Taihoro, the boat that carried the team to victory in Barcelona nearly 18 months ago was ready to be relifted back into the water this week as preparations begin for the 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027. Unlike previous Cup cycles, however, the amount of time teams can spend sailing their AC75 is now tightly restricted.
Between now and January 2027, Emirates Team New Zealand has just 45 sailing days available on the boat.
“We’re limited to 45 days sailing between now and next January, so every day has to count,” said Emirates Team New Zealand core sailing team member Andy Maloney.
The restriction means sailing days must be chosen carefully. Rather than heading out regularly, the team is expected to focus on longer sessions in suitable weather so each outing delivers useful data and training time.
First time on the AC75 for many sailors
When the AC75 sails this week, it will also be the first time several members of the current squad have been aboard the boat.
“Most of the team actually hasn’t sailed on this boat yet,” said helmsman and new ETNZ skipper Nathan Outteridge.
In the months leading up to the relaunch, the sailing team has been training on the smaller AC40 class boat. While significantly smaller than the AC75, the AC40 shares the same foiling concept and control systems, making it a useful platform for learning roles and practising manoeuvres.
“The 40 is a great stepping stone before the 75,” Maloney said. “We’ve been able to train sailors in the same positions they’ll have on the bigger boat.”
The AC40 has also played an important role in introducing younger sailors to the programme.
Maloney said the new additions to the team have adapted quickly to the highly technical environment of foiling race boats.
“The young talent we’ve brought into the team have impressed all of us with how quickly they pick things up,” he said.
Adjusting after major team changes
The relaunch also comes as the sailing group reshapes itself following several significant departures since the Barcelona campaign.
Long-time helmsman Peter Burling has moved on, along with other experienced crew members, leaving the remaining sailors to take on expanded roles within the team.
“We’ve had a big change in the sailing team,” Maloney said. “It means some of us with experience need to step up and take on different responsibilities.”
Outteridge is now expected to play a central role in driving duties as the team begins building its sailing lineup for the next America’s Cup cycle.
Sailing days are now more valuable than ever
With AC75 sailing time limited under the America’s Cup protocol, the relaunch marks the start of a carefully managed training period.
The first outings will allow the team to re-familiarise themselves with the boat, test systems, and begin working through different crew combinations as preparations for the next Cup defence continue.
For some sailors, it will also be their first experience aboard the 75-foot foiling monohull, one of the fastest racing yachts ever built.
For Emirates Team New Zealand, the next phase of the campaign has now begun.
