“New Zealand’s gonna win!” and “Yeah, New Zealand’s better” rang out from a crowd of Tauranga Intermediate School students this week as they got a rare, up-close look at the oldest sporting trophy in the world.

Ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand’s defence of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona from October 13-22, the America’s Cup is touring New Zealand to give Kiwis a good look at the Auld Mug.

The Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour is taking the America’s Cup to 40 locations throughout New Zealand in 20 days – on Tuesday, September 3, it was Tauranga’s turn.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, with support from Toyota New Zealand, carefully carried the cup into Tauranga Intermediate to show students – then it was whisked off to Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club for a public display, then viewing by the local sailing community.

All the fun of the rare up-close viewing of the America’s Cup at Tauranga Intermediate School this week. Photos: John Borren.

Tauranga Intermediate Year 8 student Baxter Carlin – whose school was once attended by Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling – says the experience inspires him to push hard in his own sports.

“With AIMS Games coming up, it encourages us to have that winning mindset,” says Baxter. “It’s such a historic trophy, and we’ve never had something like that come to our school before.”

Fellow Year 8 student Brea Davies agrees, saying seeing the cup made her feel as though big things are possible. “It’s us as such a small country competing with the big countries … Winning that cup is really cool.”

Micah Bollen, aged 12, has been sailing for about six years and hopes to follow in Peter Burling’s footsteps by one day competing in the America’s Cup. “I like that kids seeing the America’s Cup might want to start sailing. It’s really fun!”

RNZYS general manager Sarah Wiblin says the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour is a “a chance for everyone to see a piece of sporting history that represents the level of what Kiwis can achieve”.

In support of Emirates Team NZ, people attending Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour are invited to sign a sail of support that will be taken to Barcelona and presented to the team head of their big challenge next month. People can also post their messages of support – in digital or hard copy. Full details are at: kiwicup.co.nz

- SunLive