For four years Emirates Team New Zealand has been a fortress. Most of the operation has been off-limits to media as they prepare to defend the 36th America’s Cup. For the Defender the pressure is now on to keep the Cup in New Zealand.
Rivalled against Challengers Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, INEOS Team UK and American Magic, TeamNZ have used everything in their power to deliver the fastest boat, the most well-prepared team, and the edgiest technology with their boat Te Kāhu.
As soon as Team New Zealand won the 35th America’s Cup in spectacular form against Oracle Team USA in Bermuda in 2017, the work started on this Cup. The brief is always the same: set out rules that push the boundaries of the sport.
After the incredible foiling catamarans we saw in the last Cup, the move to the AC75 monohulls was met with mixed reactions. For some there was an appreciation for a return to a single hull deign, while others noted that the loss of the high-performance foiling cats would lead to public disinterest.
But what goes on behind the scenes of a world class sports team like this? At this level, nothing can be left to chance. SUNDAY was invited inside for an exclusive behind the scenes look at what it will take to win in 2021. They talk controversies, spying and high speed sailing.
Reporter: Rebecca Wright Producer: Stephen Butler Cameras: Gary Hopper, Will Green Editor: Ben Selkirk
Watch the Emirates Team New Zealand Story
