America's Cup: Cup marina operators change tack - new deal for all vessels
by Sail-World.com/NZ 16 Sep 2020 14:49 NZST
16 September 2020
The Viaduct Harbour was developed from an old lighter basin to the current jewel of Auckland's waterfront. © Richard Gladwell
The official marinas of the 36th America’s Cup have tacked in response to a wind shift in superyacht visitation rules - opening 28 berths up to Kiwi vessels at standard rates, while offering overseas boats bond refunds.
As well as a revised rate for local vessels, Panuku, ETNZ and ACE have taken the opportunity to offer to refund the non-refundable bond to visitor vessels who believe they will be unable to attend due to the uncertainty of their vessel or owner being able to enter New Zealand due to COVID-19 border restrictions.
Visitor vessels who have already cancelled or wish to cancel their berthage booking due to the uncertainty of their attendance will have their bond refunded. Local vessels currently in the marinas who have already paid their bond at the previously higher rate will receive a credit to their account.
There have been 22 berth cancellations by superyachts of the 77 berths available, and marina managers have opened up 28 berths to NZ resident boats for the regatta period, 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021.
Panuku, ETNZ and ACE have agreed to make changes to berthage pricing rates for the Silo & Viaduct marinas to offer both a local and a visitor rate.
The changes have been triggered by significant restrictions imposed on New Zealand’s borders because of COVID-19, the new offer and rate structure is open to any vessel either resident, or permitted to enter New Zealand during the period of the America's Cup.
The change is expected to open up significant opportunities for local vessels and charter operators from other areas of New Zealand, who can now operate during the America's Cup Regatta season at standard rates.
The addition of a revised local rate and the expected influx of local boats should add energy and excitement to the marinas and race village over the event period.
The revised local vessel rate is available to vessels primarily based in New Zealand regardless of their ensign. Full details of the local rate are available here
The local rate is lower than the visitor vessel rate, which stays as per the original rates for the regatta period. Full details of the visitor rate are available at www.ac36hub.co.nz/berthage-information