Heave-ho for spies on visitors' day

By SUZANNE McFADDEN

Syndicate spies who tried to infiltrate the Team New Zealand base yesterday were politely shown the door - while 30,000 Kiwis were welcomed in.

The usually secretive America's Cup defenders flung open their gates to the public for the first time on a crystal-clear day in the American Express NZ Cup Village, and were overwhelmed by the crowds who filed through.

The invitation was open to all but rival challenger teams, yet a few turned up hoping to sneak through.

Brazen members of the French and Swiss teams dressed in their crew uniforms. They were politely asked to leave.

However, some Spanish Challenge members were seen wandering around with the crowds later in the afternoon.

In most demand was Sir Peter Blake, who signed autographs for almost six hours straight.

Using an old keel bulb as a desk, Sir Peter signed and chatted to enthusiastic fans who had queued the length of the compound.

The head of the defence had spent the night on his yacht at Kawau Island, and walked ashore into the waiting crowds, pen in hand.

"It took me back to the days when I went on the round-New Zealand tours before the round-the-world races. Altogether it was delightful to see the turnout and the general reaction," he said.

Hundreds of pairs of red socks, Team New Zealand's lucky fundraiser, sold before lunchtime.

Visitors walked past the two new Black Magic boats, NZL57 and NZL60, whose secret appendages were hidden from view under the water.

The America's Cup winner, NZL32, was on display on land but also had its keel and rudder covered by canvas.

The gates were to open to sponsors and friends in the morning, with the rest of the public allowed in at 12.30 pm. But with queues building as early as 9 am, Team New Zealand decided to let everyone in as they arrived.