AC drawcard
The New Zealand marine industry is predicting “a profound boost” from the 36th America’s Cup, which looks likely to be held in Auckland. With AC races known to attract entrepreneurs, investors and influencers, the effect will surely be felt in the tourism and luxury industries as well.
04 October 2017
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Industry representatives the New Zealand Marine Industry Association will be working closely with the Auckland Council, and government, to do whatever is required to ensure the challenge and defence for the 36th America’s Cup is held in Auckland in 2021.
The industry body made comment after the announcement of the 36th America’s Cup protocol last week. “When New Zealand won the Cup in 1995, the marine industry was instrumental in convincing the Ports of Auckland, the then owners of the Viaduct Harbour, to make provision for superyachts in addition to the syndicate bases. This gave Auckland a new ‘front door’, with the building of the Viaduct Harbour, and its superyacht and charter boat berthage, open public spaces and restaurants,” said Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine.
“The 36th Cup has the potential to attract an estimated 150 superyachts to our shores, and with each contributing an average of $3m to New Zealand’s economy, this is effectively an export market that floats to our shores,” continued Busfield.
Booking enquiries are already being fielded for superyacht berths from 2019. Significant business opportunities are expected nationwide, with Northland, Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and the Marlborough Sounds particularly likely to see maintenance and refit work provided for visiting yachts.
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“More than $700m was injected into New Zealand following the last Cup held here, 14 years ago,” veteran sailing commentator Peter Montgomery advised an industry meeting, following the protocol announcement.
Yacht guests almost always visit the vineyards, golf courses and places of outstanding natural beauty which New Zealand’s regions are known for, and while a large superyacht might spend up to $200,000 on flowers over several months, for example, it’s also likely to be accompanied by a private jet, as VIP guests, family and friends join the vessel. America’s Cup races are known to attract entrepreneurs, investors, leaders and influencers to be part of the action.
New Zealand’s Millennium Cup superyacht regatta attracted one of the largest ever racing superyacht fleets in the year 2000, and the NZMarine Export Group plans to continue to run annual Millennium Cup Regattas, with the 2021 edition expected to attract another bumper fleet.
“In addition, syndicates with up to 200 team members each bring significant gains,” said Busfield. “They could be in New Zealand from as early as summer 2019, so having those syndicate bases here is good for us all, providing foreign exchange earnings for New Zealand nationwide.”
“Emirates Team New Zealand has handed us an opportunity, but they need us all behind them. Industry, country and government,” summarised NZ Marine president Myles Fothergill.
“I’m confident that whichever government is sworn in, they’ll see the huge opportunity and economic gain to all New Zealanders of Auckland hosting the 36th America’s Cup.”
The marine industry looks forward to the benefits from building two 24m yachts for Emirates Team New Zealand, and major components as well as some fit-out for challenging syndicate yachts.
The America’s Cup was on display at the Auckland On Water Boat Show until 1 October. A steady stream of visitors passed through to snap photos with the Auld Mug, which was under higher security than the last time it was on display in New Zealand in 1997, when it was damaged by a Maori rights activist who was later jailed.
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