Pride, Joy, and Unity on the Water
Some memories glisten in the mind’s eye, vivid as the day they were made, and for me, one of the brightest is the time I decided to travel to Perth for the America’s Cup—the very first time New Zealand competed. It was more than a sporting event; it was a journey into the heart of what it means to be a Kiwi, and it filled me with a pride that still resonates.
The excitement began even before we left home, as New Zealand buzzed with anticipation. The America’s Cup was a distant dream for so long, and now our team was finally lining up against the world’s best. When we arrived in Perth, the city seemed to pulse with energy, as fans and crews from around the globe converged for this legendary contest. Flags fluttered, accents mingled, and everywhere you looked, there was laughter and camaraderie between supporters.
The spirit of the event was infectious—so many teams, so much colour, and a sense of celebration that stretched from the harbour to the waterfront cafés. But what set this memory apart was a magical day spent out on the water. We boarded a cruise ship filled with other eager fans, and as we motored out, the gentle sway of the boat was matched only by the thrill in our hearts. The sun sparkled on the surface, cutting ribbons of light that danced across the waves as the racing yachts carved their elegant paths through the Indian Ocean.
To watch the race from the water was to be caught in a moment of living history. The sleek New Zealand boat, black and bold, slicing through the competition, was a sight to behold. Every time the crew tacked with precision or surged ahead, our cheers joined those of hundreds of others floating nearby, a chorus swept up by the wind. For a few hours, the world shrank to the stretch of water between Perth and the horizon, and we were all united by hope and pride.
The atmosphere was simply electric. Strangers became friends, stories were swapped, and everywhere, there was the feeling of being part of something much bigger than a race. It was the pride in seeing New Zealand’s flag flying high, the joy of hearing our anthem echo over the water, and the deep satisfaction of knowing we had come so far together.
One of the things that made this memory even sweeter was the song that became our anthem for the trip: “One People, One Land.” It seemed to capture everything we felt in those moments—the unity, the belonging, the sense that we were all, for that brief and glorious time, part of a single, proud nation. The song played on repeat, and each time it did, it brought goosebumps and smiles, weaving a soundtrack through an already unforgettable experience.
Looking back, it’s not just the spectacle of the racing yachts or the thrill of competition that lingers, but the warmth of shared pride, laughter, and connection. Perth and the America’s Cup became the backdrop for a memory that shines, undimmed by time: a celebration of what it means to be a Kiwi, standing together, cheering for a dream, and singing as one.