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Nineteen days, 40 locations spread across 4500km, and one special piece of silverware.
Kiwis now have the opportunity to come closer than ever to the Auld Mug thanks to a nationwide America’s Cup tour over the next three weeks.
The Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour started with a visit to Westlake Boys' High School in Auckland on Monday (September 2) and will see the storied trophy, retained by Emirates Team New Zealand in Auckland in 2021, make its way to 39 more schools, yacht clubs, and Toyota dealerships by September 20.
Those in attendance can sign the Emirates Team New Zealand supporters’ sail and have their photo taken with the Cup. The sail will be displayed at Team New Zealand's base in Barcelona where they will be hoping to defend it against Ineos Britannia, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, American Magic, and Orient Express Racing Team over the next two months.
Toyota New Zealand assistant vice-president Susanne Hardy said the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour will allow communities to engage with the America’s Cup 2024 even though it’s taking place far from New Zealand.
"Toyota New Zealand are thrilled to be partnering with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to build the excitement of the nation for what will be yet another epic America's Cup regatta," Hardy said.
The tour will be followed by the Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta from September 30 to October 4 on the Waitematā Harbour, with the inaugural regatta featuring 10 youth teams racing in the Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7 fleet.
The Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour will stop at 40 different locations across New Zealand over the next three weeks. Photos / Live Sail Die
Hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and supported by Live Sail Die, the event is a platform for nurturing the next generation of Kiwi sailors, Hardy said.
"Supporting the Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta for youth sailors is one way Toyota is contributing to identifying the next generation of Emirates Team New Zealand sailors."
Sailor Rose Dickey, of Napier Sailing Club, said the regatta was an "awesome opportunity" to compete against other experienced and passionate youth sailors.
"I am super excited for this regatta and the opportunity to sail these boats is huge. This regatta will open up a whole other area of sailing for me and for all the others competing to pursue in the future."
For more information or to follow the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour, click here.
