America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour

Auckland, New Zealand

A unique opportunity to experience sailing an America's Cup grand prix racer. Become part of the crew and be encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbor.

The America's Cup is the world's oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, NZL 40 and NZL 41 offer the unique opportunity for everyone to participate sailing on these grand prix racing machines. With the America's Cup being sailed here in 2000 and 2003, no trip is complete without experiencing the real Auckland, 'City of Sails'.

There are two sailing options available - choose to join a two hour sailing experience or a three hour match race (begins October).

• Individual 2 hour Sailing Experience: An unforgettable two hour sailing experience. A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America's Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the ride as we sail the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.

• Individual 3 hour Match Racing: For the ultimate thrill join the crew and participate match racing America's Cup style. Your three hour experience begins in the Viaduct Harbour where you will meet the crew and go through a short race and safety briefing. The yachts then depart the Viaduct Harbour and after a period of practice, the action really starts, when we line up in the pre-start and compete head to head. Sailings subject to weather and minimum numbers apply. No experience necessary.

USD $122.64

Traveler Reviews

Review by: Adrian M	March 2012
We sailed on March 11th. A fantastic day made even better because the Volvo 70 Round the World yachts were coming in as we sailed around Auckland Harbour. An amazing experience.

Review by: Kerstin W	January 2012
I hadn't been on a yacht before and was interested in seeing how it all worked. The crew were excellent, friendly, funny and informative. Allowed people to assist but there wasn't an obligation to for those who prefferred to sit back. Great way to spend our last afternoon in NZ (and you get free tickets to the maritime museum too).

Review by: David R	November 2011
Great, a Must for any keen Sailor. Auckland is a wonderful place to sail and being on a very fast ex America's boat made it even more exciting

Review by: Paul B	October 2011
what an experience. stunning good fun

Review by: Alun T	January 2011
Great fun!

Review by: John I	November 2010
This trip was really fun, the crew were great and the ship experience was really cool. We want to come back and experience it racing with another ship.

Review by: Celeste F	November 2010
Awesome! Crew were friendly and gracious. Everyone had an opportunity at the helm and grinders. It was a beautiful day on the harbor. Well worth it.

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	June 2010
Trip was cancelled due to bad weather. The vendor was kind enough to call me to advise of the cancellation.

Review by: Kendra M, United States of America	March 2010
We really loved this excursion. They gave us the opportunity for some hands on experiences of running the boat. Even if you are not into the "physical" aspect of the sailing portion, it's great to go for a sail on one of these incredible boats. The crew was very knowledgeable and active with sailing. They did a fantastic job!

Review by: Vincent K, United States of America	March 2010
This was a great experience, especially since Team Oracle had just reclaimed the America's Cup for the United States. Unfortunately, the winds weren't very strong, so we couldn't sail very fast. This is a good excursion for tourists who want a nice taste of sailing without too much risk. Given the price, this is something I would recommend but it's probably not for everyone.

Review by: Richard B, United States of America	February 2010
My partner and friends had a wonderful time, it was exciting and beautiful at the same time, the crew made it a unforgetable experience, we would do it again.

Review by: Anonymous, United Kingdom	February 2010
We had a good experience. The crew were very friendly and gave a clear briefing. We were disappointed there were so many people on the boat - it was a little squashed - but it was definitely worth doing.

Review by: Lee I, United States of America	May 2009
Even in the rain it was a great experience - thank you!

Review by: Laura I	May 2009
Even in the rain it was a great experience - thank you!

Review by: Bill F, Canada	March 2009
The winds were light in the morning but they allowed us a do over and the winds picked up in the afternoon. It was an amazing experience.

Review by: William F	March 2009
The winds were light in the morning but they allowed us a do over and the winds picked up in the afternoon. It was an amazing experience.

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	February 2009
Being interested in the Americas' Cup, this was a great experience for me. The only drawback was that the crew was unable to get the spinacker up!

Review by: George H, United Kingdom	March 2008
The sensation of being on a yacht of that class, speeding on top of the waves, was awesome. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone. Unfortunately missed the race due to weather conditions.

Review by: Patricia H	March 2008
The sensation of being on a yacht of that class, speeding on top of the waves, was awesome. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone. Unfortunately missed the race due to weather conditions.

Review by: Beverly S, United Kingdom	January 2008
My family included my husband and children, ages thirteen and fifteen. We all equally enjoyed the experience. The crew was very friendly as were the other participants. A great mix of work and fun.

Review by: Michael H, United States of America	October 2007
I got lucky. The weather prevented sailing on the afternoon that I was scheduled, but the supplier provided several options to sail at another time. I was able to view the Coastal Classic race with about 200 sailing vessels. Regardless of when I sailed, the sailing was adventurous!

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	May 2007
Very educational - as a result I am now watching the races with a lot more knowledge, and therefore enjoying them more! Great crew, very friendly and knowledgeable. All in all a great day out!