We kindly ask you to review this important update regarding on-water exclusion zones, road closures, and traffic management in and around Westhaven Marina during the upcoming SailGP event.
With Auckland hosting SailGP for the first time, Westhaven Marina will be a prime viewing location, drawing large crowds, including berth holders and the general public. To ensure safety and smooth operations:
- The Harbourmaster has established exclusion zones on the Waitematā Harbour that will close the marina to marine traffic entering and exiting Westhaven Marina at certain times
- A traffic management plan, approved by Auckland Transport, will be implemented, with extra security staff on site.
Key information for the SailGP weekend
On-water exclusion zone details
An exclusion zone will be enforced on the Waitematā Harbour during the following times:
- Friday 17 January 2025 (official training day): 2.30pm to 7pm
- Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19 January 2025 (race days): 2.30pm to 7pm.
During these periods:
- Access within the exclusion zone will be restricted to official event vessels and a limited number of ‘Flagged Boats’ with valid ‘Bring Your Own Boat’ passes
- Non-flagged vessels will not be permitted entry
- Access through the exclusion zone to enter or exit from Westhaven Marina will not be possible.
Please refer to the exclusion zone map below.
Marina access and traffic management on race days (18-19 January)
Pedestrian and emergency access to the marina will be maintained at all times.
Curran Street access:
- Vehicle access to the marina via Curran Street will close from 11am
- Vehicles approaching the marina via Curran Street will be redirected away from the marina up Shelly Beach Road
- Curran Street access will reopen after crowds disperse.
Beaumont Street access:
- Vehicle access to the marina via Beaumont Street will remain open, with road closures starting near Burnsco at 129 Westhaven Drive.
Traffic management and security:
- Traffic management staff and security contactors will be positioned at key locations within Westhaven Marina to assist and direct drivers.
To avoid disruptions, we recommend provisioning your vessel the evening before or before 11am on race days.
Parking at Westhaven
Parking availability will be limited due to the anticipated crowds. To ensure a smoother experience:
- Arrive early if you plan to park at the marina on race days, as spaces will fill up quickly
- Space will be limited, and as always, the marina cannot accept responsibility for any damage to vehicles
- Recommended parking: Southern end of the marina, between Z pier and Burnsco
- Vehicle access to the northern reclamation (near the yacht clubs) will close at 11am. If you need to enter or exit after this time, traffic management staff will assist when it is safe to do so, but delays are likely. You may be asked for your name and berth number if you attempt to enter the northern reclamation after 11am.
Note: Usual parking restrictions will apply. Additional security contactors will monitor all parking areas, including in the southern car parks, to ensure safety and help manage traffic flow.
Safety and security
To ensure safety and enjoyment for all during this busy event:
- Please be vigilant with personal belongings and mindful of tailgaters at pier gates
- Additional marina staff and security guards will be on site throughout the event and overnight
- You may be asked for your name and berth number when accessing the piers – this is standard security protocol, so please don’t be offended if you’re asked.
If staying overnight on your vessel, please:
- Be considerate of other marina users, especially with noise levels
- Prioritise safety and look out for one another
- Additional staff will be patrolling the piers regularly to ensure security and safety are upheld
- In the unlikely event of someone falling into the water, all patrolling marina staff are trained in multiple extraction techniques.
A shared responsibility
This is an unprecedented event for Westhaven Marina. While we will aim to minimise disruptions, the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and berth holders is our top priority. Your cooperation will help ensure a successful and memorable SailGP weekend.
For more event information, please visit the SailGP website here. If you have any general enquiries about the event, feel free to contact the SailGP team at contact@sailgp.com.
If you have any questions or concerns about accessing the marina/your vessel during the event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the marina office.
Thank you for your understanding and support.