'Best of New Zealand' on display in Auckland

by Event media and Sail-World on 9 Mar 2006 A stunningly luxurious 28.8 metre (95 foot) superyacht, the futuristic-looking bio-diesel fuelled Earthrace and, weather permitting, the new trans-Tasman speed record holder are all highlights of the 2006 Auckland International Boat Show in the Viaduct Harbour until Sunday.

Members of the public can for the first time, be able to not only see the spectacular Earthrace, they can also tour its interior and make a contribution to the success of the project.

Dubbed 'the World's Coolest Boat' as well as one of the greenest, Earthrace will attempt to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat „o the first time a renewable fuel powered boat has attempted an official UIM Powerboat record.

For those who like their 'cool' a little more refined, Yachting Developments latest super-luxurious superyacht is an essential port of the call.

Prominently displayed on the floating marina, Vesper represents the latest in superyacht technology and innovation. A high tech composite superyacht, Vesper features a twin-saloon interior, finished in elegant raised and fiddled mahogany with leather upholstery; a lower saloon with dining for eight, a hidden entertainment system and great outside viewing though both the port and starboard hull windows; an exceptionally large owner¡¦s stateroom and very easy access to and from the water thanks to a huge boarding platform and ascending stairway.

Well-known Auckland waterfront identity Ginger Gibbs is also hoping to be at the show fresh from a record-breaking dash across the Tasman!

Ginger and his crew are currently in Sydney with their Swashbucklers Flying Pirate Bridge to Bridge Challenge boat, a 12 Rayglass Protector RIB (rigid inflatable boat).

The challenge aims to smash the existing record of 47 and a half hours (from Sydney Heads to Rangitoto Lighthouse), set 45 years ago by the cruise liner Oriana in 1961. They also aim to establish a new record for the slightly longer Sydney Harbour Bridge to Auckland Harbour Bridge.

If everything goes according to plan, the crew expect to arrive in Auckland during the show and a special berth has been reserved so that show goers can be among the first to see the Tasman-crossing RIB „o and to congratulate the victorious crew.

Once again the Auckland International Boat Show features many other examples of the very high quality vessels produced by the New Zealand marine industry. These are on display in the unique floating marina that links the pavilions on Te Wero island with those in the old Alinghi base on Halsey St. Also on display in the marina will be a fascinating collection of old classic yachts, the latest charter yachts and a number of exceptionally well-presented second-hand yachts and launches.

In the on-land pavilions, the Auckland International Boat Show also features the latest in engine, electronic and marine accessory technology, again from both New Zealand and overseas.

The Auckland International Boat Show, now an established part of the international schedule of boat shows and attracting designers, builders, marine industry identities and media from all around the world, is also strongly supported by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.

David Penny, NZTE Sector Director ¡V Specialised Manufacturing points out that the show keeps the international spotlight focused on New Zealand¡¦s world-class marine industry.

'The show not only showcases New Zealand¡¦s marine industry to these key influencers from around the world, it also allows our firms to create long term relationships with international companies, helping expand their capability and grow their businesses.'

Set the beautiful Viaduct Harbour in downtown Auckland and surrounded by a myriad of restaurants, cafes and bars, the Auckland International Boat Show is open to the public from 10am ¡V 6pm Friday, March 9 until Sunday March 12. Entrance is from either the Viaduct Harbour (just past the Maritime Museum) or from Halsey St.

Yachting Development's Vesper is one of the centrepiece exhibits at the show.

The latest superb superyacht from Vesper is set to be the centrepiece of this year¡¦s Auckland International Boat Show in the Viaduct Harbour on March 8-12.

At 28.8 metres (95 feet)long, Vesper is a high tech composite superyacht, with a number of innovative features including an exceptionally large owner¡¦s stateroom and very easy access to and from the water thanks to a huge boarding platform and ascending stairway. Vesper¡¦s twin-saloon interior is finished in elegant raised and fiddled mahogany with leather upholstery and features a lower saloon with dining for 8, a hidden entertainment system and great outside viewing though both the port and starboard hull windows.

Vesper also sports a carbon mast and in-boom furling from Southern Spars and very generous engine and machinery space housed under the upper saloon giving full-sized headroom and easy access to all equipment.

Despite her innovative features and stunning attention to detail, Vesper was built in just 14 months, a truly amazing feat and a tribute to the skills and abilities of the NZ Yachting Developments team and the New Zealand marine industry.

Vesper is on the marina at the Auckland International Boat Show.

Contact:
Ian Cook
Yachting Developments
Ph: + 64 (09) 483-3299
Email: ian@ydl.co.nz

Earthrace, the 'World's Coolest Boat' is one of the star attractions at the Auckland International Boat Show.

Earthrace is a bid to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat, and using only renewable fuels. The program includes an 18-month tour calling at 60 of the world¡¦s great cities, promoting fuels like biodiesel, and raising awareness about sustainable use of resources.

Circumnavigating the globe represents the pinnacle of powerboat challenges, and at 24,000 nautical miles, is also the world's longest race. The current record of 75 days was set by British boat Cable & Wireless in 1998.

The Earthrace aims to smash this record by completing the voyage in less than 65 days, and will mark the first time in history that an official UIM Powerboat record will be attempted using renewable fuel.

The Earthrace is expected to be the highest-profile powerboat in the world, as well as one of the greenest. It is a showcase of environmentally friendly technologies such as low-emmission engines, non-toxic antfoul and efficient hull design. It is also one of the coolest looking boats ever imagined.

The Earthrace is on the marina at the Auckland International Boat Show.


Contact:
Peter Bethune
Mob 021 415-342,
pete@earthrace.co.nz

The Auckland International Boatshow is located in the Viaduct basin and Alinghi base (connected by walkway). It is open to the public on Friday, saturday and Sunday.