Auckland to get Tall ships festival

A long awaited tall ships festival is to be hosted in Auckland later this year, thanks to support from Ports of Auckland, Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.

More than a dozen ships and over 1000 sailors, participating in tall ships festivals in Melbourne and Sydney, will cross the Tasman for a three-day festival to be hosted by the VoyagerNew ZealandMaritimeMuseum.

Event director and former Spirit of Adventure CEO John Lister, who is spearheading the project , says “This is a wonderful opportunity for Aucklanders to witness the spectacle of a tall ships fleet. It’s rare to get such a group of ships in our part of the world and too good an opportunity to let slip by.

“Mayor Len Brown has been instrumental in securing the support we needed to make this festival happen. Ports of Auckland generously agreed to provide berthing and facilities, Waterfront Auckland has offered use of The Cloud, and ATEED has contributed $30,000 because the event will enhance the liveability of Auckland .”

Murray Reade, CEO of Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum says “We are delighted to be involved in coordinating a visit from these magnificent tall ships. Labour Weekend 2013 will see Auckland’s waterfront come alive and we hope thousands of Aucklanders will come and explore the ships .”

The Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum will release more information about the event closer to October.