The America’s Cup, also known as ‘the Auld Mug’ and the oldest international sporting trophy in the world, played a starring role in Wānaka yesterday at a school assembly.

As part of the buildup to the 37th America’s Cup next month, during which Emirates Team New Zealand will defend its title, the cup is on a nationwide road trip with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), visiting 10 yacht clubs affiliated with the Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta participants and 10 schools associated with the clubs.

Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) was one of those schools.

Year 13 student and sailing captain Erica Hudson “led the charge” in submitting an application for the cup to visit Wānaka, principal Nicola Jabobsen told the junior assembly on Tuesday (September 10).  

MAC students writing messages of support for Team NZ on a sail.

Erica and fellow student Madison Smith (year 10), both of whom have been selected to compete in the Toyota New Zealand Kiwi Cup regatta in Auckland in the upcoming school holidays, outlined the history of the America’s Cup, including New Zealand’s historic win in 1995.

MAC sailing captain Otis Murphy interviewed Erica and Madison along with RNZYS rear commodore David Blakey about their experiences and challenges in sailing.

After a mass photo of students and staff with the cup, students had the opportunity to have their photo taken with the cup and sign a sail of support that will be presented to the team in Barcelona.

The cup also had a stopover at the Wānaka Yacht Club, where it was on display on Tuesday evening from 6-8pm.

“The Wānaka Yacht Club has seen a huge rise (more than 100 percent) in youth membership over the past two years,” Wānaka Yacht Club spokesperson Randal Dobbs told the Wānaka App.

“We have great coaches, a Learn to Sail programme for individuals and teams [and] many making good progress at national regattas too.”

Emirates Team New Zealand is currently preparing to defend the America’s Cup, which will take place from September 29 to October 5.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App