Tauranga's biggest sailing fans are invited to star alongside British rock music icon Sir Rod Stewart during his America's Cup ‘Rock the Dock' performance on Saturday.

Rock the Dock will see Stewart perform an emotive rendition of his song Sailing, from London, with the recorded performance beamed onto the big screens in Dine at Bayfair Shopping Centre.

Sailing fans at Bayfair's Emirates Team New Zealand Fan Zone are invited to sing along with Rod as his performance airs this Saturday, March 13, between 2.30pm – 3.30pm.

The America's Cup has a special meaning to Tauranga, with Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling calling the city home.

With the global event being one of few able to currently take place, it is expected that thousands of people around the world will watch this special message from Tauranga and New Zealand.

Given the 36th America's Cup was set to be New Zealand's opportunity to welcome visitors from all over the world, Tourism New Zealand saw an opportunity to send a message of unity and togetherness to America's Cup competitors and their fans around the world.

'We think Rod performing Sailing really captures this notion with its poignant and fitting lyrics, as well as Rod's connection to New Zealand,” says Tourism New Zealand, Interim Chief Executive, René de Monchy.

Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne says she's excited to watch Tauranga broadcast to the world and see kiwis rally Emirates Team New Zealand.

Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne.

'It's heart-warming to think of the millions who will receive our message of unity. Many will be planning their next trip to visit our special part of the world when the time is right.

'I encourage Tauranga's sailing fans to rock along to Bayfair and show their support for the America's Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand and skipper Peter Burling,” says Dunne.

The iconic rocker had a message for kiwis, rallying them to sing along 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, as New Zealanders around the country tune in to witness the spectacle of the 36th America's Cup.

The big screens at Bayfair will show full race day coverage.

Event details

Rock the Dock, featuring Sir Rod Stewart Saturday, March 13, 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Fans can sing along with Rod by heading to Bayfair's Emirates Team New Zealand Fan Zone

For more information on Rock The Dock, go to www.newzealand.com/int/americas-cup/

Fans can share their singalong on social with #RocktheDock #AC36 and tag @purenewzealand @sirrodstewart