NEW ZEALAND - The capital of the boating world has moved South It wasn't too long ago, when people talked of New Zealand, they invariably said that it was a beautiful, unspoiled country and that it had 3 million people and 70 million sheep. Well, things have changed. We have grown to 3.6 million people, we only have 58 million sheep now-and we also have: - the America's Cup, - The Louis Vuitton Cup (for defeating all other   challengers at the America's Cup), - Various Whitbread Trophies (from the 93-94   Whitbread Round the World Race in both the   Whitbread 60 "Yamaha" and maxi divisions,   "New Zealand Endeavour" plus 1st and 2nd   places in the previous Whitbread) - The Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest non stop   circumnavigation (ENZA - 74 days,   22 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds). Yacht racing is a major sport in New Zealand. Pictured is a start from this years Air New Zealand IMS Regatta. New Zealand is not only known as a world-leader in yacht racing. We also have become recognised as a major force in building luxury superyachts, especially when more modern techniques of construction are specified.     Our Superyachts are winning awards and recognition around the world. "Imagine" designed by Ed Dubois, built by Alloy Yachts International. Our equipment manufacturers have their products on many of the world's finest and biggest selling boats, our designers are known for creating product for discerning people around the world and our emerging commercial and work boat sector is developing special purpose work boats, dive boats, small ferries and other highly specialised craft for use primarily in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. We also build elegant power boats. Pictured is "Southerly" built by Marex member McMullen & Wing. Our yacht designers (several of whom now live overseas to be closer to their major customers) have established themselves as true leaders in uniting performance, art and practicality. The natural beauty of New Zealand and our location in the South Pacific has made New Zealand one of the great cruising destinations. As more and more boats visit our waters, an industry has grown to meet their needs for quality repairs, routine maintenance and even complete major refits such as the extensive work recently completed on the 56 metre (183') three masted schooner "Shenandoah" originally built in New York in 1902. The emergence of New Zealand's marine industry as a world leader has happened at a time when the country has gone through dramatic changes in government policy and economy. What was once a tightly controlled economy with strong government intervention, is now one of the success stories in free market economics. Our industries are de-regulated, our economy strengthening, we have budget surpluses and are dramatically reducing government debt. Our marine industry, enjoys a relatively unregulated business climate while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship, design and technological sophistication. Possibly it is because of our relatively isolated geographic position-two major islands deep in the South Pacific, that we have been forced over the years to develop our industry and skills to such a high level. Perhaps even more, it is our beautiful and challenging coastline that has helped to make yachting and boating activities so important to every New Zealander. It is this 'boating as a way of life' factor that helps to make our boats and products so well accepted for their quality, performance and value around the world. The chances are good that if you spoke with any young apprentice or craftsman at one of our boatbuilding yards, you would find that when he is not working, he is out sailing, or even more probably, building his own boat at home. Quality and detail from Alan Warwick designed "Martinique". With yachting so important in all of our lives, New Zealand is excited about the opportunity to host the America's Cup 2000 defence. Plans are taking place to build an America's Cup Village on the Auckland waterfront. New Zealand in 2000 will be throbbing with boating activity. People will come from all over the world to welcome the millennium, watch the America's Cup and enjoy probably the best boating in the world. Click here for more information.