Please select your home edition
Edition
Armstrong 728x90 - HA Foil Range - TOP

Emirates Team NZ's Project Speed pulls the parts together ahead of test run

by Emirates Team New Zealand 13 May 2022 02:17 PDT 13 May 2022
Fitting the wingsail onto the fuselage - Emirates Team New Zealand's land yacht is assembled ahead of the speed trial testing in Auckland - may 2022 © Emirates Team New Zealand

Almost within the blink of an eye, the Emirates Team New Zealand Land Speed record craft is being fitted together at the Auckland base. Time is ticking and as usual, it's the team against the clock to stay on track with timelines and deadlines.

“We have had the typical frenzy to get everything put together to get out at Whenuapai,” explained Sean Regan, as all of the parts for the land yacht come together for the fit-out.

Once fitted out and ready to sail the next stop is the RNZAF base at Whenuapai in West Auckland, where the Air Force have been typically welcoming, ready, and willing to help the project in anyway they can.

But in the meantime, “all of the main structural elements have been completed by the yard, so now it is cockpit fit-out, canopy install, all the steering, and control systems, the front wheel assembly goes on, the rear wheel assembly goes in. So it is really fitting it out, getting the pilot in there and every sorted to suit him.”

The pilot of course is Glenn Ashby, who is watching a childhood dream and ambition literally be put together in front of his eyes. With no time for sentimentality, he has been right in there in the mix amongst the frenzy of picking up and installing parts from around the city.

“The last piece of the puzzle is the wing, which has been produced by the great team at Southern Spars,” explained Ashby “We have that here now and the tailplane is just being finished off as well. Then we plug it all together and make sure it fits into the fuselage.”

It all sounds so easy, like a simple jigsaw puzzle - if only.

But nevertheless, the production and build team have achieved an incredible amount in a relatively short timeframe. “We started the production just over 3 months ago. It is incredible what our guys have produced in such a short time.” said Sean Regan.“But this is what motivates the guys that are part of this team. The idea is to just push yourself always and the guys should feel really proud of what they have done so far.”

But as always with everything Emirates Team New Zealand does- the proof will be in the pudding and the ultimate result. But in the short term, “our target is to have her all fitted out for a naming and blessing on Monday and then get out to Whenuapai on Tuesday for some testing with the wing and hopefully loading everything up to as maximum load as we can on the runway.” Explained Ashby.

The journey to be the fastest man-powered by the wind on land continues.

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 on 6 Jul
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
Lloyd Stevenson - AC INEOS 1456x180px BOTTOMC-Tech 2020 Tubes 728x90 BOTTOMMaritimo M75