International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment

Young Professionals' America's Cup Match Racing

Young Professionals Match Racing Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere, is located right in the heart of the Viaduct Basin in downtown Auckland. It is the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf, a majestic all-weather marine playground with volcanic and flysch islands and sandy beaches. Venue of the 2000 and 2003 America's Cup Challenge, the marina has played host to some of the world’s most luxurious boats since the Millennium and is the course of your match racing.

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 professional yachties, iconic yachts NZL 40 and NZL 41 offer the unique opportunity for Young Professionals to participate sailing on these grand prix racing machines. Passengers become the crew and are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as we sail down the Auckland Harbour.

Match racing will follow on from the Richard Wolters prize presentations - what better way to unwind and relax with your peers?! The YP group will be split to pit their skills against one another... and at the end of the day, you will retire to a local pub for a good New Zealand beer.