America's Cup marinas set to host Auckland On Water Boat Show
by Isla McKechnie - Albatross PR 4 Jun 2021 14:34 NZST
4 June 2021
The Auckland On Water Boat Show is one of Australasia's leading boat shows © Photo supplied
The America’s Cup infrastructure developments, on Wynyard Point, will be getting a new lease of life in October when the Auckland (On Water) Boat Show moves in.
The show, which is one of Australasia’s leading boat shows, will run from 7th-10th October 2021 in the high profile location. Running for 22 years, it has become a focal point for the marine industry and will now be held at the newly-built America’s Cup marina.
The on water exhibitors will utilise the expansive sheltered harbour in front of the North Wharf restaurants, and the on land space on Wynyard Point, adjacent to the INEOS America’s Cup challenger syndicate base will house boat show exhibitors in marquees and on land hard stand displays.
From 2022 onward, the show will move to its new summer dates - 17-22 March - taking advantage of warmer weather conditions to fully promote the New Zealand boating lifestyle.
A specially-built boat show marina will be installed to expand on the excellent marina facilities first used in the 2021 America's Cup, and will allow easy access for show-goers to reach exhibits, displays and sea trials.
“It is our full intention to hold the show in this area long term, and to grow the show with expanded exhibitor space, while expanding on themes to create a vibrant exciting atmosphere,” says NZ Marine CEO Peter Busfield.
“We are very pleased to have the strong support from Panuku Development Auckland and Auckland Unlimited who are fully supportive of our plans to develop and grow this show in the facility provided from the legacy of the 36th America’s Cup,” adds show organiser, Stacey Cook.
“We also appreciate the ongoing good support of Viaduct Harbour Holdings, who support our show on Auckland’s waterfront, which brings visitors from throughout New Zealand and Australia.”
This year’s October 2021 show will be the last edition of the event held in spring before the beginning of the summer shows from March 2022. Organisers plan to use the summer timing of future shows to allow the boating public and new marine audiences to sample and enjoy boating in calmer and warmer weather conditions. It will make full use of daylight savings so show patrons can enjoy the ambience of one of New Zealand’s newest waterfront precincts within central Auckland.
“This March timing allows exhibitors to secure orders for delivery throughout the autumn and winter months leading up to the following boating season, and is a great time for offshore agents and buyers to visit NZ and be part of the largest one-stop-shop New Zealand marine industry display,” says Busfield.