Emirates Team New Zealand unveiled its second AC72 on Monday at the team base in Auckland, at a low-key ceremony where the boat was named ‘New Zealand Aotearoa’. The team had hoped to launch the boat Monday as well, but the weather wasn’t co-operative with overcast, wet, and windy conditions.
Credit : Ch.Cameron
Managing director Grant Dalton said: “We were ready to launch but the weather wasn’t. Even though we didn’t lift the boat we met another of our self-imposed deadlines.
“America’s Cup rules did not allow the launch of a second boat until last Friday, February 1 (San Francisco time), effectively Saturday in New Zealand. We settled for a Monday launch for the second boat three months ago.”
“With the gusts making the wing lift difficult this morning, it was prudent not to risk damage at the start of a busy testing programme.
“Now the reality is we have only five months before we start racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup. Before that we will do two months of intensive testing in Auckland..We suspend the test programme in early April and pack the cats, chase boats, base structures, workshops, offices, gym, kitchens and stores for the move to San Francisco.
“The last of the America’s Cup world series regattas will be held at Naples, Italy, starting on April 16. That will take some of the sailing team, shore crew, logistics and admin people out of play for a couple of weeks.
“We will be sailing the AC72 in San Francisco towards the end of May. Racing starts on July 7.”
From : America's Cup and Emirates Team New Zealand
