Mercury Marine is proud to support Emirates Team New Zealand as the Official Outboard Supplier, as they prepare to defend the America’s Cup in 2021.
Mercury will provide all the outboard engines needed for Emirates Team New Zealand’s chase and support boats.
“We are incredibly honoured to be part of the America’s Cup defence which is going to be such an important event for everyone in New Zealand,” said Dean Harris, New Zealand Manager, Mercury Marine.
“Emirates Team New Zealand has an incredible record in the America’s Cup, and other international yachting classics, and there’s no doubt they are going to do New Zealand proud once again, so it’s wonderful that Mercury is going to be there as well, doing our bit to help keep the Cup where it belongs.”
Of the boats powered by Mercury, two will be quad-rigged catamarans – each sporting four 400hp Verado engines.
The other craft are monohulls with twin Mercury 250hp V8 Verados.
“Why do you need boats with 1600hp? Because the new America’s Cup yachts are just so incredibly fast,” Dean said.
The 36th America’s Cup will be contested by a new class of yacht – the AC75. The monohull design is unique in that it features two moveable T-shaped hydrofoils, one on each side like arms.
Potential boat speeds could reach 50 knots (92 kph), with the AC75s expected to go three or four times windspeed.
The Prada Cup Challenger Selection Series will take place in Auckland in January and February 2021. This round-robin series will determine which team will compete against the defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the America’s Cup from 6-21 March.
Mercury Marine NZ. Emirates Team New Zealand.
