Around the bases: A pictorial look at America's Cup base construction in Auckland
by Richard Gladwell 27 Jul 2019 00:55 NZST
27 July 2019
A partially complete Hobson Wharf extension - location of the Luna Rossa base © Wynyard Edge Alliance
Auckland's Viaduct Harbour and surrounding area is a mass of construction activity at present with multiple projects under way related to the America's Cup facilities construction - with some nearing completion.
Sail-World's NZ Editor, Richard Gladwell took his camera to Auckland's Viaduct Harbour and surrounding area on Friday, to update on the progress with the multiple construction projects that will compromise the facilities for the 36th America's Cup.
Check the areas under development with the plan at the top of the image gallery which shows existing and new construction (except for the superyacht servicing facility).
Luna Rossa base - Hobson Wharf extension: The extension itself appears to be complete, work still ongoing on the deck ahead of being handed over to the team for base construction. A wave break has also been built, but more work to be done with piers for chase boats and race boats.
Emirates Team NZ base: Most noticeable work is the construction of piers for the race boats and chase boats. The viewing deck on the northern side is complete.
Wynyard Wharf and Point: There is a lot of work under way on Wynyard Wharf to enable the 100year old structure to carry the weight of AC75's and the gear required for launching. The access ways to allow the race boats to cross from the bases to the wharf are not yet constructed, some initial foundation work appears to be under way. The derelict zone between Wynyard and the now closed Brigham Street has been cleared of debris and the broken piles and structures.
On Wynyard Point a lot of construction is still under way on what was Brigham Street. The first two bases appear to be near finished and ready for hand-over to the teams to start construction of the base buildings and boat sheds.
Superyacht servicing facility: On the western side of Beaumont Street construction has begun on creating the superyacht servicing facility, which will take in the old Emirates Team NZ base area, Site 18 used by Southern Spars and Rig Pro for servicing superyacht masts, those two areas will be merged with the Orams yard to form a massive new facility. The marinas are also being extended.
Here's a pictorial update as to what is happening: