New Zealand
The KZ1 yacht was a 1988 America's Cup challenger from New Zealand.
KZ1, designed by Bruce Farr, was skippered by David Barnes along with a crew of 40 from the Mercury Bay Boating Club in Whitianga. The KZ1 was given the nickname of the Big Boat or Big Beauty by financial backer, Sir Michael Fay. Many saw the size and wide deck gave the boat a nick-name of The aircraft carrier.
KZ1 prompted American skipper Dennis Conner to build a catamaran Stars & Stripes (US-1). Conner won the challenge, but most of the battle was fought in court. The KZ1 is now on display near the maritime museum in Auckland.
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy.... ... read more 
