Tauranga, NZ wins Around Alone 2002-03 stop-over

by Mary Ambler on 6 Apr 2002 Clipper Ventures, race organisers, announced today that the
city of Tauranga, New Zealand, will host the third stopover in the five leg Around Alone
2002-03 solo, round the world yacht race. Located in the Bay of Plenty region on New
Zealand’s East coast, some 250km south of Auckland, Tauranga is a favourite holiday
destination in New Zealand and has defined itself as the ‘stop-over in paradise’.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Race Chairman and first person to win a solo RTW yacht race, stated that: “The
reason for this choice is that we were very impressed by the enormous enthusiasm, commitment and
excitement from the local community, business and government shown in Tauranga’s bid.”

New Zealand’s Minister of Education, Sports & Recreation, the Rt. Hon. Trevor Mallard, summed up what the
bid stood for: “It is about the world’s best solo sailors competing, celebrating and preparing for the next leg
together of this great challenge. It is also about the hopes and dreams of young people everywhere for a
world of better learning and a better environment.”

The Mayor of Tauranga, Jan Beange expressed her delight at hearing the news: “Tauranga is ready in spirit
and in substance to host the Around Alone skippers and teams, and to give you an unparalleled welcome!”
Bruce McCutcheon, President of the Chamber of Commerce added: “Hosting Around Alone will contribute
significantly to our strong marine industry and provide many economic benefits, including great inspiration
for our youth.”

Jon Mayson, CEO Port of Tauranga is especially delighted: “Around Alone competitor, Graham Dalton, not
only had his new Open 60 ‘Hexagon’ built here, but is also racing under the pennant of the Tauranga Yacht
& Power Boat Club, and we have been supporting his project from the start.” Graham Dalton himself
strongly supported Tauranga’s bid as the “sailors’ and support crews’ stopover, offering freedom, safety,
relaxation and a party atmosphere, with a clean environment and ideal weather conditions. Tauranga will
exceed all your expectations.”

The word Tauranga in Maori means ‘Safe Anchorage’, and this is exactly what this stop over
will be. Tauranga has a stunning natural deepwater harbour, and yet all the infrastructure of
a modern city. Boasting 8000 quality hotel/motel rooms, and an airport just 1km away,
Tauranga is not only the Bay of Plenty region’s biggest residential & commercial centre but
also New Zealand’s largest export port.

The event will be based at the modern Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club (Commodore,
John Buck), which is a 5 minute drive from the Bridge Marina, where the boats will be
berthed. Tauranga offers the Around Alone skippers the best in marine services thanks to
the established high tech boating industry. The town will create a vibrant race village in the
adjacent car park as well as a festival of water-based events during this period.

The stop over will coincide with the major holiday season in NZ and so thousands of
spectators are expected to watch the arrivals, estimated from the 28th December 2002. The
dramatic restart to the second Southern Ocean leg is scheduled for 26th January 2003. The
dates also coincide with the lay over period just before the America’s Cup finals start, and so
Around Alone & Tauranga will have the benefit of the world’s media on their doorstep.

http://www.aroundalone.com