First major city to see the new year, Americas Cup Semi-Finals start on
Jan 2, and this:
http://www.nzcupvillage.co.nz/frame.asp
-> http://www.nzcupvillage.co.nz/0_releases/release.asp?release_id=28
New Zealand to Host First for The Southern Hemisphere
New Zealand is now guaranteed of hosting the largest gathering of
superyachts ever seen in the Southern Hemisphere, the attraction being
the forthcoming America's cup.
The American Express New Zealand Cup Village has now had over 60 such
boats pay up for the period from October through until March 2000 and
Amex Cup Village PR spokesperson Sue Foley says, "Many of these crafts
are nothing less than floating palaces with some worth over 60 million
US dollars.
"Superyachts are the toys of the rich and famous and some that are
coming are 200 feet in length and contain such extras as helicopter pads
and jacuzzi's.
"One of the most futuristic boats that will be seen will be Hyperion
owned by Silicon Graphics founder Jim Clark and contains 40 miles of
copper writing for the electronics and has over 24 thousand square feet
of sails.
Ms Foley says "We have berthing facilities for 88 superyachts and with
registered interest from 146 there is no doubt all these will be
utilised, and it is purely a first in first served basis.
"With the public friendly layout of the Amex Cup Village, New Zealander'
s who come to Auckland during the five months of racing will never get a
better opportunity to get so close to the worlds rich and beautiful".