Roadshow informs New Zealanders on America’s Cup challenge

Press, 29 August 1986, Page 25

Roadshow informs New Zealanders on America’s Cup challenge

New Zealand’s bid for the America’s Cup, which starts off Fremantle in October, is the most expensive individual sporting challenge ever under-

taken in this country. Estimates of the cost are $2O million. It may seem excessive, but the benefits to New Zealand if the B.N.Z. Challenge syn-

dicate wins the Cup will multiply a hundredfold. It is estimated the Cup would generate $2 billion in business, most of it in foreign exchange. Challenging for the Cup will be a fibreglass yacht — KZ7. It is a revolutionary new design, and a replica of its sister boats, KZ3 and KZS, is touring New Zealand to inform New Zealanders about the Challenge. The B.N.Z. Roadshow, as the display is called, will be in Christchurch until Sunday on its three month nationwide tour. The Roadshow, including a miniature yacht with sails and rigging, display caravan, merchandise van

and support vehicles, started its journey through New Zealand in mid-July from Kaitaia, which has a population of 16,000. It will travel to Invercargill then return to Auckland, visiting such small centres as Te Awamatu, Gore and Tokoroa. The tour ends on October 15. The BNZ Challenge chief manager, Mr Logan Russell, said the Roadshow would give people a chance to find out what an America’s Cup series involved and the enormous effort and commitment which is needed to build a successful challenge.

The BNZ is aiming to raise $lOO,OOO from the Roadshow for the New Zealand syndicate in Perth. The Bank has pledged $3 million to the challenge for the most prestigious yachting trophy in the world. “The record and video of the challenge song, “Sailing Away,” has obviously sparked a lot of interest in the America’s Cup. The Roadshow hardly ever leaves a town without a group of kids singing the song.” The Roadshow will be the main fundraising effort by the Bank of New Zealand and during the three month tour it will visit 55 towns and cities.

“Support from New Zealanders has been amazing, with up to 200 people joining the Supporters Club in some towns,” Mr Russell said. A yachting commentator, Peter Montgomery, and gold medal canoeist Paul MacDonald, are taking turns at speaking at some of the many functions organised to raise money and seek support for the BNZ Challenge MacDonald joins the, roadshow crew in Christchurch today after returning from the world canoeing championships in Montreal. He will be visiting classrooms to talk to children about the America’s Cup.