Today the New Zealand marine industry is celebrating Emirates Team New Zealand’s stunning victory in the 37th America’s Cup, a victory that reflects not only the exceptional skill of our sailors but also the cutting-edge technology developed right here in Aotearoa.
Facing off against elite teams from the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, France, and the USA, Emirates Team New Zealand’s triumph on the waters of Barcelona is a testament to the Kiwi ingenuity that has kept New Zealand at the forefront of global yacht racing. The victory represents more than just a win for the sailors; it’s a celebration of New Zealand’s leadership in marine innovation, technology, and boatbuilding.
The Role of Kiwi Technology in a Global Race
The America’s Cup is often described as the marine equivalent of Formula 1, where speed and precision reign supreme. New Zealand’s contribution to this high-octane event cannot be overstated. From the blistering 102 km/h speeds set by the AC75 yachts to the chase boats and vital components powering the foiling technology, New Zealand companies are at the heart of it all.
Local companies like Southern Spars, North Sails, and Adhesive Technologies have all played pivotal roles in supplying essential parts and materials not only to Emirates Team New Zealand but also to competing teams. Southern Spars, from its Auckland base, created 26.5-metre carbon fibre masts, designed to the tight specifications demanded by America’s Cup class requirements. North Sails supplied sails for multiple teams, ensuring top performance under pressure. Adhesive Technologies supplied resins and adhesives for ETNZ and other teams in the competition, and the hydrogen land-speed record craft and rigs.
Gurit, a leader in composite engineering, and C-Tech, known for its high-performance battens, have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in yacht racing. These companies represent New Zealand’s drive for excellence, ensuring our boats are the fastest, strongest, and most innovative on the water.
Boatbuilders at the Forefront
New Zealand’s boatbuilders have also shone on the global stage. Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, a key player in this year’s Cup, supplied large support vessels for both Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Britannia. Rayglass Boats, another Kiwi icon, shipped an impressive fleet of 30 boats from Mount Wellington to the Barcelona race village, providing critical support throughout the regatta.
Salthouse Coach Boats and Rayglass Boats have long been trusted by Cup teams to deliver high-quality chase boats, essential for keeping pace with the AC75s and ensuring safety on the water. This deep trust in New Zealand-built vessels speaks volumes about the quality and craftsmanship produced by our marine industry.
Innovation Beyond Racing
While New Zealand’s sailors are often celebrated, the technology driving their success is equally important. Companies like Predictwind, a world leader in weather forecasting, provide America’s Cup sailors with real-time, hyper-localised weather data that helps teams make crucial decisions on the water. With forecasts for over 20,000 global sites, Predictwind’s technology is trusted by both world-class racers and everyday boaters alike.
PURE Design & Engineering, another Kiwi innovator, has engineered the one-design foil arms used by all America’s Cup teams, a critical component for ensuring fair competition. These companies represent the future of marine technology, pushing boundaries and setting new standards.
A Legacy of Excellence
The New Zealand Marine Industry’s involvement in America’s Cup dates back 35 years, with Kiwi companies supporting the design and construction of race-winning boats. Today, that legacy continues, with Emirates Team New Zealand’s latest victory standing as a testament to the partnership between our sailors and the marine industry that supports them.
With the global spotlight on the America’s Cup and its millions of viewers, New Zealand’s ability to innovate on the water is reaching new heights. The marine industry remains a crucial part of New Zealand’s economy, and its reputation for excellence continues to grow as it leads the world in marine and specialised technologies.
As the America’s Cup returns to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, we celebrate not only a sailing victory but also the success of our world-leading marine industry, which has once again proven that Kiwi ingenuity is unmatched on the world stage.
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