America's Cup comes to Voyager

Just over a week ago, a regular Saturday at Voyager livened up a little as BMW ORACLE Racing invited the museum to host the America’s Cup on its brief visit to New Zealand for the Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland regatta. We were surprised but extremely honoured by the offer, although had little time to reflect on it as the cup was due to arrive in less than 72 hours. The wheels were immediately set in motion to prepare for its arrival and a number of associated events that would also be held on site.

Many meetings, emails and phone calls later, the America’s Cup was delivered its Blue Water Black Magic display pedestal for three days of public viewing under the close eyes of two security guards. There are several basic protocols that go with displaying it – the trophy should not be touched by bare hands, and the handle should always be on the left so that the original match result from 1851 is visible from the front.

Voyager celebrated the occasion by extending our March admission offer for Aucklanders to all museum visitors, to encourage as many people as possible to come down and check out the ever-so shiny cup in person. Most media organisations covering the cup’s visit included this in their story, which helped to generate buzz and drive visitation. Marketing & Events Manager Phil McGowan even scored a spot on the ONE News story, much to his delight.

As hard as it is to believe, the travelling case is almost as remarkable as the cup itself. Gifted by Louis Vuitton to the America’s Cup for its 150th anniversary (1851-2001), the case is impossibly stylish given its primary purpose to protect the cup on its travels. It’s also a sure-fire way to ensure the Louis Vuitton name renames synonymous with an event they have invested so heavily in.

The three –day display of the cup was without doubt a highlight for the museum, and we’re thankful to both BMW ORACLE Racing and Louis Vuitton for the opportunity.

More photos on our Facebook page.

Indian Ocean conquerors' boat at Voyager for Boat Show

The 8.8m Rowing For Prostate boat that placed second in the first ever Indian Ocean Rowing Race in 2009 will be on display outside Voyager throughout the Auckland International Boat Show, 11-14 March.

Billy Gammon, Matthew Hampel, Pete Staples and Tom Wigram rowed their boat from Geraldton in Western Australia to Mauritius in 81 days between April and July last year, a distance of 5,472 kms. Their challenge attracted significant media attention when, 10 days out from the finish, communication with the crew was lost (NZ Herald story)– as it turned out, due to the eventual failure of the satellite communications equipment. Thankfully they overcame this (and many more mishaps) to finish second overall – a fine effort from four lads without any prior rowing experience.

Some of the other more memorable incidents included the flooding and subsequent loss of their forward cabin on day two, the failure of their seat rails on day four (effectively removing the power of their legs), loss of power on day 11 due to lack of solar power energy (the first of many), a capsize eight days out from the finish, and an unbearably close miss with an 800ft tanker just four days out.

The team also overcame a period of 2-3 weeks when the reality of their situation became all too apparent. Conversations, banter and camaraderie between the two shifts dried up - the fun was replaced with paranoia, the jokes with accusations. Thankfully, the team battled through to record 974 nonstop two hour rowing stints (shifts of two rowers) on their way to becoming the first Southern Hemisphere team to achieve the feat. An epic adventure that epitomises New Zealand’s explorative spirit.

You can read more at www.rowingforprostate.com