Lion New Zealand gets a new lease on life

Sir Peter Blake’s Lion New Zealand has been welcomed back to Auckland Viaduct Marina following an extensive 18-month restoration at Yachting Developments, Hobsonville. Lion New Zealand’s major restoration was required after 34 years of wear and tear. The project brief between the NZ Sailing Trust and Yachting Developments focused on retaining as much of her original configuration both above and below deck with some modifications to meet current maritime standards and the demands of her current role. With a budget in excess of $1.1 million the restoration has been extensive, after 34 years no stone has been left unturned including a new mast, keel and everything in between (all electrical and engineering systems, navigational hardware, rudder and mast as well as sailing hardware). The NZ Sailing Trust has worked tirelessly and managed to raise the majority of the funds,