Ousting Alinghi ..... FINALLY

It has been a fantastic 2 weeks of sailing on the Waitemata Harbour. The series was completed today with Emirates Team New Zealand taking the 1st Louis Vuitton Pacific Series Cup in a best of 5 races against Americas Cup holders Alinghi.



The weather didn't stop a huge crowd from turning up at North Head in Devonport for the final showdown.



Next stop was the Viaduct, where an enthusiastic crowd was waiting for Team New Zealand to arrive back at the Pacific Series Head Quarters. Another shooter friend, Sam, was with me and we were promptly asked if we were looking for the media gate. Next thing we knew we were up the front with a huge rowdy bunch of photographers and journalists.

Martin Tasker, voice of Americas Cup commentary, shows his exhaustion after a huge 2 weeks on the water.

Dean was impressed with my willingness to get a self portrait with him. As were many other photographers.

Bring on the next AMERICAS CUP.

Check out all the photos here

Sea Legs and other such thrills

Waitangi weekend was always going to be a fantastic occasion this year,  but the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series sailing regatta occuring over the last week and all of next week added some extra thrill to the long weekend. It has brought 1000s of spectators out to Northhead and Torpedo Bay whalf. The wind on Waitangi day was perfect for a real spectators race with the course set almost half inside the Auckland Harbour. 

The crowd grew throughout the day but some were finding other ways to enjoy the sunny day off work..................







...........Including myself.

Big Day Out in Sunny Wellington

Yesterday was a huge day for all involved in the marriage of Peter and Mani. My day started at 4:30am so I could fly down from Auckland. Most weddings are big occasions but this was huge. Not only were these two young people's lives being connected forever, so were their cultures. It was important to both families that each culture was able to celebrate the day in their own tradition. Two ceremonies meant a big day of shooting, with a more traditional Kiwi garden ceremony in the morning followed later by a traditional Laos ceremony.

























I feel honoured to be part of such a unique event that most New Zealanders won't have seen before. Thanks Peter and Mani for giving me this opportunity.