The 36th America’s Cup is a highly anticipated event in the sailing world race calendar. Often referred to as the ‘Auld Mug’ it is the oldest trophy in the International Sports World and is currently held by Emirates Team NZ. They will defend this iconic trophy in Auckland “City of Sails’ in March 2021. The Prada Cup challenger series will be held during January and February 2021 which will precede the America’s Cup challenger series. Three teams have entered to challenge for the America’s Cup and the winner goes forward to compete against Emirates Team NZ.

RACE DATES AND RACE TIMES

AC World Series                                               Prada Cup                                                                     America’s Cup
17th to 20th December 2020                         15th January to 22nd February 2021                        6th to 21st March 2021

Race times are from 1600 to 1800 although we leave the viaduct around 11.30am to begin a day of experience with good company, hosting, food and drinks as well as sailing and being present on two of the most iconic vessels to grace Auckland’s viaduct before we find our perfect place after sated from lunch to prepare for the build-up and execution of some great racing.

Enjoy superb hosting from Larry Keating, Dane Tumahai, and Monty Waiwaitai, and Sharon Stewart, people who have a passion for these vessels, The America’s Cup as well as a sense of place around Tamaki Makaurau as well as ultimately your enjoyment throughout the day.

Your schedule will look like this :

9.30 am – Meeting for that much-needed freshly ground Auckland coffee, an invigorating tea or refreshment of your choice along with a good old fashioned bacon buttie ( vegetarian options and gluten free options also available) as we get to know each other with introductions, as our fresh produce is loaded onboard for some of the gorgeous catering on later in the day.

10.00 am – Either Steinlager 2 or Lion NZ,  familiarise yourself with the unique aspects of your sanctuary for the day as we ready to set sail. We encourage you to feel welcome to be a part of crew at any time throughout the day or indeed you can relax and simply take it all in. There is no better feeling than motoring slowly out of the viaduct into the electric atmosphere of the 36th America’s Cup race day! Soak up the adventure for a couple of hours out on the sparkling diamond water of the Hauraki Gulf before we find the perfect spot to anchor down, enjoy a fully catered lunch with fresh salmon, steak or vegetarian options from that morning’s freshest purchase along with artisan hand baked loaves of bread, sides to compliment your tastes, a moving vessel and out in the open air as well as the perfect dessert to finish off with that glass of ice-cold champagne or an ice-cold beer! Sparkling and still iced water and juice available on board.

The whole day passes quickly as we spend an afternoon in the company of good people with stories from days long ago detailing heroic acts, cultural perspectives, funny moments with a glass in hand in good company before we ready ourselves for the race action.

7.00 pm – With a satisfying return to the viaduct after being a part of such a great event, you will no doubt carry the feeling of elation for many days to come.

May the wind always be at your back!

The day from start to finish is catered to execute at a VIP level,  so there is nothing you need to bring. Everything is provided for as we pride ourselves on the service and integrity of what we create when it comes to experiences. We look forward to meeting you.

Please also note that due t the uncertain racing elements such as the speed of the team boats when the race has begun, we also have devices on board so you can track the race action live as it is happening. Steinlager II and Lion NZ are some of the highest vessels in the water n the day so you have the best advantage of seeing racing as it happens. Crewed by professional sailing teams, they know the right place to navigate to as well as how to get to places quicker so you are in good hands but we ask that you work with us on the day to help to achieve this outcome as race viewing is not something that can be guaranteed.

Larry Keating is well known in America’s Cup circles and for his award-winning book ‘Exposed – The Dark Side of The America’s Cup’ nominated as one of the Best Books for 2018 by Yachting Year. Having traveled the world extensively for over 40 years, ten of those sailing around the Mediterranean with wife Deborah in their yacht Chinano, Larry is a passionate yachtsman who built a strong interest in America’s Cup history, working at various levels in the international sports media, from photography to broadcasting and film making.  His experience has taken him to ten America’s Cup events, two Olympic Games and found him crewing in the 1989/90 Whitbread Around the World Race. As a film producer/raconteur, Larry has interviewed some of the world’s most famous characters from Olympic sports stars, Hollywood actors to Nelson Mandela. A true-blue Kiwi, Larry’s knowledge of New Zealand is vast, having lived and traveled the length and breadth of the country. Having just finished his latest movie……you will be inspired to learn what that entails. Each guest on the day will receive a private copy of “One Outstanding”, a documentary account centered on Sir Peter Blake’s victory of the race after many attempts, and the battle that emerged between the two ketches Steinlager 2 and Grant Dalton’s Fisher & Paykel in the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race.

