Emirates Team New Zealand launch the world's first AC75, Auckland, September 6, © Richard Gladwell / Sail-World.com
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.