating the world class event over recent years.

New Zealand will play a key role in the 2011–12 Volvo ocean yacht race as a host stop-over and as a competitor - having just struck a deal with a Spanish sponsor.

Emirates Team New Zealand has funding and is in good shape heading towards the next America’s Cup, says boss Grant Dalton, after winning the Louis Vuitton Trophy.

Aucklanders are enjoying a sailing extravaganza on and off the water - with the America’s Cup silver trophy in town along with many of the world’s top sailors who’ve competed for it.

New Zealand yachties are excelling in home waters as the Auckland Festival of Sail moves into its second phase with the start of racing in the Louis Vuitton Series.

Europe may be the setting for the 33rd America’s Cup currently underway in Valencia but New Zealand will be deep in the heart of the action – both on and off the water.