'Loyal' flags follow in red socks' steps

By HELEN TUNNAH

Last America's Cup it was the red socks campaign. Now Team New Zealand has embarked on a new campaign: $10 "loyal" car aerial flags.

The famous socks, used as a tool to raise funds and national pride during the past two regattas, are not being sold this Cup after the murder of syndicate head Sir Peter Blake.

A symbol of Sir Peter, they also caused a few rumbles when it was revealed they were made in South Korea.

Sir Peter treasured a lucky pair of red socks given to him before a round-the-world venture, and in 1995 the team decided to try selling socks to the public when their budget became strained.

About 120,000 pairs were sold, and red socks became a national symbol. They were again used to raise money for the defence of the America's Cup in 2000.

Team New Zealand decided they could not again sell the red socks after Sir Peter was killed by bandits in Brazil in 2001.

But a public fundraising campaign has begun, with the sale of "loyal" flags which are part of Team New Zealand's advertising campaign promoting key crew who stayed with the team, turning down lucrative contracts with foreign syndicates.

The sale of the flags, which fit on to car aerials and cost $10, was announced a day after the Swiss team Alinghi, brimming with New Zealand talent, won the right to challenge Team New Zealand for the Cup next month.

Half the proceeds from the sales will go to Team New Zealand. The rest of the money will cover manufacturing costs.

Team New Zealand's budget is estimated at about $80 million, while Alinghi's is thought to be US$70 million ($127.7 million).

And where are the "loyal" flags made? Auckland, naturally.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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