Team NZ test sail systems
Team New Zealand had their new America’s Cup boat out on the water yesterday, testing rigging and sail systems.
The new AC75, named The Dolphin, was only launched on Friday and wild weekend weather meant it didn’t get out on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour until Monday, again with difficult conditions, for a brief testing under tow without its mast in.
But with more settled weather there was a flurry of activity at the base of Emirates Team New Zealand yesterday.
The mast was craned into the boat early and it was towed out on to the harbour where it sat tied up against one of the team’s tenders as sailing crew and shore crew scurried about, getting ready to test the sails.
There was a man up the 26.5m mast and sails at the ready.
The innovative soft wingsail was eventually raised as the boat floated next to the Harbour Bridge, giving some perspective to the massive piece of engineering.
That was brought down and the jib was then raised as systems testing continued on the 20.7m boat that remained lashed to the support boat.
Having only tested their design via a state-of-the-art simulator, there has been a mix of excitement and nerves within the syndicate about getting the boat under way in real conditions.
That was set against the need to debug the boat of any potential
problems from its 10-month build. Team New Zealand were determined to be meticulous with that process, not wanting any unexpected mishaps to endanger the multi-million dollar craft.
Yesterday represented another step in the right direction. With a building southwesterly wind, the boat was towed back to the safety of the base by lunchtime after a productive morning.
American Magic, the New York Yacht Club’s entry for Auckland 2021, has also been tested under tow ahead of its official launch. They are the only one of the four challengers at that stage of their programme.
Italian Challenger of Record Luna Rossa and INEOS Team UK are close to launching their boats.
Teams are allowed to build two boats and Team New Zealand’s second version will be the one to defend the America’s Cup in March 2021.