Kiwi tech triumph
New Zealand marine technology has helped drive Emirates Team New Zealand's successful defence of the 37th America’s Cup.
25 October 2024
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The New Zealand Marine Industry Association has congratulated Emirates Team New Zealand on successfully defending the 37th America’s Cup. It has been a thrilling week of racing as New Zealand marine innovation has enabled new records on the waters of Barcelona.
The team’s win against competitors from the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, France and the USA highlights New Zealand’s leadership in sailing and boatbuilding technology.
New Zealand’s expertise is evident not only through its own team but also through contributions to other America’s Cup teams. The AC75 yachts, including the record-setting speed of 102 km/h, and the components powering the foiling yachts are largely based on New Zealand innovation.
New Zealand’s Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy (MAST) plays a crucial role in training around 700 marine specialists and boatbuilders annually, contributing to the global marine sector. This training program has been adopted internationally, enhancing the country’s reputation as a hub for marine innovation.
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Several New Zealand companies have made significant contributions to this year’s America’s Cup, the marine equivalent of Formula 1.
Southern Spars, based in Auckland, built 26.5-metre carbon fibre masts for a number of teams to fit the tight specifications of the class requirement, while North Sails provided sails for the AC40s, youth teams, and Emirates Team New Zealand. Adhesive Technologies supplied the resins and adhesives for the Emirates Team New Zealand boats, hydrogen and land speed record craft and rigs, as well as supplying other teams in the competition.
Gurit has supplied composite engineering services while C-Tech has been supplying battens to the America’s Cup since 2003. It has an advanced research and development focus to keep pushing the boundaries with not only battens but a number of other composite components capable of withstanding the forces of America’s Cup boats.
On the water, Rayglass Boats, Salthouse Coach Boats and Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders have all supplied chase and support boats for the Cup. Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders has built Catalyst boats for both Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS, supplying the large support vessels for use in a key role as the Cup unfolds.
Rayglass Boats has supplied 30 boats, which could be seen in the Barcelona race village after they were shipped to the event from the company’s base in Mount Wellington.
New Zealand technology innovator, Predictwind provides category-leading weather forecasting to both America’s Cup sailors and local boaters alike, providing specific forecasting for 20,000 sites globally. Pure Design & Engineering is another New Zealand company using innovation to pave the way; it engineered the one design foil arms used by all teams as well as providing engineering expertise across a number of components.
New Zealand continues to lead in marine technology, with a long history of building America’s Cup boats for 35 years. The industry’s efforts are set to achieve even more recognition as America’s Cup innovations continue to reach a global audience.
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