Volvo Ocean Race on water instructions

With the arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race yachts in Auckland this weekend, the Harbourmaster has put in place safety measures all harbour users must follow for duration of the Stopover.

The first boat is expected to sail into port this weekend. The Auckland Stopover will include two Inner Waitemata Harbour Volvo Sailing events (that start and finish at the Viaduct Village) on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 March before their departure at 2pm on Sunday 18 March.

Harbourmaster Andrew Hayton says all those out on the harbour during this time must firstly be aware of the course buoyed with yellow Harbourmaster and Volvo event marks.

"The Volvo Race course area has been designed to provide fast, up close sailing action within the confines of the Inner Waitemata Harbour. This type of course means restrictions are in place as a safety measure for those racing and others out on their boats enjoying this great event," he says.

For the duration of the three-day sailing event, the following restrictions will be in place:

* All vessels to keep clear and out of the course area marked with yellow Harbourmaster and Volvo buoys

* Spectator crafts are requested to anchor early around the course area

* A five knot speed restriction will be in place from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to North Head for the duration of racing

* Access along the southern shore commercial port area from Wynyard to Fergusson Wharf will be restricted to commercial ferry operators only

* Wake is to be kept to a minimum around the course

* All vessels are to have a listening watch on VHF Channel 12. On the day course details and sailing instructions will be broadcast to mariners along with ferry and shipping movements.

"All mariners need to maintain a good lookout and exercise caution when transiting the Inner Waitemata Harbour over the event. We ask everyone to please listen to the instructions from the marshal /patrol craft that will be managing the event along with Harbourmaster and Police who will be patrolling the course."