In exactly two years from today the first race of the 36th America’s Cup will take place in the gorgeous Waitemata Harbour.
With the world’s eyes on Auckland for this hugely exciting racing series, every opportunity is being taken to showcase Auckland to the world in 2021 – from promoting the region’s beautiful natural scenery to our booming luxury market and transformational upgrades to the city – particularly our waterfront.
To support the work being done for the America’s Cup event, the Wynyard Edge Alliance - the Auckland Council and New Zealand Government-owned agency created to drive the infrastructure requirements was formed in 2018.
Once complete, the work will have created bases for the six confirmed challengers, Emirates Team New Zealand, and Luna Rossa – the Challenger of Record, the wider village space, and on-water space for the race yachts and visiting superyachts to moor. The process of removing the storage tanks on Wynyard Point is nearing completion; Hobson Wharf is being extended; and the Wynyard Edge Alliance has also started work on a breakwater along the western side of Hobson Wharf which will ensure the berths being built there will be as tranquil as possible.
Dredging of the outer Viaduct Harbour and its entrance channel are being done to make the area deep enough for syndicate race boats to access.
At the waterfront’s western end, 100-year-old Wynyard Wharf has been undergoing strengthening, so it can hold the weight of construction equipment and, eventually, the base cranes that will launch race boats.
By mid-to-late 2019, when teams are expected to arrive, the result of the current work will be there for all to see: a stage for the America’s Cup and a waterfront destination Kiwis and visitors will love.
For up to date information on the transformation of our waterfront, please visit the Facebook page of the Wynyard Edge Alliance.
For all the latest information on the 36th America’s Cup, please visit our dedicated website.