The America’s Cup is now Hawke’s Bay’s Cup!

Published: 16 August 2017

Just a couple of months after their heroic 7-1 victory over Oracle USA in Bermuda, Emirates Team New Zealand will bring the America's Cup 'home' to the Hawke's Bay.

Team NZ's Peter Burling (left) with Oracle USA's Jimmy Spithill.

Hawke’s Bay residents will soon have a chance to see the America’s Cup up close and talk to the men who brought it home.

The Auld Mug, currently under the stewardship of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, will travel to New Zealand’s regions in October, accompanied by some of the Emirates Team New Zealand crew. Napier City Council will welcome the trophy to Hawke’s Bay by way of a special ceremony at the SoundShell on Marine Parade, with a mayoral welcome, on-stage Q&A, entertainment and an opportunity for photos.

The event will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 11 October – as it falls within the second week of the school holidays, Napier Mayor Bill Dalton says he’s expecting an excellent turn-out. “We’re crossing fingers for excellent spring weather,” he says. “It’s fantastic that our community can spend time with our inspirational Kiwi yachtsmen and gain some insight into what it took for the team in Bermuda to dig deep when the pressure came on, and come out on top.”

 Napier Sailing Club's Shelly Te Uki: "We’re very proud to have the America’s Cup crew come through the Sailing Club. Everyone is keyed up and ready to go!  I’m sure we’ll get a good showing from a number of our 900-plus members. It’s not every day you get the best sailors in the world right here in Hawke’s Bay."

The Napier Sailing Club will also take a role in hosting the world-beating Emirates Team New Zealand emissary. Manager Shelly Te Uki says the 125-year-old club will throw open its doors for the afternoon, welcoming the public in to look around the facility, explore the activities on offer, take one of the Optimist yachts out for a spin, or grab a sausage from the barbecue. “We’re very proud to have the America’s Cup crew come through the Sailing Club. Our Open Day will take place from 2-4pm, and I’m sure we’ll get a good showing from a number of our 900-plus members too. Everyone is keyed up and ready to go! It’s not every day you get the best sailors in the world right here in Hawke’s Bay.”

Hayden Porter, General Manager of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, adds: “We are really pleased to be bringing the world’s oldest sporting trophy to Napier and are looking forward to the trip.”

More details of the event will be shared on www.napier.govt.nz and on the NCC Facebook page www.facebook.com/napiercitycouncil as they are firmed up.

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