America’s Cup fever is brewing in the wake of the Louis Vuitton Challenger series getting underway in Barcelona. As defenders, Emirates Team New Zealand has put the iconic cup up for show allowing the general public a glimpse of the prize currently held under the watchful eye of custodian the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS).
The cup was first awarded in 1851 and is one of the oldest sporting trophies still in circulation. On Monday, the Kiwi Cup Tour, presented by Toyota began a 19-day roadshow of the country, covering forty locations from Northland to Southland visiting schools, boat clubs and Toyota stores.
Toyota New Zealand Assistant Vice President, Susanne Hardy, said having the America’s Cup tour the country is an incredible way of sharing the spirit of the Cup with New Zealand.
“It’s a great opportunity for Kiwis to see the Cup in person and be inspired by all that it brings. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour harnesses that so well.”
Sarah Wiblin, General Manager of RNZYS encouraged people to get involved:
“We know that Emirates Team New Zealand are working around the clock to successfully defend the cup in Barcelona, and messages from back home are a powerful fuel to keep them going.”
“Everyone is invited and have their photo taken as well as an opportunity to sign the sail of support on the tour which will then be taken to Barcelona for Emirates Team New Zealand. People can also come post messages of support for the team in a special letter box made from the mast of an AC75,” she added.
The Challenger series hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for the Kiwi crew. On Thursday last week, the boat Taihoro suffered damage to its aft after falling from the cradle being used to lift it from the water.
“We have assessed the damage and have now started the repair, this will continue 24 hours a day. There is some structural damage aft in the boat, but the main force was taken on the forward cradle splash, said Emirates Team NZ boss Grant Dalton.
In light of the near-miss, Wiblin said messages from home were vital to keep the team’s noses above water;
“With the incident after Thursday’s racing and the incredible effort the team have put in to get the boat back out on the water and racing again this weekend, the team, now more than ever appreciate the support of so many Kiwis from across New Zealand and the world as they look to defend the 37th America’s Cup, “she said.
The tour runs until September 20, and people can find out when the trophy will be in their neck of the woods by visiting kiwicup.co.nz
