16th September 2008: Sailing on ex-America's Cup yachts

Tim went sailing on a 1995 America's Cup yacht which is now run as a tourist attraction out of the Viaduct Marina in Auckland. I took some photos of the yacht from the previous flat.

Excellent fun - the crew are really enthusiastic and happy to let you get involved in the sailing to whatever level you want. Almost everyone on the boat had a go at the helm. We sailed out to near Rangitoto island, back past the marina and under the harbour bridge, then returned to the marina.

The boat was remarkably stable, which I supposed shouldn't be a huge surprise given it weighs 24 tons, 18 of which are in the keel bulb. It nonetheless felt hugely powerful, and was certainly fast.

Interesting moments:

• Sailing circles around a random 35 foot yacht which was going half our speed.
  
• The mast only just making it under the bridge. (or so it seemed from on-board)
  
• Getting buried under about 400 square metres of gennaker in the bow

Must go again sometime.