Team New Zealand, now called Emirates Team New Zeland is a famous sailing team based in Auckland. Representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, it made history by becoming the first team from a country outside the United States to win and successfully defend the America’s Cup
First an outsider
It was in 1995, under the direction of Sir Peter Blake, that TNZ made its name. Like all the nations that have played the USA in the oldest competition in the world, New Zealand was the underdog against the defending champions. However, the team skippered by Glenn Ashby created a surprise and beat Team Dennis Conner 5-0. Five years later, the feat was repeated. It was not until 2003 that TNZ’s reign over the America’s Cup came to an end. But the team has not said its last word…
A record of champions
In 2007, the team renamed Emirates Team New Zealand won the Louis Vuitton Cup. A series of victories followed, but they were unable to bring the America’s Cup back to New Zealand. With boats that are more and more efficient and packed with technology, Emirates Team New Zealand is now one of the most formidable competitors on the planet. In 2017, the team made its comeback by winning the America’s Cup against the USA. In 2021, Emirates Team New Zealand remains the big winner by beating the Italian defender Luna Rossa in Auckland. Helmed by Peter Burling, the AC75 flying monohull named “Te Rahitai” surprised by its speed and its outstanding performance.
Over the years, Emirates Team New Zealand has shown its ability to reinvent itself and accomplish the most amazing technological and sporting feats.
