Emirates Team New Zealand sails towards the America’s Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand announced on Thursday that it was challenging for the 34th America’s Cup to be sailed at San Francisco in 2013.

“We believe that we can mount a credible challenge which will have a very good chance of winning the America’s Cup. That’s our mission and that is the expectation of our sponsors, partners, suppliers and the people of New Zealand. It is an expectation that every member of this team is determined to fulfil,” said Grant Dalton, Managing Director of Emirates Team New Zealand.

Grant Dalton (standing), Managing Director, Emirates Team New Zealand announced in Auckland on Thursday that the team would challenge for the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco. Also photographed (L-R): Dean Barker, Emirates Team New Zealand’s skipper; Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations – Worldwide; Bob Field, Chairman, Toyota New Zealand and Kevin Shoebridge, Chief Operating Office, Emirates Team New Zealand.

Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC 45 catamaran which will be will be raced in America’s Cup pre-regattas this year and next. 

 

 

“We are delighted Emirates Team New Zealand has been able to take the next major step on the America’s Cup journey to San Francisco,” said Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations - Worldwide. “When we renewed our commitment to the team last month we were confident in Grant Dalton lodging a successful entry for the challenger series. His resourcefulness and the team’s record of achievement have shone through once again and we very much look forward to watching Emirates Team New Zealand compete at the very highest level of world yachting.”

The 34th America’s Cup will be raced with 72 foot catamarans.

“Racing in catamarans will make the 34th America’s Cup very different than the 32nd at Valencia in 2007.  In 2013, teams will be racing 72ft catamarans. Design, engineering, logistics, and sailing skills are very different,” said Dalton.

“To handle this new challenge we have assembled a very accomplished group of people both on and off the water. The Emirates Team New Zealand design team now numbers more than 30 designers, engineers and people who bring specialist multihull knowledge and skills. They have been working on the 72ft catamaran for some months and we believe we are right on the pace.

“Our sailing team is working to acquire the skills and experience necessary to compete well. Six months ago Dean Barker raced in a multihull regatta for the first time. Last weekend he, James Dagg, Jeremy Lomas and Glenn Ashby were second in an Extreme Sailing Series regatta in China. Results in the A Class catamaran regattas in Australia earlier this year were remarkable,” Dalton said.

“Today, we announce with confidence that we will compete in the 2013 America’s Cup.  We thank our loyal sponsors, our partners and our suppliers for backing the team since Valencia in 2007. Emirates Airline, our naming sponsor since 2004, Toyota New Zealand, a sponsor for 20 years, Omega, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker, a sponsor since 1995 and the New Zealand Government.

Dalton said: “Today we welcome Nespresso, a premium Swiss-based international coffee brand, as a team sponsor for the 34th America’s Cup. Today our long-term sponsors, Emirates Airline, Omega and Toyota New Zealand, who announced their continuing support previously, wished the team well in its quest.”

Source: Emirates.com (21/04/2011).