The whizzbang Millennium Cuppers go under starter's orders just off the Devonport Wharf this morning in two classes starting at 11.30am and 11.50am. The powerboats take up the chase at noon. The best viewing spots will be on the wharf or on North Head as the fleet sweeps past en
route to Kawau Island. The fleet is expected to return between 4pm and 5pm tomorrow.
Millennium Cup
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Auckland boaties get their chance to salute Team New Zealand with a mass cruise-by off the Viaduct Harbour starting at 4.30pm on Friday. Vessels from West Harbour, Beach Haven, Westhaven or similar areas are asked to assemble west of the Harbour Bridge. Vessels from the direction of Orakei, Eastern Bays and Gulf Harbour are asked to assemble near Mechanics Bay. Each flotilla then will be led by HMNZS Moa and the Spirit of New Zealand around a five-mile circuit of the inner harbour. Radio contact will be on VHF 18 or VHF 16 for emergencies.
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Shipping news: The eight-year-old, 41m ketch Sariyah (above) is owned by Saudi Arabian businessman Isam Kabbani and his influence lends an exotic flavour to its American East Coast style.
The interior wooden panels are a light, nutty brown, the ceiling is mushroomy suede, Persian rugs grace the floor, regulation nautical paintings contrast with an Arabian portrait and an engraved Arabic inscription, and the rich blue bedspread in the master bedroom is offset by a large painting of a harem.
And yes, that's real gold on the bow.
Sariyah, a purpose-built racing yacht with an aluminium hull designed for sailing at speed in rough seas, finished second in the Transatlantic Challenge in 1997.
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And the cup goes to: Team New Zealand, 5-3.
OneWorld trimmer, New Zealander Kevin Shoebridge, expects an epic battle.
"I think it will be a very even contest although I slightly favour Team New Zealand.
"Russell [Coutts] and Brad [Butterworth] have been sailing so well and they are going to be hard to beat, especially if they get in front.
"But I have a lot of faith in the developments that Team New Zealand have done."
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
The whizzbang Millennium Cuppers go under starter's orders just off the Devonport Wharf this morning in two classes starting at 11.30am and 11.50am. The powerboats take up the chase at noon. The best viewing spots will be on the wharf or on North Head as the fleet sweeps past en
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