Auld Mug all set to meet Log ‘o’ Wood
In a rare event, one of the world’s oldest sporting trophies and one of New Zealand’s oldest sporting trophies will be in the same room at the same time, writes Kris Boult.
The America’s Cup and the Ranfurly Shield will be both on display at the New Plymouth Yacht Club on Wednesday.
‘‘It’s pretty cool to have the two of the oldest trophies, I don’t think it’s ever been done before,’’ New Plymouth Yacht Club Commodore Jason Holdt said.
After Team New Zealand won the ‘Auld Mug’ in the race against Oracle Team USA in Bermuda in June, thousands turned out to victory parades held across the country.
But the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is now taking the America’s Cup on the road with New Plymouth the last date of a 13-stop national tour.
‘‘We received an email a few months ago saying the cup was touring the country and that they wanted to bring it to New Plymouth,’’ he said. ‘‘The aim of the event is to promote sailing outside the main centres.’’
Holdt wasn’t sure how popular the event would be but other stopovers had been well attended.
‘‘We’re not sure what to expect. Taupo had it the other day and had about 1500 people turn up but that was a day time event.’’
While getting the America’s Cup to visit was a fairly straightforward affair, the same couldn’t be said for the Ranfurly Shield.
‘‘I’d discussed with the Rugby Union prior to Wednesday night’s game the possibility of getting the shield for the event,’’ Holdt said.
‘‘As the game got closer I was a bit worried, but as soon as the final whistle went I knew it would be all go.’’
Holdt believed it was the first time the America’s Cup had been to New Plymouth but wasn’t sure if it had toured to the city when New Zealand won it in 1995.
‘‘It may be the only chance we get to see it here.
‘‘If they lose it then who knows what will happen.’’
The event is open to the public from 5pm to 7pm and the council has opened the reserve near the yacht club for parking.