Expressions of interest open for removal of abandoned America’s Cup yacht

Queenstown Lakes District Council has opened Expressions of Interest for parties wanting to remove an abandoned former America’s Cup yacht, moored in Queenstown Bay.

The yacht was part of the NZ Challenge for the America’s Cup in 1992, skippered by Sir Russell Coutts, then raced in San Francisco. It was brought to Queenstown by Auckland company Sail Queenstown Ltd in 2005, where it was used to take tourists out on Lake Wakatipu. Tour operations have since ceased with The Otago Times reporting the yacht has been permanently moored in Queenstown Bay ever since.

In 2017, Mountain Scene reported Auckland businessman Geoff Hunt bought NZL 14 for an undisclosed price, and established a registered charity the following year to help disadvantaged youth "find a new way forward’’ by teaching them how to sail. At the time Hunt estimated the restoration of the run-down yacht would cost about $100,000.

Queenstown Lakes District Council regulatory manager Anthony Hall said NZL 14 is now classed as abandoned under the Maritime Transport Act 1994, and the council wants it removed from the bay noting "we’re reaching out to those who have the appropriate equipment and resources to remove and dispose of the vessel.

"There is some funding available to help with the yacht’s removal and it would be up to the person or group successful through the EOI process to decide what to do with her once she’s off the lake.”

Interested parties would initially be provided with details of the requirements to dispose of the vessel, including the council’s expectations of technical experience.

Expressions of interest close on Sunday 27th March and can be made via email to the QLDC Regulatory team at rcmonitoringsupport@qldc.govt.nz

Image courtesy Queenstown Lakes District Council