ANZ Lead Sponsor for Sail Fiji 2014

The Royal Akarana Yacht Club today announced naming rights sponsorship by ANZ for the prestigious Sail Fiji 2014.

Nigel Skeggs (left) receives the $20,000 cheque from ANZ Fiji who are now officially the naming sponsor the race.

ANZ Sail Fiji 2014 starts on Saturday 7 June in the vicinity of the Orakei buoy on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, and ends at the Denarau Marina in Nadi, Fiji.

Royal Akarana Yacht Club Past Commodore and ANZ Sail Fiji Race Director John Muir said there is great anticipation and excitement leading up to the race.

“It’s going to be a big event! I am really looking forward to being out on the starting line firing the gun in Auckland and then greeting all the sailors and cruisers in Fiji,” said an enthusiastic Muir.

“We are most grateful for ANZ’s support through sponsorship of NZ$20,000 and acknowledge ANZ’s strategic advantage of connectivity between the Pacific and New Zealand which has enabled this great partnership,” added Muir.

To date 28 boats have expressed an interest to complete in the event. The lineup includes Steinlager 2, Sir Peter Blake’s famous round the world record breaker and Giacomo (formally Groupama), the Volvo 70 which arrived in Auckland in September 2013 and have been an active participant in local and international racing since then.

Royal Akarana Yacht Club is the home of blue water sailing in New Zealand and has a long and successful ocean racing history.  The first Trans-Tasman Cup race in 1931 was a milestone in New Zealand yachting history which has been well documented and while three other yacht clubs were in involved in the event it was Akarana that reallygot the event off the ground.  From the Club’s initial response to E.J. Bennell’s challenge late in 1930, to the commissioning of the Trans-Tasman Cup and its subsequent presentation to the winner at a civic function, Akarana was at the heart of the event.

The ocean racing traditions are continuing for ANZ Sail Fiji.

The Notice of Race and Online Entry forms are now available for the racing fleet.  Those intending to take part are now invited to officially enter the race.  All details can be found on the official website www.sailfiji.co.nz with other race information being distributed through social networking sites Facebook (www.facebook.com/sailfiji) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/sailfiji)

ANZ Sail Fiji 2014 is the signature offshore race of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club.  Now in its 22^nd year the race will become a significant part of the RAYC history.  Proudly sponsored by ANZ, the race is set to attract a large racing and cruising contingency from New Zealand, Australia and beyond.  For more information on the event please visit the official website www.sailfiji.co.nz

Race Details