The search for Emirates Team New Zealand's Biggest Fan now underway
by TheMarket.com 9 Mar 2021 00:44 PST
9 March 2021
Emirates Team New Zealand- Training - Prada Cup Finals - Day 4 - February 21, 2021 - America's Cup 36 - Course A © Richard Gladwell / Sail-World.com
TheMarket.com – New Zealand’s fastest growing online retailer and official retail partner and sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand’s defence of the 36th America’s Cup – has sent out a nationwide call looking for Emirates Team New Zealand’s Biggest Fan, backing the Kiwi team with extra wind.
“The Hauraki Gulf is a fickle mistress and we have become somewhat addicted to seeing Kiwi’s fly on foils. To keep them up, we’re hosting a competition encouraging all New Zealanders to help generate wind and give the Emirates Team New Zealand boat, Te Rehutai a lift,” says TheMarket.com CEO Justus Wilde.
The Biggest Fan (literally) will be selected by Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton. “We are looking for a secret weapon and there’s nothing like an extra boost from our fans on race day. I want creativity, kiwi spirit, and know-how. Get all those things, you can be that winner” says Dalton.
Catching wind of TheMarket’s call out, iconic and comedic Kiwi personalities, Jordan Watson (How to Dad), Kim Crossman, Israel Dagg, Clint Roberts, Jordi Webber, Amber Peebles and the Alternative Commentary Collective, were keen to support Emirates Team New Zealand. Captivated by The America’s Cup racing, they all went to great lengths to fill the sails with extra wind.
Jordan Watson of How to Dad, going as far as towing his Dad’s Airboat up to Auckland, eager to assert to Emirates Team New Zealand how he’s their biggest fan with the biggest fan. “As a massive fan of The America’s Cup and Emirates Team New Zealand, and as a guy with access to literally, a massive fan, the Dad joke was just too good to pass. I had to help out.”
This was a big risk which almost led to Jordan being arrested by the water police but “turns out they just wanted a bit of a chinwag, a quick selfie” and they were left to hang out their new teammates.
Flying over water is no feat, inspired, actress Kim Crossman, made a few valiant attempts sliding/flying down a 50-meter water slide to rally others to get involved and show their support for Emirates Team New Zealand.
Former New Zealand rugby union player and All Black, Israel Dagg, renowned for his powerful legs, nearly broke his assault bike creating a tornado but has no regrets: “It’s a no brainer! To throw my support around Emirates Team New Zealand. Absolutely love sport and love supporting Kiwi’s on the big stage. Get up Emirates Team New Zealand!”
There ain’t no breeze small enough, and with every gust counting, media personality Amber Peebles was stoked to jump on board and help wave the flag showing the boys her support. “How can you not get excited about the sailing; I’ve been hooked ever since Emirates Team New Zealand changed the game by adding foils. It’s a test of technology and skill, the boats look so futuristic now it’s crazy.”
Creating extra wind is something any Kiwi can do from anywhere, no matter what lockdown level. Actor Jordi Webber achieved strong wind flow from the comfort of his backyard. “No other country in the world would create as much wind for their team as New Zealand, and that’s what I love about us, we may be small, but as a group, we are mighty!” says Webber.
Wind can be created by fans, leaf blowers, wind turbines, hairdryers, propellers, and wings, or if you are after inspiration of what you can use to extra wind power there are millions of products from thousands of brands on TheMarket.com. Be creative, we are looking for passion, gusto, and good old NZ spirit.
Grant Dalton is the judge!
The Biggest Fan (literally), as chosen by Grant Dalton, will win $10,000 to spend on TheMarket.com (with millions of products from 5,000+ brands you are bound to find whatever floats your boat) and feature on TheMarket’s nationwide billboard of the campaign.
How to Enter
To enter, capture a picture or short video of your being a Big Fan supporting the team with extra wind and upload to TheMarket.com/ETNZbiggestfan/, entries close March 12*. Plus, an extra $1,000 to be won if you share your entry on social and tag @themarket.nz & #ETNZBiggestFan.
The 36th America’s Cup will begin Wednesday the 10th of March, contested between Emirates Team New Zealand and the winner of the 2021 Prada Cup Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Official Challengers of the 36th America’s Cup.
*Competition end date subject to change as intended to coincide with conclusion of the final race in the America’s Cup final series.