America’s Cup 2021: New Zealand team surpassed 100 km / h barrier – report

If the America’s Cup hopefuls gained some confidence in the recent America’s Cup World Series, they may have taken a hit with reports of the speeds Emirates Team New Zealand is reaching at the Waitemata Habour.

According to the French publication Paris Match, the New Zealand team reached the magic mark of 56 knots (103.7 km / h) during a training session.

The report comes from French Guillaume Verdier, who was previously part of the Team New Zealand design team.

To achieve that kind of speed, Team New Zealand’s Te Rehutai was expected to sail in strong winds.

According to the America’s Cup website, the New Zealand team reached 47.14 knots on the opening day of the America’s Cup World Series earlier this month.

American Magic was even faster at 47.59 knots in a win over INEOS Team UK and then 47.37 knots again by beating TNZ on the opening day of the race.

In September, NZME reporter Matt Brown boarded American Magic’s AC75 Defiant and witnessed the speedometer reach 41 knots. However, CEO Terry Hutchinson later showed data that showed the ship was even faster.

Ironically, it was the lack of wind that canceled the Christmas Race, the New Zealand team’s last chance to compete against their rivals before the America’s Cup in March.

Enjoy a smooth sailing to the Cup with Auckland Transport

• Avoid traffic congestion and parking problems and download the AT Mobile app to plan your bus, train, or ferry trip to race venues before you leave home.

• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It’s the best way to get to the Cup

• For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup