From Fiji Sun, reporter: Skeik Dean
ANZ Fiji will sponsor the prestigious ANZ Sail Fiji 2014 yacht race scheduled for June 7 from Auckland to Fiji.
The race, which is a signature offshore race of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in New Zealand, has been running for 22 years.
ANZ chief executive Fiji and the Pacific, Vishnu Mohan says the bank is proud to be associated with the prestigious race. 
“Fiji has grown in the tourism industry and we hope to maintain the healthy relationship between Denarau Marina and ANZ,’’ Mohan said.
He said Fiji has developed dramatically over the past few years and is now known by people from all over the world.
Twenty eight boats from Australia and New Zealand have expressed their interest to compete in this event with organisers optimistic to attract a large racing and cruising contingency.
Nadi’s Port Denarau Marina will be abuzz in June when sailors and cruisers will berth before heading back to Auckland.
Royal Akarana Yacht Club former commodore/race director, John Muir said the excitement and anticipation has been great leading up to the race.
“We are most grateful for ANZ’s support and acknowledge their strategic advantage of connectivity between the Pacific and NZ which has enabled this great partnership.
“It is going to be a big event and I’m really looking forward to being out on the starting line firing the gun in Auckland and greeting the sailors and cruisers in Fiji,’’ Muir said.
The competition will see the famous round the world record breaker race yacht, Sir Peter Blake’s Steinlager 2 and the Volvo 70 Giacomo.
Meanwhile, Port Denarau Marina managing director, Nigel Skeggs says this event will be an opportunity for Fiji to showcase how the yachting industry has grown over the years.