America's Cup: Emirates Team NZ scores a great sailing day on the Gulf
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 27 Jan 21:39 PST
Emirates Team New Zealand return from a two boat training session - AC40 - Auckland - January 28, 2026 © Richard Gladwell - Sail-World.com/nz
Emirates Team NZ have been out two boat training in Auckland for the last couple of days, as Auckland enjoys the first couple of summer days since Christmas, or earlier.
With Xmas holidays, and adverse weather - gales and rain have lashed the country, mainly the top of the North Island. Many of the more experienced sailing team have been absent with SailGP commitments.
However today was one of the great sailing days, with bright sunshine, a warm steady sea breeze, without too much of a seaway. The team got out onto the Hauraki Gulf on the 2021 America's Cup Course A - used for the final day of racing, March 17, 2021.
It was a great day to work in the new sailing squad members, given the changes that are believed to have taken place recently.
The sea breeze built nicely during the day starting at around 10kts at 1100hrs and building to 13.5kts, gusting 15kts plus around 1500hrs and increased around 1600hrs as the boats sailed up the Rangitoto Channel where these shots were taken.
Two chase boats were out, in close contact with their respective boats.
The session wrapped up about 4pm - and we guess was of four-five hours duration.