Emily Van Velthooven

“I remember when my brother Simon first told me he’d been asked to join ETNZ for the America’s Cup in Bermuda. I couldn’t understand why they’d be interested – he was a professional track cyclist at the time and our family had zero history in sailing. But it all made sense over the Christmas break when I was having a cup of tea with my dad at our family home in Palmerston North. Grinning, he asked me, ‘Em, why do you think Simon’s in the team?’ and I pondered... ‘Because he’s a hard worker?’ Then he asked, ‘What do you think the strongest part of your body is?’ Bikes on boats. I’m sure he’ll never forget the look on my face.”