Please select your home edition
Edition
Lloyd Stevenson - AC INEOS 1456x180px TOP

America's Cup: Images from the Emirates Team New Zealand launch

by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 5 Sep 2019 16:42 PDT 6 September 2019
Emirates Team New Zealand launch the world's first AC75, Auckland, September 6, © Richard Gladwell / Sail-World.com

Emirates Team New Zealand became the first team in the current America's Cup cycle to launch their AC75 foiling monohull.

Sail-World.com's New Zealand Editor, Richard Gladwell was at the team's Auckland base for the launch, scheduled for an hour after the official sunrise - to enable the event to be carried on live Breakfast TV.

True to the Kiwi team's tradition, the ceremonies were subject to rain showers - said to be the tears of joy of ancestors according to Maori culture. Rain has visited most of the New Zealand America's Cup launchings going right back to 1986, when Dame Naomi James broke champagne over the bow of the 12 Metre KZ-7.

Guests at the just after dawn ceremony included the New Zealand Prime Minister who gave an excellent speech, speaking without notes and telling the 500 guests that she was there as a fan, rather than as a member of the Government.

The boat was welcomed by the Ngata Whatua o Orakei who are the iwi for the location of the team base and long term supporters of the New Zealand team.

Related Articles

America's Cup: French give the Brits the "Hurry-up
Frustration builds between Cup factions over lack of progress with Protocol. Last weekend's missive from the French America's Cup challenge team is further evidence over the building frustration with progress towards the 2027 America's Cup in Naples. Posted today at 11:12 am
K-Challenge gives opinion on proposed Protocol
Why the 38th edition could usher in a new era for the America's Cup Stephan Kandler and Bruno Dubois, Co-CEOs of K-Challenge, jointly stated: “The provisional Protocol published on 23 May 2025 by Defender Emirates Team New Zealand is an important step forward for the America's Cup." Posted on 4 Jul
America's Cup: Confidential settlement reached
(Updated) A confidential settlement reached over five year Cup legal claims. Confidential settlement reached between the America's Cup team Emirates Team New Zealand and their formerly contracted Event Managers, Mayo & Calder, and others associated with the company. But what of Mainstream Media's role in the affair? Posted on 29 Jun
America's Cup - #3 Finish Line
The Cup is still undecided. And somewhere, in one last simulation, the universe holds its breath. The Cup is still undecided. And somewhere, in one last simulation, the universe holds its breath. Step into the last leg. This is where legends break — or rise. Posted on 23 Jun
Cup Spy: "Burling Rule" unlikely to be changed
The Defender is unlikely to soften the Rules and allow open season on its sailing team. Despite the shift of three times America's Cup winner, Peter Burling it is understood that there is unlikely to be any softening of the Nationality rule to enable Burling to get any closer to the action than a chase-boat in the 38th America's Cup. Posted on 20 Jun
Burling "excited' by Italian move
In a media statement issued by his Media Team, Burling says he remains fully committed to his role w In a media statement issued by his Media Team, Burling says he remains fully committed to his role with Black Foils, the New Zealand SailGP Team. Posted on 20 Jun
America's Cup: Kiwis advertising for key people
Emirates Team NZ seeking new people for key roles ahead of its 12th America's Cup campaign Emirates Team New Zealand, the current America's Cup champion is gearing up for the 2027 Defence of the most prestigious trophy in sailing. The team has advertised eight positions in the IT, Meteorology and Engineering areas Posted on 12 Jun
America's Cup: Another sponsor signs for Italians
Luna Rossa has announced that Unipol has renewed its trust in the team Luna Rossa has announced that Unipol has renewed its trust in the team and will accompany it as an official sponsor for the duration of the 38th America's Cup. Posted on 5 Jun
America's Cup fillibustered by Challengers
A Cup in turmoil - Protocol is unsigned - with entries due to open on Sunday. Updated story: America's Cup got underway in Rome on Monday, with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. However three teams are working in collusion and have again issued statements within minutes of each other. Posted on 29 May
America's Cup enthusiastically received in Naples
The Castel dell'Ovo, was the venue for the arrival of the America's Cup in Napes The Castel dell'Ovo, set on the tuft peninsula of Megaride was the outstanding setting for the Official Host Venue Presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup. Posted on 28 May
Allen Dynamic 40 FooterPalm Beach Motor YachtsNorth Sails Loft 57 Podcast