The New Zealand Marine Cup and Kiwi Kawau Challenge now has New Zealand’s world-class superyacht builder Alloy Yachts Ltd its first official sponsor.
Pictured is sailing yacht KOKOMO III moored in Auckland soon after her launch. Here New Zealand company Southern Spars is seen rigging her 75 meter mast, which is the second largest carbon mast in the world.
The NZ Marine Cup is a new superyacht sailing trophy for one off events. The Cup complements and supplements the NZ Marine Millennium Cup superyacht regatta, which is the organisation’s current successful superyacht event.
The Kiwi Kawau Challenge will display luxury sailing yachts racing from the start line which will be located in a fantastic position just off Devonport Wharf which is inside Auckland Harbour, New Zealand. The finish line is to be situated off Bon Accord Harbour on Kawau Island where the post racing prize giving, BBQ and entertainment will complete the day’s events.
The chairman of the New Zealand Marine Export Group (NZ Marine) comments:
‘We’re delighted to welcome Alloy Yachts as our first confirmed sponsor of this year’s NZ Marine Cup,’ says Mark Wightman,
‘The race for the first NZ Marine Cup will be sailed on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf on Thursday 4 March. Both sail and motor superyachts and their crews participate in a one-day race and social activities as part of Auckland’s build-up to the start of the new Louis Vuitton World Series on 9 March,’ says Wightman.
‘As one of the New Zealand’s – and the world’s – best superyacht builders, the team at Alloy Yachts once again demonstrates their support of the New Zealand marine industry and the superyacht sector by joining us as a sponsor of this event.
‘We thank Tony Hambrook [from Alloy Yachts] and his team for their involvement in what is sure to be an exciting, fun day on the beautiful waters of the Hauraki Gulf.’
Wightman reports that other New Zealand marine companies have indicated their interest as sponsors for the event. In addition, several superyacht captains have also expressed strong interest in participating in the race and entries are now open.
New Zealand is an increasingly popular superyacht destination and refit service area for yachts crauisng the Southern Pacific waterways. There has been recent governmental consideration for increasing luxury yacht berths in the area to cater for increasing demand.
More details can be found on http://www.nzmarineevents.com.
