Emirates Team New Zealand are back on the Waitematā, putting Taihoro through a focused winter test programme. The team returned from a training block in Naples with a two-week window to assess a series of upgrades fitted to the AC75 while it sat in the shed, and every session feeds directly into technical decisions for the 2027 racing cycle.
Flight Controller Andy Maloney was aboard for the opening session. "Awesome to be back out on Taihoro," he said. "It was a really nice winter's day, 8 to 12 knots of breeze. Nice southerly and perfect conditions really to just check in on all the changes that have been made to the boat over the break and the time it's been in the shed. To see all the progression is really cool."
The temperature contrast was not lost on him.
"Compared to sailing the AC40 in Naples, to come here to the middle of winter and to sail on the AC75... quite a stark difference in temperature, but pretty awesome to be out here on a nice bluebird winter day and have classic Auckland in the background with Rangitoto. Pretty special place for us to sail this boat as well."
Port helmsman Chris Draper was direct about the step up in machinery. "Great to be back in the AC75," he said. "The boat has had some good work done on it while we've been away, so it's been really nice to get back out. It's a chilly day, but absolutely stunning. Sailing the AC40s feels like go-karts, so it's nice to get back in the real gear."
Olympic gold medallist Jo Aleh put the conditions in sharper perspective. "It's a 30°C temperature difference from up in Naples for the guys," she said. "But, I am well acclimatised to the cold now! It's been a while since I've been on a boat, so I'm pretty happy out here. We're definitely lucky with today's weather. A bit chilly, but going well. Nice to be back on the water." On the water, you could see the condensation from people's breath between tacks.
Maloney was clear-eyed about the value of the block despite its brevity. "It's only a two-week stint that we've got here in the middle of winter to check in on the changes. But it's amazing how much you can tick off and achieve over 4 or 5 days on the water. Super valuable block to get back out on the AC75 and to continue the progression going over the next couple of months."
Next up is the Preliminary Regatta in Naples, scheduled for 24 to 27 September 2026. The event follows the same format used in Cagliari, with each team fielding two AC40 entries. ETNZ will carry lessons from Sardinia and their recent Bay of Naples training into that regatta.
