One small step for Rainbow, one giant leap for New Zealand sailing

by Volvo Ocean Race Media on 8 Mar 2015 July 20, 1969. It was a day for making history. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

But as all eyes were cast up toward the sky, there was also history being made on the sea.

In Heligoland, Germany, Rainbow II, skippered by young Kiwi Chris Bouzaid, stormed to victory in the One Ton Cup, up until that point dominated by European nations.

It was the first major international win in New Zealand sailing history – and it sparked a revolution around these parts.

'It was amazing, the day we won,' smiles Chris, sitting on his beloved boat, docked in the shadow of the rainbow-coloured Volvo Ocean 65s in the Auckland Race Village.

'As far as New Zealand was concerned, we had no idea how much the country was following us, and when we got home and saw the newspapers where one half of the front page was man landing on the moon, and the other was Rainbow II winning - it was just amazing.'

The boat went on to win a further 121 races in two years, an incredible record which has left an indelible mark on Kiwi sailing history - and inspiring generations of Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Race sailors to head offshore.

'We were young, and everyone looked upon as just a bunch of kids,' Chris continues. 'We were just determined to win every race we could.'



'In those days, the One Ton Cup was every bit as important as winning the America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race. We hardly had any instruments and terrible wet weather gear.

'It was easier to take your clothes off when doing a sail change, because you’d get that wet!'

The boat was later sold to a sailor in Bermuda - and then, a few years ago, Bouzaid found it in a 'sorry state', and decided it was time to bring it home.

A painstaking and loving restoration ensued - and, 46 years later, as the Volvo Ocean Race rolled into Auckland this week, the crew of Rainbow II rolled back the clock, stepping back onboard and head out for the One Ton Cup Revival series.

'When I see this boat here today, ready to go and to start life again, it makes me reflect on just what Rainbow II and the crew did for New Zealand yachting,' reflects Chris.

'Look at all the things New Zealand has done since then, the Whitbreads and Volvo Ocean Races - it really started it all, there’s no question about that.'