Big boats berth at Viaduct

At least 120 classic and superyachts will be berthed at the Viaduct Harbour over coming weeks as the America's Cup challenger series picks up intensity.

America's Cup Village chairman Peter Kiely says the owners will each spend tens of thousands of dollars on berthage fees.

Many of the 120 craft are already in the Pacific sailing for Auckland, he says.

This week, the 44m racing ketch Mari Cha III and the 30m sloop Pink Gin arrived.

On average, the superyachts will be 5m longer than those here for the cup three years ago and will stay on average a month longer.

Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison's yacht, Katana, has for months occupied the equivalent of eight berths and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's massive yacht, Tatoosh, arrived recently.

Just 17m shorter than the frigate Te Kaha, Tatoosh is anchored in the Waitemata Harbour.

Mr Kiely will not divulge the cost of tying up a superyacht at the Viaduct.

But he says New Zealand yachts can tie up for $300 a night on a temporary basis under a deal aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to bring their boats to the heart of the cup racing for short visits.

Spectacular sell-out

Fullers Auckland has sold all 650 tickets for its two spectator catamarans in the Hauraki Gulf on the first day of the America's Cup, February 15.

Fuller's America's Cup project manager Vanessa Freeman says people have a good understanding of the race format and are targeting the days to go out to watch.

The cup start and the scheduled fifth day of racing are the most popular.

Spectator interest in the Louis Vuitton challenger series is also increasing.

Superyacht watcher's guide

nzherald.co.nz/americascup