Home > Auckland > America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour
USD $124.00
America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour
Auckland, New Zealand
Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or sit back, relax and enjoy the sail on an America's Cup match racing yacht as you sail Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Become part of the crew and feel the thrill of yachting at its best. Or just sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere and stunning habor scenery. You have the choice to join a 2-hour sail on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, or for the ultimate thrill, join the crew and participate in a 3-hour racing experience.
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, New Zealand offers you the unique
opportunity to participate in sailing on these grand prix racing
machines. A once in a lifetime must do attraction 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.
Very good excellent crew not enough wind to race, but they gave us life long tickets to go any time.
Review by: Keith M, December 2017
We had a nicer experience with the Maritime museum sailing ship for 40 inclusive museum entry fees
Review by: Chris B, November 2017
Great to be on an Americas Cup boat in Auckland Harbour and we were lucky to have both good winds and sunshine. However crew very inexperienced - apart from skipper. Briefing was rudimentary at best - no explanation for non sailors of what tacking or gybing were for example. Boat had been badly prepared and the crew could not drop the mainsail without someone going up the mast to fix a jammed slider. Quite a lot of money for what it was.
Review by: Christy N, August 2017
This felt like a once in a lifetime experience! It was so much fun to participate and be part of the crew!
Review by: David P, April 2017
Great experience , crew made it fun on a day without much wind !
Review by: thompres, March 2017
I was very disappointed by the sail. The boat was great indecently fast, the crew knowledgeable, weather nice, however, the boat was simply too crowded to enjoy. There were 30 passengers and 5 crew on the boat. When racing, these boats had a crew of 11. It was like sailing a crowded elevator, not a fast, agile racing boat.
Review by: Adrian B, January 2017
Crew were great in showing off the boat - unfortunately not too much wind which can't be helped but were given a voucher to use again. Would definitely do again
Review by: Judith S, January 2017
The sailing experience was wonderful! We had great wind, and with reefed main we were doing 16-18 knots easily, heeled over, water whipping over the leeward toeboard! The crew was great fun, very competent, and sociable. I got to take the helm for 15 minutes which was a thrill, and the boat was very responsive. All in all a fabulous sail. My one criticism is that, while technically Viator does not make any false claims, one gets the impression that you are going to be sailing, if not the winning NZ America's Cup boat, at least a NZ boat. It turns out the boat we sailed was actually Japan's entry, and was not a winner. This took a bit of the shine off the experience. Maybe they should make it clear before someone signs up, what boat he/she will be on.
Review by: Jim M, December 2016
Don't think just get on it and love every second
Review by: Beth J, November 2016
EXCELLENT
Review by: Beth J, November 2016
Fabulous
Review by: bcdwyer5066, November 2016
It was an amazing trip. The crew was friendly and had many hours of experience. Wish the trip had been longer.
Review by: Jacqueline P, November 2016
We had a great time on the boat. The crew was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. A great way to see Auckland's Waitemata Harbor. Loved the rain gear wished we could have been out there longer! Highly recommended would do it again!_br/_ Jackie P.
Review by: Nancy S, June 2016
This was an awesome tour of Auckland's harbor. We married on Piha beach on Saturday and I gave my husband this America's Cup Sailing tour as a wedding gift. He has always been a fan of the America's Cup races and was so excited to be able to experience the sailboat adventure. Just seeing the smile on his face was worth a million!
Review by: David A, April 2016
they did not go because it was too Windy. For crying our loud it is an America's Cup Sailboat that works with the wind. It cannot be too windy for this boat.
Review by: Kyle J, March 2016
The opportunity to participate as crew member and learn some basics of sailing was rewarding. The crew was knowledge, entertaining and courtesy. Highly recommended!
Review by: anil k, March 2016
outstanding experience great staff no hustling for tips
Review by: wayt, March 2016
If you want to give your shoulders and rump a good workout, volunteer to be a grinder work the sail winches. The match racing is a lot of funcaptain was great, scenery was amazing, and it's a thrill to race fast and hard, especially when you win!
Review by: Judy S, March 2016
Fantastic! Great sailing - we all actually helped on deck and got to take a turn at the wheel. If you like sailing, you will not be disappointed. You will be on a HIGH just thinking back on the experience.
Review by: Don E, March 2016
Missed the wind by a day, but enjoyed the time on the water and seeing the city from a different vantage point. The company did give us vouchers for a return trip that don't expire, a nice touch.
Review by: David P, March 2016
great trip out on the harbour !!!
Review by: Katharina B, December 2015
My husband and I had the greatest time. The weather was perfect. The crew were very enthusiastic and attentive, and made sure we all participated in the cruise. We were lucky enough to have only a few people on board so got to experience actually sailing the boat! Would do it again for sure! Quote from my husband friggin awesome experience...loved it.
Review by: Elizabeth S, December 2015
We had a fantastic sail - the staff were great and made us feel very safe, but at the same time my sailboat-loving husband had a thrilling ride with great speed and views of the harbor. And anyone who wanted got a turn at the helm!
Review by: David V, November 2015
We enjoyed the America's Cup Sailing experience. We have this type of ocean racing sailing in our family with our son and have a good background about what it is and what to expect. We felt that due to the good crew and their eagerness to perform combined with a good day with adequate winds they did provide us with a full range of the thrill of ocean racing including sailing down wind under the amazing spinnaker. It was a happy time for us as it seemed to most of those fortunate to be on this cruise. They provided great and a wide variety of harbor views with commentary including going under the harbor bridge with our mast almost hitting the structure. Well done and highly recommended!
