Frigate may act as series grandstand

By ANGELA GREGORY

The former Navy frigate Waikato is set to become the country's largest floating spectator platform and corporate functions centre.

Plans are nearing completion to tow the 113m-long former warship into the Hauraki Gulf as a corporate viewing platform for the America's Cup challenger and defender series.

The decommissioned frigate was recently bought by a Tutukaka group to be sunk off the Whangarei coast as a diving attraction - not far from the ex-Navy ship Tui, which was scuttled this year.

But first an Auckland businessman, Allan Stephen, hopes to use the Waikato at the America's Cup.

The idea has been cautiously received by the Auckland harbourmaster, James McPetrie, who warned that it could prove "extremely difficult" to find an appropriate spot to park the frigate.

Mr McPetrie said two of the racing areas (near Long Bay and Tiritiri Matangi Island) were above submarine cables which did not allow anchorage.

The third was close to Rangitoto Island where four commercial shipping routes operated.

"It's a pretty crowded place out there at the moment ... They're going to be so far away they will not see a lot."

Mr McPetrie said that for at least the Long Bay course the view from land would be better.

The Waikato would also have to meet safe ship management requirements such as the provision of lifesaving equipment, pumping, firefighting and salvage capabilities.

Mr McPetrie said the proposal needed full research, and could be a little premature.

"I remain slightly ambivalent. It's a lot more difficult than they might think."

The deputy director of the Maritime Safety Authority, Tony Martin, said meeting safety requirements could be a lengthy process as the frigate had not been commercially used before.

"They need to get cracking. There are a large number of requirements to be complied with."

But Mr Stephen was yesterday buoyant about the proposal on which he had worked for eight months.

"The doubts are unfounded ... We have the ship management in order and been through all the issues."

Mr Stephen said there would be nothing to rival the Waikato as a stable base on the water.

"It will be the most exciting thing ... with a blues band, a party atmosphere and fun."

The Waikato was yesterday towed from the Devonport Naval Base to Princes Wharf for preparation.

Tutukaka Coast Promotions is welcoming the plan to deploy the Leander-class frigate to the Hauraki Gulf.

Chairman Peter Vink said a lease arrangement would create revenue to help cover the costs of sinking the ship next September while giving the promotions society time to work through resource consents.