In an act of unity and support, 100% Pure New Zealand has invited rock music icon, Rod Stewart to surprise America's Cup
teams with a "dock out" serenade of his hit song, Sailing.
Rock the Dock will see Sir Rod Stewart perform a powerful and emotive rendition of his iconic song Sailing, from London,
with the recorded performance beamed onto the Te Wero big screen in Auckland’s America’s Cup Village, and broadcast by
official programming partner, TVNZ.
The performance was due to take place on Saturday 6 March but will now be delayed until the village is operational again
pending Covid alert levels. If Auckland is at level 1 again, the target date is Saturday 13 March, between 2:30pm –
3:30pm which will be confirmed next week.
Given the 36th America’s Cup was set to be New Zealand’s opportunity to welcome visitors from all over the world, 100%
Pure New Zealand saw an opportunity to send a message of unity and togetherness to America’s Cup competitors and their
fans around the world. With the event being one of few global events to currently take place, it is expected that
thousands of people around the world will watch this special message from New Zealand.
“New Zealand is incredibly proud to be hosting the 36th America’s Cup and supporting Emirates Team New Zealand as well
as the teams who have come to compete. Aotearoa’s warm welcome and manaakitanga will be in full force as we cheer on our
international friends at this special event. We look forward to welcoming back international visitors when the time is
right,” says Tourism New Zealand, Interim Chief Executive, René de Monchy.
“We think Rod performing Sailing really captures this notion with its poignant and fitting lyrics, as well as Rod’s
connection to New Zealand.”
The iconic rocker had a message for kiwis, rallying them to singalong with him wherever they are in a show of unity and
support for the teams and their fans around the world.
‘I’m excited to be performing for the America’s Cup in New Zealand and Sailing is the perfect fit. With fans being
unable to travel, I’m hoping that this special performance will remind us that we’re all in this together.’ Says Sir Rod
Stewart.
The bespoke performance will celebrate the beginning of racing in Auckland, as New Zealanders around the country tune in
to witness the spectacle of the 36th America’s Cup, and surrounding excitement.
Auckland Unlimited, Chief Executive, Nick Hill commented “We’re grateful to be in a position to host a major global
sporting event amid a pandemic in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. It’s not been without its challenges, but we know the world
has been watching the amazing spectacle take place on the Hauraki Gulf and storing away these pictures for future
travels. It seems only fitting to mark the start of the 36th America’s Cup with something special that brings the
country together.”Rock the Dock, featuring Rod Stewart
Saturday 13 March, 2:30pm – 3:30pm [*pending alert level 1]
Join us to singalong with Rod by visiting Auckland’s America’s Cup Village to catch his performance on the Te Wero big
screen
Or, tune into TVNZ’s race day build up at home, or from your local Fan Zone
For more information on Rock The Dock, and official Fan Zones, go to www.newzealand.com/int/americas-cup/
NB: As with the wider America’s Cup event, this event will adhere to all Covid restrictions, and be managed accordingly
should there be a change in alert levels.