Yachting: Everyone has red socks this time

By Suzanne McFadden

The crew of Team New Zealand were resplendent in black suit, grey tie ... and red socks.

Yes, the red socks are back with a vengeance for the 2000 campaign after Sir Peter Blake made them a national icon in '95.

This timearound, the New Zealand crew will wear them on and off the boat.

In San Diego, they were worn only by the superstitious Sir Peter - a Christmas present from his wife, Pippa.

The socks took on a life of their own after they were missing from the boat in the only race Team New Zealand lost in 1995.

Last night was a first to see the crew in a suit and tie. Four years ago they wore more casual attire to official functions.

But the team have gone for a more professional look in the new millennium.

Mastman Matt Mason described his new outfit as beautiful.

"We will be the flashest team out there," he said.

"We'll be squaring it off with the Prada boys, but our suits should get the nod."

The black suit is made of New Zealand merino wool woven into fabric by leading Italian mill Loro Piana.

The Italian manufacturers are marketing the wool around the world as Zealanda.

The suit was designed by Cambridge, contracted by Team New Zealand's official clothing supplier, Line 7.

The Team New Zealand men have made a fashion statement with their grey shirts and tie - the in-colour this spring. And there are no TNZ logos on the jackets Work is still being done on the team's sailing garb.

The traditional dark blue polo shirts have proved too hot at the height of an Auckland summer, so Line 7 is researching new fabrics and lighter colours.

But the red socks will stay.