Marinas created for the America’s Cup will be getting a new lease of life in October when the Auckland (On Water) Boat Show moves in.

The show – from 7-10 October – brings a focus on innovation, commercial excellence and large vessels to central Auckland. Running for 22 years, it has become a focal point for the marine industry. Utilising the America’s Cup marinas offers further scope for growth.

New exhibitors like Euro City Marine (dealers of Crownline and Finseeker boats) will join established show stalwarts like Allan Tong Boatbuilders in showcasing industry-leading vessels.

On-water exhibitors will use the sheltered harbour in front of the North Wharf restaurants, bringing back the ever-popular feature of viewing vessels on the water. A specially-built infrastructure is to be installed to expand on the America’s Cup marina facilities, allowing easy access for show-goers to reach exhibits, displays and sea trials.

The on-land segment of the show will take place in the space adjacent to the challenger bases, which will host boat exhibitors in marquees and hard stand displays, covering everything from anchor components to sails and rigging.

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.

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 that patrons can enjoy the ambience of one of New Zealand’s newest waterfront precincts within central Auckland. BNZ