Auckland Festival of Sailing 2010, NZ
Auckland is well-known in New Zealand as the 'City of Sails' – a veritable paradise for yachties and sailors offering easy access to great sailing and boating in Waitemata Harbour and the many islands and coves of the Hauraki Gulf. During the day, you can watch the festival's racing by boat or from one of the surrounding hills, then party all night in one of the many local bars and restaurants. The festival is as exciting for spectatators as it is for its world-class competitors and the newest motor boats and yachts on display at the international boat show are positively droolsome.
Free public spectator boat trips are running during the two key weekends of the Auckland Festival of Sailing (13/14th and 20/21st March) for a limited number of people twice a day. Registrations for one of 120 places onboard are on a first come, first served basis (applications must be made in person) and open one hour before each sailing time at the departure location, in front of Kermadec bar and restaurant, Viaduct Harbour.
Check out the highlights of the festival below:
Festival of Sailing Highlights
- Omega Auckland Match Race Regatta – Between the 2nd and 6th March, some of the world's top sailors compete in 10.2 metre long yachts in fast and furious racing in the inner harbour.
- Louis Vitton Trophy Auckland 7th - 21st March – The main event of the festival is the Louis Vitton Trophy contested by the big boats... America Cup's race yachts that are provided for the event for racing by crews made up of world champions, Olympic medallists, round the world sailors and past America's Cup competitors.
- Auckland International Boat Show 11th - 14th March – Climb aboard the boat of your dreams when the latest sailing boats and motor boats from around the world are displayed in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.
- BMW Sailing World Cup Final 21st - 25th March – This match-racing regatta is for amateur sailors and aims to find the best amateur match racing crew in the world.
Auckland Sailing Accommodation
With thousands of visitors expected to arrive in Auckland specifically for the sailing festival and boat show, accommodation will be keenly sought after. It is advisable to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Auckaland offers visitors a wide variety of accommodation to choose from including:
- Auckland Apartments
- Auckland Baches, Beach Houses, Bungalows
- Auckland Backpacker and Budget
- Auckland Bed and Breakfasts
- Auckland Boat and Cruise Accommodation
- Auckland Boutique and Heritage Accommodation
- Auckland Campsites and Holiday Parks
- Auckland Luxury Accommodation
- Auckland Hotels
- Auckland Motels and Motor Lodges
- Auckland Self Catering Accommodation
- Auckland Villa Accommodation
All accommodation can be viewed and booked online. View more Auckland Accommodation choices.