Starting Out In Auckland – Liveish Reports Are Coming In From New Zealand
Steve Lapkin in Auckland, with The Americas Cup.
A huge thanks to Steve Lapkin and Phil Andrews, AKA “Duster” for starting out the pre game festivities from New Zealand. Here is Steves report that arrived late last night, which was really 4 AM tomorrow, which is really today here. So in a way I just got the update at 4AM Wait. Hold on. But its all happening at the same time? Right? I mean Steve cant predict the future for us? Like stock market tips? Wait, here its easy with this chart.
See. Easy. WTH?
Anyway here is Steves note. And of course he says its morning, and was that yesterday? Today?
“Spent the morning in Auckland. Sights included the Americas Cup at Royal NZ Yacht Squadron and views of Sky Tower. Dinner tonight with Duster in Wellington. ”
The Sky Tower, the one in the middle. At least that makes sense.
Stay tuned for better updates LIVE FROM NEW ZEALAND, Future Live? Did it already happen and we are just getting up to speed?
Glad Steve finally got there and is having a good time. Are those the boat show award trophies?
Muskoka Wooden boats from Canada
For a country that always ahead of usa in time, those trophies are certainly the designs of a past golden age. I zoomed in on the photo and was amazed at the craftsmanship and ornate detail. Very relevant to me as I am working to add Trophies to this year’s Brian Cuthbertson Memorial Antique & Classic Boat Parade scheduled for July 6, 2025 in Algonac, Michigan. Limited by the ‘501 C’ charity’s budget of the Algonac-Clay Twp Historical Society, I will not be able to reach the same level of craftsmanship as those of the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron. I will ensure that the three trophies awarded will be of a quality that winners will be proud to display, not the kind of carnival crap that ends up in the trash. All trophies will be chosen from Ballots from Spectators at the Algonac Waterfront Park. The Trophies awarded will be 1) Best in Maritime Heritage, 2) Best in Spirit – Boat and Crew reflecting the Holiday spirit, and 3) ???, Boat most wished one could own. I have yet to title the third category, perhaps someone can offer a suggestion. I keep you all informed of this year’s parade event as we get closer to the activity.
Ern,
Have you considered buying old trophies )via thrift shops, flea markets, eBay, FB marketplace, etc) & using the parts to create new “vintage” trophies?
Ern, we don’t have judged shows out here, we use our boats, and most all of us have modern power (10 point deduction), and we don’t care so much. What we do is “People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice, and Skipper’s Choice”. Much more fun and easier to do!
Great Ideas, all of them! Thanks.
Of course, those are largely yachting/sailing trophies. For such a tiny country it’s difficult to fathom how dominant the Kiwis have been in the America’s Cup over the last few decades. Even if the syndicate is American, French, British or Italian, you’ll find Kiwi’s at the helm or on the crew. Sadly, IMO the America’s Cup lost something when it went from keel boats to the space age boats they now use. It’s just not as relatable.
Agree that the old trophies tend to be much more impressive. While stopping in Dawsonville to visit Aristocraft last spring, we also went to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. While there were many cool cars & related items on display, it was the cases full of unique old trophies that were most fascinating.
The Lake Dora Show is right around the corner and we are finishing up a 1944 Storm Boat replica with correct Evinrude Big Four. Correct Craft built 400 and is celebrating their 100 anniversary. Come see it!