Sailing in the 1997 Admiral's Cup Photo: AFP
New Zealand sailing stalwart Peter Lester admits a number of hurdles would have to be overcome before New Zealand could be back competing in the Admiral's Cup.
After an absence of more than 20 years, the Admiral's Cup will make its return when Britain once again will host the international regatta recognised as the unofficial world cup for offshore yacht racing.
The July 2025 event is planned to feature six days of inshore and offshore races - culminating in the Fastnet Race - and will be hosted by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Lester was on the helm of the one-tonner Propaganda which was the top boat at the 1987 regatta when the New Zealand team won the Cup for the one and only time.
"It's great to see one of the traditional Cups of big boat sailing returning and I'd hope the Admiral's Cup gets back to the glory days of being the world championship of big boat sailing," Lester told RNZ.
"It would be a damn good goal for New Zealand as it would give a whole lot of yachties who are currently sailing in the harbour something to try and achieve."
New Zealand boat Propaganda Photo: NEW ZEALAND YACHTING
First held in 1957, the Admiral's Cup was a biennial event between national teams (three boats), but was not staged in 2001. It was last held in 2003 and scrapped before the 2005 event when only two entrants were committed.
Royal Ocean Racing Club Commodore James Neville says their aim is to attract teams from all over the world.
However Lester says the set-up of sailing in New Zealand has changed significantly from when they won in 1987.
"It's a significant commitment even more so now, with the design and build of three boats, at least 30 crew, plus support group.
"There's not as much local big keel boat racing going on and the boats that are required for the Admiral's Cup are quite specialised.
"So whether there is an appetite through one of the (New Zealand) yacht clubs to get owners to invest and put a team together, it's quite a big task."
Lester says the other issue is the New Zealand marine industry with the boat building capacity not what it was in 87.
Established in 1925 to encourage long distance yacht racing, the RORC together with the Yacht Club de France is responsible for the principal international handicap system for yacht racing.
The United Kingdom has enjoyed the most success with nine victories. Germany has won four times, the United States and Australia three times each, with the Australians being the holders having won in 2003.
New Zealand's team when they won in 1987 consisted of Propaganda, Goldcorp and Kiwi.