A nationwide America’s Cup Tour is bringing the Auld Mug to communities across the country over the next three weeks.
Toyota New Zealand is celebrating the sport’s rich past by taking the trophy, held by Emirates Team New Zealand after victory on the Waitematā Harbour in 2021, on a nationwide road trip.
From September 2 to 20, the Cup will travel 4500kms and appear in 40 locations over 19 days.
It will give Kiwis a unique opportunity to connect with the storied history of the Auld Mug.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sign the Emirates Team New Zealand supporters’ sail and have their photo taken with the legendary piece of silverware.
Toyota New Zealand Assistant Vice President Susanne Hardy said the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour will give communities an opportunity 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.” The America’s Cup 2024 takes place in Barcelona in October.
New generation of Kiwi sailors
The future of Kiwi sailing is also being given a boost with the launch of the Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta.
Setting sail from September 30 to October 4 on Auckland’s iconic Waitematā Harbour, the inaugural regatta will feature ten youth teams from across Aotearoa racing in the Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7 fleet.
Hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and supported by Live Sail Die, the event is more than just a competition – it is a platform for nurturing the next generation of Kiwi sailors.
Hardy said the company has been behind Emirates Team New Zealand for 32 years.
“We’ve sponsored the elite racing, but also created a pathway to support Kiwis to reach the highest levels of the sport.
“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.”
The local events are part of Toyota’s broad commitment to the sport of sailing from grassroots competitions like the Optinats to elite racing events.
In addition to promoting youth and women’s participation in sailing, Toyota New Zealand is also driving innovation within the sport.
This year, six foiling chase boats, including those used by Emirates Team New Zealand, will be powered by Toyota hydrogen fuel cells.
This content was sponsored by Toyota New Zealand.
