One of the world’s most famous pieces of silverware weighed in at the Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre Te Pou o Mata-Au (TPOMA) last week.
‘‘The fourth-oldest continuously contested trophy in the world is 19.6kg of solid sterling silver crafted into a hollow jug by Garrards Royal Jewellers in London,’’ America’s Cup custodian Cooper Hopman said.
‘‘It’s named after the first yacht to win it, the America, whose team donated it to the New York Yacht Club who held it for 132 years.’’
New Zealand now holds the trophy but as this year’s regatta is in Spain, Team New Zealand and their sponsors felt a responsibility to get local people get closer to the action.
‘‘The boats get up to 50 knots, which is about 90kmh,’’ Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron vice commodore David Blakey said.
‘‘We think that’s pretty inspirational and something we want to share with the country we represent, especially young people.’’
Balclutha marked the halfway point of the northbound ‘‘Kiwi Cup Tour,’’ and the 110cm-high decanter was on display for more than an hour for enthusiasts to be photographed with, as well as converse with representatives of the team.
Teams representing interests from Britain, Italy, United States and Switzerland are competing in Barcelona for the Louis Vuitton Cup, the winner of which will have the right to challenge Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup itself, in a racing series beginning on October 13.