One Outstanding is a tribute to Sir Peter which includes unseen early footage of his sailing endeavours and successes in the America’s Cup. In addition to Sir Peter, the film features, Steinlager 2 crewman Brad Butterworth, F&P’s skipper Grant Dalton, Bruce Farr ( designer of both ketches) Bob Fisher ( journalist ) and Lady Pippa Blake.

Monty Waiwaitai is a trained Physiotherapist and semi-professional athlete, no matter what sport or challenge Monty takes on he soon becomes a champion in it. He’s our Renaissance Man who absorbs new passions every few years, most recently Opera and Symphony. Monty is a long-standing member of Auckland Rowing Club and has a passion for being on water, land, and in the air. From being a bodybuilding champion to a master in his class of cycling, Monty looks forward to meeting you and weaving your enjoyment into a special day in history.

Dane Tumahai – Born and raised in the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei community, Dane has whakapapa to Tainui, Ngāpuhi, and Tahiti.  Dane’s influence is helping to shape the future for Tāmaki Makaurau and impact our wider communities and his presence with us as we sail is critical in assisting the delivery of your experience through a lens of cultural empowerment. We cannot sail forward until we know from where our hearts travel from.

The NZ Lion

80 foot Whitbread Maxi Yacht
Length: 24.3m Beam: 6m Draught: 4m
Designed by Ron Holland

Won 1984 Sydney to Hobart Race. Raced the 1985/86 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race and came 2nd overall.

Sir Peter Blake had a very specific idea of the boat that he wanted to build for the 1985/86 Whitbread Around the World Race.

After discussions with a number of top New Zealand yacht designers, the design was awarded to New Zealander Ron Holland, based in Ireland.

The boat had to have the following criteria: 31 tons of actual displacement weight (light but stiff)
It needed to excel to windward.
It had to be very fast when reaching under two sails.
It had to be fully controllable downwind with a spinnaker up.
It had to be a masthead rig.

The result was one of the finest International Ocean Racing (I.O.R). maxi sloops ever built.
Construction of Lion NZ began in 1983, with a launch date set for November 1984. This was to coincide with the Sydney to Hobart Race beginning on Boxing Day – her first real test. Unfortunately, on completion Lion NZ came in 8 tons heavier than the original design draft, and to make matters worse all the weight was in the wrong places, her hull, and fittings.

It became apparent that the extra weight was going to slow the boat down in lighter conditions. Lion’s first race – the 1984 Sydney to Hobart Race – was a true test. After 3 days, 11 hours, 31 minutes, 21 seconds Lion NZ crossed the finish Lion in First Place.

She had proven her strength and gained the nickname, “The Urban Assault Vehicle.”

Our Yacht – Steinlager 2

84 Foot Whitbread Maxi Yacht
Length: 25.6m Beam: 6m Draught: 4m
Designed by Bruce Farr.

Won line honours in the 1989 FastNet race. Winner
1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race winning line honours on each of the race’s six legs.

Due to racecourse changes for the 1989/90 Whitbread, a different kind of yacht was called for and again Sir Peter Blake drew from his experience and knowledge of sailing to create Steinlager2.

The crew was chosen not only for their excellence in sailing but between them had all the skills and expertise to contribute valuable knowledge and input to the design of this yacht. Such was their skills that they were able to repair and maintain absolutely everything on board while at sea.

Much of the design for Steinlager2 was based around the 60ft trimaran Steinlager 1.
Steinlager1 was built using materials and techniques that were new to boat building and the
the construction method was tested when Sir Peter Blake and Mike Quilter sailed the boat around Australia.

Blake commissioned the US-based New Zealand Yacht Designer, Bruce Farr to design Steinlager2. The base design was the same as four other boats entering the Whitbread.

