Emirates Team New Zealand unveiled and launched their AC72 on Saturday night in front of a crowd of more than 6,000 cold spectators (remember, its winter down there).
Not only did they see her splash, they were also treated to a spectacle including fireworks and a champagne catapult, manned by over 1,000 kiwis. Skipper Dean Barker’s wife Mandy christened the just-launched racer and named her New Zealand.
The team is ready for a comeback, after the 2007 America’s Cup close loss to racing syndicate Alinghi in Valencia. New Zealand is the team’s first AC72 to splash and the turnout to her launch reveals the country-wide support she will have behind her this next year.
Video and Photos courtesy of Emirates Team New Zealand
