Boat storage may not be top of everyone’s to-do list when preparing to the row across the Tasman. But alongside finding the right oars or making sure everything is watertight, is getting safe and secure storage for our craft, the Moana.

At 10.5m-long, Moana is not easy to store. Step up Orams Marine Village Boat Park on Beaumont Street, Auckland.

Operations Manager Jeff Botherway and his staff accommodated Team Gallagher and Moana for most of 2011 in their mega boat park. Orams is a sight to behold. It is the largest indoor dry stack in the southern hemisphere and can hold more than 300 boats in their vast stacking system. Giant forklifts lift boats from the stack - up to 20m high - and place them in the water for their waiting owners. It's the ultimate boat valet service.

There is normally a queue of tourists at the door waiting for the next boat to be lifted from the heavens, cameras poised and holding their breath for the unthinkable - but the skill of the crew at Orams ensures it never happens.  

Orams' facilities includes wireless internet, showers and a conference centre, perfect for private and corporate functions and conferences.

Team Gallagher wishes to thank Jeff, Michele Berry, general manager of Orams and their entire team for their hospitality over the winter months as we prepared for the row. Pop in and see them at 142 Beaumont Street or go to www.orams.co.nz