Once the basic design was done, Blake came forward with the changes that the team would require for their boat.

The yacht was to be as long as possible while still complying with the rules (the longer the boat the faster it will go).
The yacht must be easily steered and track well when fully under load.
The yacht must be a ketch rig.

The Farr office delivered a design that looked very similar to Grant Dalton’s entry and Blake was not happy. Last-minute changes called for a fractional rig set up. Meaning in order to balance out the loads the boat would be longer and therefore faster.

The Steinlager2 team went to great lengths to hide the design of the boat from the other syndicates until it was too late for any of them to make any further changes. The famous Fastnet Race in England was to be the testing grounds for this new design and the first time the boat would be up against most of the other Whitbread fleet.

Steinlager2 proved very fast downwind and the yacht proved very fast – this was to be the first of many wins for Steinlager2 and her crew – but this was the most satisfying win of all as it proved that what they had designed was right. 1989/90 WHITBREAD AROUND THE WORLD RACE Steinlager2 and her amazing sailors went on to win an unprecedented full sweep of all six legs of the race. Never had this been done before. Not only winning on their handicap but
winning overall honors as well.

Empowering Young People.

Since 2008, the NZ Sailing Trust has empowered young New Zealanders by providing a truly special sailing experience that encourages leadership, teamwork, and environmental awareness that enriches them with a newfound sense of courage. Over 8,000 youth have been proudly supported by the NZ Sailing Trust in conjunction with the New Zealand Nautical Trust. They have learned to appreciate the knowledge needed to drive these yachts around the world and have challenged them with respect and admiration for their sailors and the sea. Participants understand their identity, respect for their peers, their unique strengths, and a sense of challenge that transcends challenge. These programs are designed to harness the talents and capabilities of each individual as they themselves grow to become leaders in their own lives.

Climb on-board one of our dream yachts. These magnificent vessels have founded the careers of many successful Kiwi Sailors who overcame adversity, skepticism, and fear to win the hearts not only of New Zealand but of the world. It is essential to our cultural fabric and New Zealand’s nautical history that these yachts are retained and used to help inspire the next generation of young people in New Zealand. We invite you to experience the magic of sailing as we work to continue the legacy left behind by our beloved sailing greats and their contribution to the national pride of our country and to the continuation of sailing as sport and passion for many in New Zealand.

Departing Dates:

6th March 2021 – Steinlager II

13th March 2021 – Lion NZ

14th March 2021 – Steinlager II

15th March 2021 – Lion NZ

Costing: 5% of your ticket cost is returned to the New Zealand Sailing Trust to enable future young people who are in schools that can’t afford to have these experiences, enjoy a week long team building sailing. By supporting the NZ Sailing Trust you help empower young New Zealanders and bring to life the values of Leadership, Teamwork, Courage and Environmental Awareness. We thank you for this!

Price Per Adult: $995.00 NZD fully inclusive of GST as well as an extensive range of VIP food, drinks and refreshments includes, a morning light bite with tea/coffee or juice, a good lunch and afternoon / early evening food as well as champagne, beers, and wines. Sparkling still waters as well as ice-cold juices will be available for consumption throughout the day. Please note we are responsible for experience curators and therefore alcohol consumption will be monitored so as not to put into danger yourself, any other guest or crew.

Younger adults or children over 13, please contact us with your requirements so we can help put together a family event for you in one with your budget.

For further enquires, please use the contact form on this page for a direct line to the curators of this experience.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

1 PRICE AND PAYMENT

You agree to pay us in full on the day we confirm your booking. Prices are subject to change without notice [until we confirm your booking with you].

2 CANCELLATION

BY YOU:

(a) If the booking is cancelled or amended within 14 days of the departure date the full value of booking will be payable.
(b) If a confirmed booking is cancelled within 14-21 days before the departure date a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
(c) If a confirmed booking is cancelled more than 21 days before a departure date a 20% cancellation fee will apply.

