Auld Mug meets up with Log ‘o’ Wood
In a province as rugby mad as Taranaki it takes a lot to knock the Ranfurly Shield off its perch.
But a shiny Auld Mug - the America’s Cup - gave it a crack.
World yachting’s most sought after prize competed for attention beside the Log ‘o’ Wood last night as the two trophies came under the same roof for the first time in history.
Hundreds of rugby and yachting supporters lined up to have photos with the trophies at the New Plymouth Yacht Club.
In the first half hour 400 people had filed past the trophy table.
Among the supporters was 11-year-old Kaitake Rugby Club member, and New Plymouth Yacht Club Optimist sailor, Jack Parr, who could one day play a part in winning either of the trophies.
‘‘It is surprising in a rugby community like Taranaki that more people want to have their photos taken with the America’s Cup,’’ NPYC commodore Jason Holdt said.
‘‘Everyone wants see the trophies.’’
New Plymouth was the last centre on a month long national roadshow for the America’s Cup, Team New Zealand member Richard Meecham said.
‘‘We’ve been everywhere to more than 20 centres from Taipo in the north to Bluff in the south,’’ he said.
It was photographed and held by people in yacht clubs, marae and by farmers surrounded by sheep in a paddock.
Residents in Edgecumbe and Kaikoura who had their lives disrupted by floods and earthquakes also got the chance to see the Cup.
‘‘Everywhere we’ve been to we’ve have huge unbelievable support, it’s been humbling,’’ Meecham said.
‘‘The Cup represents the New Zealand public, every centre wants to see it, when before it had been locked away in mega yachts for noone to see.
‘‘It is showing the young kids what can be achieved if they set their goals.’’