The future of a former America's Cup yacht currently in Queenstown remains unclear

The yacht, which is moored in Lake Whakatipu, is classed as abandoned under the Maritime Transport Act.

The local council has invited people with the resources to remove the vessel to express their interest on what should happen once it's off the lake.

Council Regulatory Manager Anthony Hall says they've received around 14 expressions of interest and submissions have now closed.

He says the Council will now reach out to each interested party before narrowing down to a preferred operator.