BY LOVE MY NEW ZEALAND:

(d) Departures and journeys may be prevented or affected by causes or circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including wind
and weather conditions, epidemics and government restrictions) (“Force Majeure”) and are also dependent on participants:
(i) complying with our instructions (including relating to health and safety) whilst onboard the vessel; and (ii) not being unwell. We
reserve the right to delay our departure or return, alter proposed routes, shorten or cancel the journey, reduce the number of
participants, stop participants from embarking on or require participants to disembark from the vessel, and/or take such other action
we consider reasonable in the circumstances if we consider: (i) that such action would be in the interest of passenger health, safety
and comfort; (ii) that the health or safety of the crew or the vessel is or will be unduly compromised; or (iii) that we are unable to
perform our obligations due to Force Majeure. If it is not possible for us to fulfil your charter on your charter date due to Force
Majeure, we may offer to charter an alternative vessel to you on the same sailing departure date (if possible) or we will offer to
reschedule your journey for an alternative date. If an alternative date cannot be arranged, you will be entitled to a full refund. To
the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any costs, losses or damages that arise in relation to Force Majeure.
(e) Race day – If the Racing is cancelled 24 hours before race day the client can choose to reschedule to another race date if available or
a full refund. If the charter has commenced on the day and racing is cancelled the charter will proceed and no refund is payable.

3 DISCLAIMER

(a) The participants will be taking part in a maritime interactive experience with inherent risks. There are risks to a participant’s health
and safety associated with any involvement in adventure activities and those risks cannot be completely eliminated. We will comply
with our obligations under relevant laws to identify health and safety risks and hazards and eliminate those risks to the extent
reasonably practicable or minimize them where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate them. Our journeys are not
recommended for pregnant women or people with medical conditions. You must be aware of the risks involved.

(b) The skipper and crew of the vessel will be responsible for the safety of your group while they are onboard the vessel.

(c) To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any costs, losses or damages that arise in relation to any injury to
passengers, damage to property, delays arising from any cause whatsoever, altering the proposed route, or shortening or cancelling
any journey.

Whether you have sailed the world or have yet to experience the thrill of adrenaline that comes from being at the helm of such magnificent vessels, this experience will leave you feeling like a captain of the seas.

This experience is suitable for children from 13 years and above, families, groups, couples, corporate teams, and any configuration of interested individuals looking for an experience of the sea, salt, fun, camaraderie, and the race action and atmosphere.

As your safety on this trip is paramount, both Lion NZ and Steinlager 2 boats will store inflatable tenders on-board alongside life jackets for each and every passenger and member of the crew.

Seasickness

Q. What if I become seasick?

A. Our crew are well trained on how to manage people that suffer from seasickness. They have the knowledge to recommend seasickness tablets when appropriate and have other means to help participants feel better.

Qualified Crew

Q. Are the crew qualified?

A. The minimum crew requirements to safely operate the vessels is with one skipper and 2 crew. On most occasions we take at least one of our trained volunteers. Our skippers are qualified with SRL qualification or equivalent and our crew have sufficient experience on-board the vessels to satisfy skipper of competence. Both of which are in accordance to Maritime Law.

Safety equipment

Q. Do we need to wear life jackets?

A. All participants will be required to wear life jackets as a minimum requirement whilst under sail. The New Zealand Sailing Trust will provide these to everyone on board.

Fitness

Q. I am unsure of my level of fitness for this experience?

A. You don’t have to be a sailor to get on-board Lion NZ or Steinlager 2, an acceptable level of fitness is the only requirement suggested.

General

Q. I am worried about COVID-19

A. Rest assured New Zealand Sailing Trust has taken every precaution to sanitise all points of contact on the boat. This is a challenging environment to keep social distancing and at the moment we enjoy a certain level of freedom as a country, but we do take our freedom seriously so will work hard to reduce the risk as much as possible and you will be provided with these details before boarding. We have a full COVID-19 protocols response plan and can provide you with a summary on request.

Q. Can I bring a camera/phone onboard?

A. Yes of course. You must do so at your own risk and all personal items are the responsibility of the individual. We cannot guarantee they will stay dry if you have them up on the deck whilst sailing. Consider a wrist strap and or waterproof protection if you decide to take personal items such as cameras or phones.

Q. Are their toilet and showers onboard?

A. There are at least two toilets on board each boat. There are no showers.