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Official issuer of New Zealand stamps & commemorative coins
Call: 06 262 7262

Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race

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In the tough world of international yachting New Zealand has a reputation out of all proportion to its size and population.

Issue information

The country's astonishing performances in blue water sailing has amazed foreign yachties and commentators. The fleet in the 1993-94 Round the World Yacht Race was dominated by New Zealand skippers and crew - and Bruce Farr designs. Despite the pleasure of knowing that Kiwi sailors had been hired to pilot some of the leading entries, there was no doubt where New Zealand support lay - the maxi ketch New Zealand Endeavour.

The classic Whitbread Round the World adventure brought New Zealand Endeavour, along with Grant Dalton and his crew of 13, home to Auckland at the end of the third leg of the Whitbread Race in January 1994.

To welcome New Zealand Endeavour - and the rest of the fleet - New Zealand Post issued a special round $1.00 stamp. The $1.00 stamp portrayed the New Zealand Endeavour against a background of a nautical compass. The first day cover portrayed the New Zealand Endeavour against a backdrop of the gruelling 32,000 nautical mile course which took the Whitbread fleet through some of the most treacherous waters in the world. The souvenir cover featured the New Zealand Endeavour and the French entry, La Poste pictured together at the beginning of the Whitbread Race. The souvenir cover bore the French postage stamp issued on 6 February 1993 depicting La Poste against a map of the world, alongside the New Zealand Endeavour stamp, with date stamps for each.

Product listing for Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race

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Image Title Description Price
Single Stamp Single $1.00 'Endeavour' gummed stamp. $1.00
First Day Cover First day cover with stamp affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. $1.25
Souvenir Cover Souvenir cover with 'Endeavour' stamp and 'La Poste' stamp affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. $2.20

Technical information

Date of issue: 19 January 1994
Designer: Brian Hall, Wellington, NZ
Printer: Leigh-Mardon, Australia
Stamp size: 33mm diameter
Sheet size: 24 stamps per sheet
Process: Lithography
Perforation gauge: 14.5
Paper type: Harrison and Sons, red phosphor coated, unwatermarked
Period of sale: These stamps remained on sale until 19 January 1995.
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