Let’s take an in-depth look at the five remarkable women who make up New Zealand’s team, their incredible achievements, and what they bring to the table as they prepare to take on the world.
Jo Aleh: The Leader with Olympic Pedigree
At the helm of New Zealand’s Women’s America’s Cup team is Jo Aleh, a name that resonates with prestige in the world of sailing. Aleh is best known for her illustrious Olympic career, where she won two medals for New Zealand in the Women’s 470 class — a gold in 2012 and a silver in 2016. Her Olympic success is a testament to her unmatched tactical acumen and ability to perform under pressure.
Aleh’s transition into the America’s Cup format has been seamless, thanks to her vast experience in high-performance boats. Having previously been involved with Emirates Team New Zealand, she brings a unique blend of leadership and competitive spirit to this team. Aleh’s role on the New Zealand team will be pivotal, both in terms of decision-making on the water and as a mentor to her teammates. Her tactical brilliance and ability to handle pressure could very well be the deciding factor in New Zealand’s success.
Molly Meech: The Silver Medallist Turned Foiling Specialist
Another Olympic medallist on the team is Molly Meech, who claimed silver in the 49erFX class at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside her sailing partner, Alex Maloney. The 49erFX is known for its speed and agility, traits that have served Meech well as she has transitioned into the world of foiling monohulls — the AC40s used in the Women’s America’s Cup.
Meech has made an impressive shift from the smaller, agile 49erFX to the more powerful and technical AC40s. Her role on the boat is crucial as she brings not only her Olympic experience but also a keen understanding of how to manage the high-speed, high-pressure environment of foiling yachts. Meech’s strength lies in her ability to adapt quickly and her mental resilience, traits that will make her a key player in New Zealand’s push for victory.
Erica Dawson: The Versatile All-Rounder
Erica Dawson is one of New Zealand’s most versatile sailors, having raced across multiple disciplines, including mixed foiling and offshore racing. Dawson’s journey in sailing has been one of constant growth and evolution. She competed in the Nacra 17 class, a mixed-gender foiling catamaran at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which makes her no stranger to the intense demands of high-speed, foiling competitions.
Dawson has also been part of Team New Zealand’s SailGP squad, a competition that features some of the fastest foiling catamarans in the world. Her experience in SailGP has given her invaluable insights into the world of cutting-edge foiling technology, making her an asset on the AC40. On top of her tactical ability, Dawson’s versatility and adaptability make her one of the most well-rounded sailors on the team, capable of stepping into different roles as needed.
Liv Mackay: The Rising Star with Match Racing Experience
Liv Mackay is one of the rising stars in New Zealand sailing, with a background that spans match racing, offshore sailing, and foiling. Her experience in match racing, a format similar to the America’s Cup, makes her an invaluable asset for this competition. Mackay first gained attention through her success in the Youth America’s Cup and the Red Bull Foiling Generation, where she demonstrated her ability to handle fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Mackay’s recent experience in offshore sailing has only enhanced her capabilities as a well-rounded sailor. She has a natural ability to think tactically and execute under pressure, and her adaptability has earned her a spot in the upper echelon of female sailors. In the Women’s America’s Cup, Mackay’s combination of match racing expertise and leadership will be crucial for New Zealand’s chances.
Gemma Jones: The Nacra 17 Specialist with Olympic Pedigree
Gemma Jones is another standout member of the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in high-performance sailing. Known for her prowess in the Nacra 17, a mixed-gender foiling catamaran class, Jones is no stranger to intense, high-speed racing environments. She represented New Zealand at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the Nacra 17 class, finishing fourth in Rio, just shy of the podium. This result solidified her reputation as one of the top multihull sailors in the world.Jemma Jones
The AC40: High-Speed Racing Machines
The AC40s being raced in the Women’s America’s Cup are foiling monohulls designed for speed and agility. These cutting-edge boats are scaled-down versions of the AC75 used in the main America’s Cup competition and require incredible precision to handle. Foiling boats lift above the water on hydrofoils, reducing drag and allowing for speeds that would be impossible with traditional hulls.
For the New Zealand team, racing in these high-performance machines is both a challenge and an opportunity. The team’s extensive experience with foiling technology, particularly through competitions like SailGP and the Olympics, gives them a significant advantage.
The Format of the Women’s America’s Cup
The Women’s America’s Cup follows a match-racing format, which pits teams against each other in one-on-one duels. Unlike fleet racing, where multiple boats compete simultaneously, match racing is about precision, strategy, and out-manoeuvring your opponent. The event will see teams racing in a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to knockout stages.
New Zealand’s team has an ideal combination of experience in match racing and foiling, making them well-suited to this format. With tactical leaders like Jo Aleh and Liv Mackay at the helm, New Zealand will be a force to be reckoned with in the knockout stages.
Teams and Competitors to Watch
While New Zealand boasts a formidable lineup, they will face stiff competition from teams representing countries like Spain, Great Britain, and the USA. Each of these teams has its own set of elite sailors, many with Olympic or World Championship experience. However, with their blend of experience, youth, and tactical brilliance, New Zealand is poised to be one of the teams to beat.
Ready to Make History!
As the Puig Women’s America’s Cup sets sail tonight in Barcelona, all eyes will be on these incredible sailors. For the New Zealand team, this is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to make history. With seasoned Olympians like Jo Aleh and Molly Meech leading the charge, alongside versatile talents like Erica Dawson and Liv Mackay, the New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup team is ready to show the world that they are a force to be reckoned with.
The road ahead will be tough, but this team has the talent, experience, and determination to rise to the occasion and leave an indelible mark on women’s sailing history.
