Emirates Team NZ build momentum towards Naples America's Cup
by Emirates Team New Zealand 10 Nov 06:42 GMT
Emirates Team New Zealand sail their AC40 in Auckland © James Somerset/ Emirates Team New Zealand
After what felt like a quiet year of preparation, Emirates Team New Zealand has roared back to life.
The America's Cup Defenders are back out on the water, back in rhythm, and back on the road to the 38th America's Cup.
Over the past few weeks, the team has been pushing the AC40 through its paces on Auckland's waters, rotating sailors through every position onboard, and laying the groundwork for what promises to be an electrifying campaign ahead.
"It's basically been a year since the last race in Barcelona," said COO Kevin Shoebridge. "We finally started our sailing program, which is a great milestone for the team. Although there's a huge amount that goes on behind the scenes; class rules, Protocols, AC Partnership. Sailing is the reason you do it really. It reinvigorates the place and although we have been flat out inside the base, it feels like this has really kicked off the campaign for the 38th America's Cup."
This latest training block marks a crucial return to the fundamentals, not just refining boat handling, but building depth and versatility across the sailing squad.
Skipper Nathan Outteridge explained, "This block is about just getting back into sailing, really. Getting used to the AC40s again and giving all the new team members that we've got this campaign a chance to really get on to all the different positions and just start to feel at home."
Among those taking the helm and trimming foils are some fresh faces: A mix of seasoned sailors, Olympic talent, and new recruits who are rapidly getting up to speed in the demanding AC40 environment.
Jo Aleh, double Olympic medallist and getting back out on the AC40 for the first time since the Women's America's Cup in Barcelona, reflected: "It's been pretty cool being a part of this. It's just the beginning. I need to get a bit more comfy, but I'm looking forward to some more yachting over the next few weeks."
Outteridge added, "Naturally, when you get in a boat like this it takes a while to feel comfortable in your positions, but it's great to be doing heaps of rotations. All our new recruits are doing really well given they've only had a couple of weeks on the boat. We're starting to throw the boat around a lot more now, it's starting to feel a lot more natural, and everyone's excited to get back into it and take it to the next level."
Beyond the immediate sailing program, the team is also investing in the next generation of New Zealand talent.
Shoebridge noted, "We've also started a pretty strong internship program as we look to strengthen our Youth and Women's America's Cup groups. This includes Serena Woodall, Stella Bilger, Aimee Bright, Sofia Higgott, and Helena Sanderson, which is really exciting to be building that side of things so early on."
With eyes already turning toward Naples, the focus is beginning to shift from training in the AC40 to preparations for the AC75 and the road to the next Cup.
Shoebridge continued, "It's really now about looking forward to the Cup in Naples and what that means for the AC75. We're doing the preliminary work now, understanding the class rule, knowing where we can move within that space, and what we can do. Our plan is to be in Naples next year doing some sailing at the venue, and that's what we're working towards with the AC75."
As the foils lift once again and the familiar hum of speed fills the air, it's clear the team's hibernation is well and truly over. Emirates Team New Zealand are back; refreshed, refocused, and ready to chase the America's Cup once more, for a fourth straight win.