Our appetite for the great outdoors and our desire to succeed help define us as ‘New Zealanders’. Perhaps this aspect of our national character provides some of the reasons why so many of us embrace the sport of sailing.
Issue information
The late Sir Peter Blake embodied much of our passion to be the best. His inspirational leadership never failed to push team and technology to the limits.
In our Leading the Waves issue we included the work of New Zealand’s foremost boat builders; experts with unique vision who continue to make it possible for individuals like Sir Peter to realise their dreams.
The Leading the Waves stamps covered six very different boats, each designed for a unique purpose and to meet the demands of unique sailing environments. They are craft that have won international acclaim and delivered astonishing results for their owners, whether for racing, sports fishing or as ocean going luxury and style for the world’s wealthiest people.
Sailing with the Best
Leading the Waves included a miniature sheet and two first day covers. Each displayed the six boats, superb examples of New Zealand flair that demonstrate its place as a leader in a highly competitive multi-million-dollar industry.
A Sailing Combination
The Leading the Waves and America's Cup 2003 stamp issues were both combined in a very special presentation pack that celebrated New Zealand's sailing-related abilities. It included a full set of the stamps, two first day covers, together with information on the boats, the Cup and their stories.
Product Listing for Leading the Waves
Click on image to enlarge.
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 40c ‘KZ 1’ gummed stamp. KZ 1’s appearance in 1988 caused a furore that was to change tje future of the America’s Cup. Created by renownded designer Bruce Farr, the towering boat was a far cry from the 12-metre class yachts traditionally raced. |
$0.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 80c ‘High 5’ gummed stamp. High 5 was designed for both cruising the high seas and racing the world’s most competitive circuits. In 2000 she won the coveted Kenwood Cup, a performance coup in one of the world’s top ocean-racing series. |
$0.80 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 90c ‘Gentle Spirit’ gummed stamp. The 18.4-metre Gentle Spirit is used primarily for sports, fishing and diving. She sleeps up to 10 adults and offers a dry, comfortable ride in the most extreme of sailing and fishing conditions. |
$0.90 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.30 ‘NorthStar’ gummed stamp. The Northstar offers an elegant combination of a coporate host venue and superb sailing experience. In 2002/03 she hosted the TVNZ and ESPN television broadcasting teams for the America’s Cup. |
$1.30 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 ‘OceanRunner’ gummed stamp. The OceanRunner and four courageous souls aboard braved cold, hunger and treacherous conditions to set a new record for a powerboat circumnavigation of New Zealand. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 ‘Salperton’ gummed stamp. The magnificent Salperton is a true superyacht – 53 metres of pure style and elegance, powered by state-of-the-art electrical and communications systems. When launched in 2001, she was the largest pleasure craft ever built in New Zealand. |
$2.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $6.90 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.40 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.40 |
 |
Presentation Pack | Presentation pack containing a selection of stamp products from both Leading the Waves and America's Cup 2003 issues. Also includes further information on the theme of the stamps. | $29.95 |
 |
Limited Edition | Limited edition collectable containing exclusive stamp products not available anywhere else. |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 2 October 2002 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six |
| Denominations and designs: | 40c KZ 1, 80c High 5, 90c Gentle Spirit, $1.30 NorthStar, $1.50 OceanRunner, $2.00 Salperton |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | CommArts Design, Wellington |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, Dunedin by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours and silver, plus overgloss |
| Stamp size and format: | 40mm x 30mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | De la Rue 103gsm red phosphor stamp paper |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 50 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value blocks and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B formats for sheet stamps. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 1 October 2003. |