Issue date
Sir Peter Blake’s Lion New Zealand will return to the Auckland Viaduct Harbour this afternoon at 4pm following an extensive 18-month restoration at Yachting Developments, Hobsonville.
The NZ Sailing Trust were inviting all boat owners, both big and small, to form a flotilla outside the Viaduct Marina to welcome home Lion New Zealand. Lion New Zealand will approach from under the harbour bridge. Please do not follow her into the marina as this may cause congestion.
A number of events were being planned to celebrate the milestone, including free public open days in Market Place Square in the Viaduct on March 15 and 16. Sailors and the general public are invited to view Lion New Zealand, learn of her history and the role of the NZ Sailing Trust. A gold coin donation would be welcomed.
Lion New Zealand’s major restoration was required after 34 years of wear and tear. The project brief between the NZ Sailing Trust and Yachting Developments focused on retaining as much of her original configuration both above and below deck, with some modifications to meet current maritime standards and the demands of her current role.
With a budget in excess of $1.1 million, the restoration has been extensive. After 34 years, no stone was left unturned, including a new mast, keel and everything in between (all electrical and engineering systems, navigational hardware, rudder and mast as well as sailing hardware).
The NZ Sailing Trust worked tirelessly and managed to raise the majority of the funds, however, additional funds are still needed to complete the final touches to the restoration. After the generosity of so many people, the Trust started the Lion New Zealand 300 Club. They still need more people to join and help them fund the finishing touches to Lion New Zealand. See here for more.
Better known for winning line honours at the 1984 Sydney to Hobart race and her subsequent second in the 1985/86 Whitbread Round the World Race, Lion New Zealand has been owned and operated by the NZ Sailing Trust since 2008. The Auckland-based charitable trust has delivered youth development sailing programmes on both Lion New Zealand and Steinlager 2 to more than 8000 young New Zealanders.
See here to read the difference the experience has made to many who have participated in these programmes.
For more information contact Paul Powney CEO paul@nzsailingtrust.com
