City of Sails

Auckland city skyline from Westhaven Marina. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Auckland markets itself as ‘The City of Sails’ and with around one registered craft for every 11 residents (1), it’s easy to see why.

The city occupies an isthmus between two harbours, and it’s difficult to find a vantage point of Auckland that doesn’t include at least a glimpse of the sea.

America’s Cup (2) boat out practicing or something. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Westhaven Marina, adjacent to the CBD, has berths for around 2000 boats, making it one of the largest in the world. It’s also a great place from which to see the city skyline.

Auckland Harbour Bridge, from Westhaven Marina Boardwalk. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Auckland Harbour Bridge, from Westhaven Marina Boardwalk. Image: Su Leslie 2018

Posted to Lens-Artists Photo Challenge | cityscapes

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1. These are 2014 figures, but my personal guess is that the ratio won’t have changed much in the intervening years, and if anything there may now be more boats in the city’s harbours as Auckland has become a “destination” for superyachts.
2. Auckland is currently home to the America’s Cup, after a 7-1 victory in 2017 in the Bahamas. The next challenge will take place here in 2021.