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Volvo Ocean Race expected to boost Auckland economy

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Tue, 27 Feb 2018, 6:30AM
The boats are currently on their way to Auckland from Hong Kong. (Photo / Supplied)

Volvo Ocean Race expected to boost Auckland economy

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Tue, 27 Feb 2018, 6:30AM

Auckland's in for an economic shot in the arm as the Volvo Ocean Race boats arrive in the city tonight and stay for 23 days.

There are nine Kiwi sailors on seven different boats, including America's Cup heroes Blair Tuke and Peter Burling

Sir Peter Blake's son James is also on one of the boats as an onboard reporter.

Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover director Grant Calder told Kate Hawkesby the economic impacts for the city were fantastic the last two times the race visited in 2012 and 2015.

"I think this time round we will have a bigger economic impact with 23 days and the bed nights that we will say, and the number of sailors and supporters that come down to enjoy Auckland and have a bit of a holiday in between getting ready for the next leg."

The race is expected to be a big boost to the country's marine industry.

Calder says the reason for the long stopover is the expertise of the marine industry here.

"Volvo obviously, we've got some spars that have a contract with the [race]. We've also got our other suppliers that Volvo lean on with the boat yards that do the maintenance on the stop over."

The tourism industry is likely to get a boost as well.

Over 70,000 people have already visited the Volvo Ocean Race village in Auckland and the boats aren't even here yet.

Calder says having high profile sailors like Blair Tuke and Peter Burling in the race has helped bring people down to the village.

"A lot of work to be done by their shore crews, but from a stop over perspective, we've got a lot of entertainment, we've got a lot of activities for young kids, and it's all free for everyone to come down and enjoy at the Viaduct Basin."

LISTEN TO GRANT CALDER TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE

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