NZ Marine hosts Kiwi Kawau Challenge

NZ Marine Export Group Inc.

Media statement

11 December 2009

NZ Marine hosts Kiwi Kawau Challenge for superyachts

The New Zealand Marine Export Group Inc. (NZ Marine) is inviting superyachts – both sail and motor – to participate in a one-off race and social event as part of the build-up to the Louis Vuitton World Series in Auckland in March 2010.

“At this stage, the Louis Vuitton Trophy crews are expected to commence their practice days on Saturday 6 March, so we have Thursday 4 March scheduled for a new NZ Marine event, the NZ Marine Cup ‘Kiwi Kawau Challenge’,” says NZ Marine chairman Mark Wightman.

Numerous superyachts are expected to visit Auckland while the highly competitive Louis Vuitton match racing takes place.

“The essence of our Kiwi Kawau Challenge is for superyacht participants to enjoy a day’s racing from downtown Auckland to beautiful Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf. On-shore beside historic Mansion House, NZ Marine will host the superyacht guests to a uniquely Kiwi-style evening’s food and entertainment.”

“We’re absolutely delighted to have another opportunity to show superyacht owners the beauty of New Zealand and particularly Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf as top class cruising destinations for sailing and motor yachts.

“We know from running the NZ Marine Millennium Cup three times previously that superyacht owners love the opportunity to participate in these races. Don’t underestimate the performance of these magnificent vessels under sail or full power – they look truly spectacular!”

The decision has been made that the NZ Marine Millennium Cup is contested only during specific superyacht regattas comprising more than one race. Therefore this year’s NZ Marine Cup for superyachts is the one-off Kiwi Kawau Challenge.

A registration and welcome function is expected to take place on Wednesday 3 March, where participants will be provided with a full briefing regarding the following day’s racing and activities.

“We look forward to welcoming registrations for the NZ Marine Cup Kiwi Kawau Challenge from the captains of sailing and motor yachts over 80 feet in length and from classic sailing yachts, which will have their own limited-number class.

“Our March event promises to be one of the highlights of the cruising season down-under for superyacht owners and their crews, and it will complement the Louis Vuitton World Series perfectly,” concludes Wightman.

ENDS/

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