Yachties band together to preserve Westhaven

By STUART DYE

The yachting community has launched a do-or-die attempt to buy Westhaven Marina and reinforce Auckland's reputation as the City of Sails.

The Westhaven Marina Charitable Trust will lodge its bid for the waterfront in the next few days.

Last night the trust, a consortium of yachting groups, gave the first glimpse of its plans. They include:

* A new sandy beach along part of Westhaven Drive, extending the small existing beach.

* A dramatic new harbour entrance at the eastern end of the marina.

* Creation of a public walkway across the waterfront to provide views of the harbour and yacht racing action.

* Redevelopment of the former Westend Rowing Club as a new headquarters for sail training and sailing, with the upper floor offered to Yachting New Zealand.

Trust spokesman Bill Endean said Westhaven was an icon for Auckland and the heart of sailing excellence.

"It's important that Westhaven continues as the centre of Auckland and New Zealand yachting and we believe that sailors are best placed to lead that," said Mr Endean.

The trust refused to reveal how much its bid was worth but described it as a "substantial sum" and said all the money was available. It finds itself in a bidding war with the Auckland City Council which two weeks ago confirmed its intention to bid for the Ports of Auckland-owned land.

The trust's Cedric Allen said it was irritating to have to bid against "your own council".

"This is yachting's do-or-die attempt to keep the marina for sailing and public access," said Mr Allen.

"We rely on being the City of Sails so who better to retain that title than the sailing community?"

The trust is made up of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Yachting New Zealand, Westhaven Marina Users' Association and a number of yacht clubs.

If the bid is successful the trust aims to use future profits to promote sailing, marine safety and training, and to help take care of the harbour, the Hauraki Gulf and its islands.

The trust would be happy to work with the city council to collaborate on its vision and the overall authority waterfront strategy.

"We'll deliver what the council wants for Auckland without the ratepayers having to spend a cent," said Mr Endean.

Marina trust

* Comprised of the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron, Yachting NZ, the Westhaven Marina Users' Association and other yacht clubs.

* If it buys the marina the trust aims to use future profits to promote sailing, marine safety and training.

* The Auckland City Council has also announced its interest in the marina.