"Auckland "City of Sails" and Devonport " a Auckland Travel Page by BeverlyTyler

PHOTO: THE CITY OF AUCKLAND AS WE APPROACH ON THE CATAMARAN "CAPRICE" ON THE WAY FROM THE BAYSWATER MARINA TO AUCKLAND DOCK TO PICK UP MORE PASSENGERS FOR A DAY IN THE HAURAKI GULF WATCHING THE AMERICA'S CUP RACES.

We arrived in New Zealand on 4 October and had reserved two places on a 40 ft. Catamaran to go out to watch the Louis Vuitton Cup trials. This was the first series of races to choose the challenger for the America's Cup to go up against the defender Team New Zealand with their boat "Black Magic." (see tips below)

PHOTO: "STARS AND STRIPES" (USA 67), ONE OF THE BOATS OF THE TEAM DENNIS CONNER ENTRY IN THE CUP TRIALS OFF AUCKLAND HARBOR. PICTURED DURING PRE-START MANEUVERING.

This was an exciting day on the water. Sailing out of the harbor in a good breeze, watching four high-performance boats race, having morning tea, luch and an afternoon sail was special. The Auckland area with volcanic peaks on both Islands and the mainland was spectacular. Everyone sails in Auckland. Ferries transport tourists and residents alike from their homes around the harbor to work and play in Auckland and the surrounding area

PHOTO: VIADUCT HARBOR-AMERICA'S CUP-SYNDICATE ROW (L-R) STARS & STRIPES (USA), LEDEFI AREVI (FRANCE), VICTORY CHALLENGE (SWEDEN), GBR CHALLENGE (GREAT BRITAIN), TEAM NZ, ALINGHI (SWITZERLAND), MASCALZONE LATINO (ITALY), ONE WORLD (USA), ORACLE RACING (USA), PRADA (ITALY); AND AUCKLAND HARBOR BRIDGE IN BACKGROUNG. PICTURE TAKEN FROM THE SKY TOWER.

Auckland is a wonderful place to be with all the excitement of the America's Cup, especially when all the different nations are in Auckland and competing in the Louis Vuitton Cup. It is a colorful atmosphere and a festive city.

Of course, there is so much else to do in Auckland and we tried to do some of the regular sights as well. We stayed in Devonport, across the harbor from Auckland and took the ferry into the city. Devonport is a wonderful suburb and a great place to stay at a B&B Homestay and a great place to eat, to walk around and to shop as well (see tips below).