America’s Cup: the first lesson came to the New Zealand team

The New Zealand team expressed calm satisfaction with their first performance under pressure in an AC75, but admitted they have work to do with their pre-starts.

The defenders, along with challengers American Magic and Luna Rossa, held an invaluable opening practice under the official gaze of race director Iain Murray in Auckland on Tuesday.

It was the first time there was boat-to-boat action on these new vessels with only the British absent, as the INEOS UK team suffered mysterious damage before they could hoist their jib.

The high-paced action certainly demonstrated the theory of radically frustrating 75-foot monohulls, but it also emphasized the need for more precision for the New Zealand team.

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Peter Burling often came off on the wrong side of some aggressive outings by American Magic’s Dean Barker and the double-helm approach of Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni aboard the Luna Rossa.

The Kiwis were able to make peace with their boat’s speed and ability to aim higher, suggesting that had the races been completed, they would have had the throttle to claim victories.

It’s the early days, and with limited experience on your new boat, a slightly conservative approach in the first place will have no long-term consequences. Burling and his sailors are still feeling the potential of Te Rehutai.

Emirates Team New Zealand coach Ray Davies summed it up: “It’s really cool to see these boats, it’s spectacular. The closing speed is phenomenal.

“A bit slow start with some of our pre-starts and obviously some things to work on there in terms of our times. But overall, great lessons.

Wrestling controller Blair Tuke expressed similar sentiments.

“That was a really good day,” Tuke said.

“Obviously getting into the starting box with these boats is quite a challenge. We’ve practiced a lot on our own, but when it really happens that way, with all the times, it takes a bit of getting used to.

“We had a couple of bad guys, a couple of good guys … but overall, a lot of good learnings of the day for us.

“It feels good to have him under our belt.”

The New Zealand team helmsman Burling considered the exercise to be ideal as they will face a suitable race next week when the world series and Christmas Cup regatta take place on December 17-20.

He watched the competitive nature of his champion team increase with the opposition on his side.

The New Zealand team only has this December block to face off against rivals before they split up to train alone in January and February, waiting for their opponent for the America’s Cup match that starts on March 6.

They expressed their willingness to make the most of this first opportunity. With the British absent, the New Zealand team stepped up to face Luna Rossa, spending a long afternoon in the water under intense pressure.

The Kiwis are still getting acquainted with their new Te Rehutai boat, which is a considerable leap in design from their first Te Aihe boat and could certainly have contributed to their mixed day on the actual starting line.

They have only had a little over two weeks of training at Te Rehutai.

There are obvious adjustments that must be made given its higher speed. With that improvement on such a vital product will come a greater confidence that they have something special under their feet.

But they were also reminded that opposition teams, having had more time with their new ships, are particularly skilled with their maneuvers, as demonstrated by veteran veterans Barker and Spithill.

Official practice begins Thursday with practice races scheduled for Friday and early next week.