SQUADDIE’S GENESIS
The story and fortunes of ‘the Squaddie’, as it is affectionately known, have been tied to the quest for the America’s Cup ever since the first Kiwi tilt at the trophy, off the waters of Fremantle, Western Australia, in 1986–87.
But the club has a much longer and broader history than that. While it may have celebrated its 150th birthday this year by defending its precious cup on the waters of the Waitematā, it has been the home of many other triumphs and disappointments, hard-fought campaigns, classic yachts, close racing, good times and shenanigans.
Yachting writer Ivor Wilkins, editor of the club’s magazine , has brought together the century and a half of the club’s history in a book to be released in September, and this month the club will America’s Cup, there has still been plenty of opportunity to celebrate the birthday of this country’s oldest yacht club.
