America’s Cup Sledgehammered

The America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sports and yachting’s most coveted prize, was all but destroyed by a Maori protester who struck it repeatedly with a sledgehammer.

Commodore John Heise of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron described the 27-year-old man as being “in a frenzy” and chanting in the “Maori language.” His name was not released.

Police said he walked into the squadron clubhouse dressed in a suit, shirt and tie, and made his way unchallenged to a first-floor room where the Cup is displayed in a glass case.

Heise said the man carried the sledgehammer into the building inside a bag slung over his shoulder.

New Zealand’s National Radio said the Cup was “virtually destroyed” and would have to be rebuilt.

Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, represent about 15 percent of the country’s population of 3.6 million. Maori leaders claim their land has been taken and that their people have been mistreated and discriminated against.