Review by: John C, November 2015
This was a great trip. We had great views of the Auckland shore, skyline.and surrounding islands from out on the water. The staff crew were professional, friendly, and fun. They encouraged passengers to be part of the team no experience necessary. Interested passengers were allowed to take one of the two wheels. Above all, it was a real thrill to be on the open water in a racing boat at full sail including a massive jinnaker. A memorable day. Don't miss the exhibit on America's Cup Racing at the adjacent Auckland Maritime Museum- admission included as of this writing.
Review by: Paula G, May 2015
Boat and crew first rate. Unfortunately not so with the wind on our tour day. They have added a motor to the boat so we did get a tour of the harbor under power. The company provides a return voucher when low wind conditions exist. Would have been a great ride but in the end Mother Nature does as she damn well pleases.
Review by: Susan H, April 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Guy W, March 2015
Very fun. Excellent Crew.
Review by: Timothy R, March 2015
An amazing experience - glorious weather, a great breeze, and a knowledgeable/fun crew.
Review by: Brent W, March 2015
It was awesome!! The crew was great. We saw some Orcas that came really close to the boat and we followed them for a while. It was so cool.
Review by: Mrs J M K, March 2015
Hi. Arrived 15 mins before event to be told Match Race not available as one boat not usable. Could go on the 2hour sail for which we had to wait another hour. This was most enjoyable and well organised. Disappointing only to have 2 hour sail. (Also cost of this option is quite a bit less)
Review by: Michael G, March 2015
Tour can only be described as a lot of fun. Mock America's cup sail race over 3 hours was just plain a hoot as the boats competed at a respectful distance between each other..
Review by: Stephen M, December 2014
Exciting, active experience- just what we wanted! It wasn't really clear, but the race is just between two boats owned by the operator. Opportunity to grind on deck almost as much as we wanted- gave a whole new appreciation for racing. Safety emphasized and crew made it fun. We would have enjoyed more explanation on what we were doing, when and why (tacking, raising and lowering spinnaker, etc.). But that doesn't take away from a fantastic and memorable experience.
Review by: Peter Shiret, April 2014
A great way to enjoy Auckland harbour. The crew's explanation and handling of the yacht was effortless, professional, and clear, enabling all those on board to activity enjoy the pleasure of crewing and steering this wonderful boat.
Review by: Michael G, March 2014
We had great wind and the crew was very professional. It might be a little daunting to anyone a little shy around the water or has limited mobility.
Review by: JK J, February 2014
The whole experience exceeded my expectations as it was a hands on the grinders and steering this magnificent boat although I live in Auckland and have been on the harbor in various boats many times this was some thing to remember. All the crew were so professional and gave freely of their knowledge of sailing. both to me us a and to the many over seas visitors on the boat who also enjoyed this unique time on the water. To match race against another Americas boat is some thing I will never forget and thank goodness my dearest Wife gave me this as a Xmas gift. I will certainly recommend this to all my friends and colleagues .
Review by: Rudy P, February 2014
It was fabulous. We had great wind and the guys handling the boat were a long of fun while still doing a great job of boat handling. Would definitely recommend it! Thanks
Review by: Lloyd G, January 2014
it was great!!! the staff on the boat were very informative and friendly
Review by: Thomas M, January 2014
Great day out! The guys on our boat were very efficient and got the safety drill across in a timely manner before heading out. Everyone should try grinding (ladies as well) as it is bit of a workout and good if everyone pitches in. From being behind at first we caught up and overtook so there was a great spirit on board. Lots of time for photo opportunities and to enjoy the beautiful Auckland scenery. Fantastic for tourist and also locals to enjoy time on the Harbour.
Review by: Rachel W, January 2014
Having the opportunity to sail on the NZL 41 was, and remains, one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of our holiday. We were encouraged to participate by the charming crew and also enjoyed the stunning views of Aukland from the harbour. Everyone who goes to Aukland should have a go at sailing this former Americas Cup Yacht.
Review by: Malcolm M, January 2014
Excellent sailing experience - great conditions, very well run and professionally executed by an informative and friendly crew. Recommended.
Review by: Erin M M, August 2013
My husband, son and I went on this trip, it was great fun, the staff were very helpful and friendly, as were the other passengers. It was our first time ever yachting, and although we had little wind, we had a great experience. Next time we are back in Auckland we hope to do the match racing sailing. Highly recommend.
Review by: Alistair C, March 2013
Excellent in every way:_br/_
Skipper and crew were very competent and enjoyed showing their boat off;_br/_
Even saw the new AC 72 cats being trialled
Review by: Helena C, January 2013
Exhilarating!
Review by: Pradeep K, December 2012
A great experience._br/_
The experience could have been heightened for those who are interested, with an interesting writeup about the design features in the boats which make them so fast, and explanations of how the boats move, and what actions are taken to make them move.
Review by: khicko, November 2012
My husband had a terrific time!
Review by: RAJones, April 2012
Great experience! Unfortunately it wasn't that windy when I went out so we couldn't go that fast, but the sailing is was great
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).
RSS Feed