The Kiwis are first to fly!
14 Jul 2015
Emirates Team New Zealand have been out on the Solent trialling the newly converted foiling AC45 catamaran Photo: Shaun Roster
ACWS: Emirates Team New Zealand are the first international America’s Cup team have taken to the Solent to prepare for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) in Portsmouth.
Having sparred with the eventual winners of the 34th America’s Cup, Oracle Team USA, in a nail-biting duel until the very end, the New Zealand crew are determined to hit the ground running in the 35th ACWS.
For the Kiwi team, the trip to Britain has brought a first taste of sailing the newly converted foiling AC45 catamaran. It’s also a good opportunity to trial different crew members in different roles.
Saling director, Glenn Ashby said: “The Solent‘s an interesting place. I think the tide and the currents are probably the thing that’s most interesting thing here. Guys like Ray [Davies] have spent a lot of time on the Solent before, so have got quite a lot of experience in that. I think where we’re going to be racing, off Portsmouth, will be a great venue. We’re really looking forward to it.”
He expects all six competing teams in the first America’s Cup World Series event will be equally motivated.
“This event will effectively be the first foiling fleet race of an America’s Cup World Series – or ever, basically! There could be some different manoeuvres and people trying different things. I think this first event could be one of the most exciting AC45 World Series events ever seen!”
The Emirates Team New Zealand is made up of Sailing Director Glenn Ashby, helmsman Peter Burling and the Olympic crew Blair Tuke, Ray Davies, Richard Meacham and Guy Endean.