Duration
2:30 Hours
Activity Level
High
Experience Details*
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 yacht owners, America's Cup Class yachts NZL 68 and NZL 41 offer the unique opportunity to race an authentic America’s Cup yacht, the equivalent to driving a Formula 1 race car. Your 2 hour sailing experience starts in the Viaduct Harbour where you meet the professional crew and are taken through a safety briefing. The sails are then hoisted and you will become the crew, encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders and enjoy the action as you sail down the beautiful Auckland Harbour. Experience is not required and the yachts are suitable for everyone from experienced racers to the most apprehensive first time sailor.
At a glance*
Duration: 2 1/2 hour guided tour
Activity: Moderate level of walking
Transport: By boat and on foot
Why Book? To experience the thrill of sailing as part of a team on an America's Cup yacht.
Itinerary*
Walk to Viaduct Harbour > Join America's Cup Yacht > Sailing on Aukland's harbour > Return to ship or stay in the city for free time >
What's included*
Local guide
Photo opportunities
Scenic views
Essential information
There is a walk of approximately 500 yards between the ship's berth and the departure/arrival point for the America's Cup boats. Please wear flat-soled boat shoes or sneakers and bring a jacket. Pregnant women and children under 10 cannot participate. There are no toilet facilities onboard the vessels but an opportunity is given prior to the tour to use a toilet. Guests are escorted from the ship side to the Viaduct where the yachts are moored (one way), at the end of the tour guests return at their leisure (unguided). Guests should bring warm wind and shower proof jacket. Sunglasses, hat and sunscream are stongly advised. Weatherproof suits will be provided.
ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS, You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS, For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
SCUBA DIVING, All passengers wishing to participate in a certified dive tour must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate divers with either a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating due to the depth limitations imposed by these qualifications. In line with the recommendations by the sports-diving industry, we strongly recommend that divers undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you and we recommend that you carry your diving log or proof that you’ve recently completed a refresher course. If you are a certified diver, but are unable to meet our requirements we recommend taking the Discover Scuba excursion as an alternative. For Discover Scuba courses you don’t need any scuba experience but you must be 15 or over and be able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a medical/liability consent form before you go - but if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart problems or other medical conditions you won’t be able to take part. Please visit www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatsrequired.aspx for more information.