Explore this extraordinary story of innovative design, meticulous teamwork, outstanding leadership and international success. Discover how Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour has become a world battleground for the pinnacle of yachting competition – America’s Cup.
Carousel slide 1 imageFrom the Waitematā to the world stage
Design and race your own yacht
Seafaring and sailing have been part of life in Aotearoa since the first waka (vessel) landed here. Today’s passionate yachties come from generations of boat handlers and builders developing, honing and passing on their arts and skills. Find out how Kiwi sailors, boat builders and craft are now at the forefront of yachting throughout the world.
High-performance sailing is as much a race for designers and engineers as for sailors. Teams call on the best expertise and technology they can to build the fastest boat. But time presses on relentlessly. And pushing the limits for speed means there’s often a fine line between success and disaster.
Meet Team New Zealand, multiple winners of the America’s Cup. Explore NZL32 BLACK MAGIC, the original winning boat in 1995. Find out what lies behind our teams’ success in taking the top trophy of international yacht racing.
In 1956, a New Zealand yachting crew won gold at the Melbourne Olympic Games. Since that first international success, Kiwi sailors and boat designers and builders have gone on to become major players on yachting’s global stage. Find out about the astonishing achievements from New Zealand – from inshore and blue-water championships to round-the-world ocean racing.
It's the oldest sporting trophy in the world and the pinnacle of international competitive yachting. Explore America’s Cup story and find out about the enterprise, skills and resources needed to win and defend it.
Peter Blake KBE (1948–2001) is New Zealand’s most celebrated sailor. He was also one of the country’s most admired citizens. Find out about the boy who messed about with boats on the Waitematā Harbour and went on to navigate the world’s oceans. See his extraordinary success as a leader – in sport and championing the planet’s environment.
An exhibition developed with funding from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.
The original exhibition was created in 2008, in partnership between the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa with the support of Pippa, Lady Blake, and the Blake family.
