Did you know this base has seen blessings and boat building? This is the Emirates Team New Zealand Base. It is more than just a building. It represents innovation, resilience, and a nation’s sailing dreams.
Team New Zealand’s story began long before this base existed. Back in 1987, they were the “upstarts in plastic boats.” They dared to challenge the dominance of the United States in the America’s Cup. Imagine the audacity. They built fiberglass yachts instead of aluminum. This rattled veterans like Dennis Conner. He even accused them of cheating.
Despite the controversy, their boat, KZ7, won 37 of 38 matches. The team reshaped the event. The America’s Cup Class yachts were born.
Fast forward to 1995. Peter Blake changed the team’s name to Team New Zealand. The boats became black. This was something everyone could relate to. The team focused on superb design and meticulous detail. They swept all before them in San Diego. “America’s Cup is now New Zealand’s Cup!” became a famous line.
In 2000, Auckland hosted the America’s Cup. Peter Blake transformed the Viaduct Basin. It changed from a run-down area to a Cup Village. Team New Zealand defended the cup. They beat Luna Rossa 5-0. Peter Blake, Russell Coutts, and a young Dean Barker became national heroes.
The team faced setbacks. In 2003, they lost to Alinghi. Key members left. However, they rebuilt. In 2007, they were renamed Emirates Team New Zealand. They won the Louis Vuitton Cup. Kiwis flooded Valencia to support them. The final race against Alinghi was decided by one second.
The 34th America’s Cup in 2013 was a turning point. They mastered multihulls. They were the first to foil. Emirates Team New Zealand led the charge.
After a defeat in San Francisco, they quietly rebuilt. In 2017, they launched a revolutionary boat with cyclors. They won the America’s Cup for the third time.
In 2021, Auckland hosted the 36th America’s Cup. The AC75, a foiling monohull, changed the game. Emirates Team New Zealand won again. Innovation was key.
In 2022, Emirates Team New Zealand relocated its base. They moved to the former Team INEOS base at Wynyard Point. The team will stay here until 2028.
Ngati Whatua Orakei blessed the new Emirates Team New Zealand base. The AC40 will soon be sailing from here. This base is not just steel and glass. It is a symbol of dreams pursued and limits pushed.