Red socks became part of national uniform
RED socks meant so much more than ruined laundry to any Kiwi glued to their television screens in 1995.
On May 14 two decades ago, the country rejoiced as Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup for the first time. The Kiwi yacht Black Magic resoundingly beat the Americans’ Stars and Stripes 5-0 off San Diego, California.
Red socks had become an emblem and fundraiser for the Kiwis’ cup campaign, after Team New Zealand boss Peter Blake won an early race wearing a pair his wife had given him. A TV jingle urging fans to ‘‘get your lucky socks on’’ resulted in red socks flying from car aerials and flagpoles, and cladding Kiwi feet, including those of prime minister Jim Bolger.
The victorious sailors returned from San Diego to a heroes’ parade of 250,000 fans in central Wellington on May 25.
Students slept on the streets the night before to ensure a glimpse of the 55 team members and the coveted Auld Mug trophy, The Evening Post reported.
‘‘Office workers climbed on to the roofs of buildings, dangled their feet above the streets and threw masses of ticker-tape and streamers,’’ according to The Dominion .
Red socks had sold out ahead of the parade, so three Paraparaumu fans bought red jerseys instead, the Post reported.
Blake was knighted later that year, and Team New Zealand went on to retain the cup in 2000, this time against Italy. In December 2001, he was killed by pirates in Brazil while on an environmental boat trip with the United Nations. Red socks became a symbol of mourning after his murder. The Dominion Post – 150 Years of News is available via dompost.co.nz or 0800 50 50 90. Priced at $34.95 + $3 postage and handling or $29.95 + $3 p&h for subscribers.