Emirates Team New Zealand LEQ12 Day 15 Summary

It’s very hard to think of a more exhilarating sight in world sailing right now than two AC40’s short-course racing in 18 knots of breeze. That was the scene in Auckland this afternoon (Tuesday) with Emirates Team New Zealand hitting the water hard for a thoroughly entertaining two-boat session, lining up the LEQ12 against the one-design AC40-3 in auto-pilot mode over short 1-mile courses and letting the best in the world off the leash. On the run home, set up on port tack with boats flying on the one-design foil it was nip and tuck, and Sam Meech, one of the new breed of sailors in Emirates Team New Zealand and a bronze medallist in the 2016 Olympics in the Laser Class spoke about the speed differences saying: “Yeah at times they seem pretty similar, we’re still getting used to the boats, we’re quite far behind on days but we’re getting better as a team and yeah the boats are reasonably similar on port.” Section 41. Reconnaissance a) As a campaign cost reduction measure, COR/D has mutually agreed to cooperatively implement a centralised reconnaissance programme for all teams for the reconnaissance of all Competitors’ AC75 Yachts, AC40 Yachts and LEQ12 yachts including both on-land and on-water imagery (the “Joint Recon Programme”). b) Each team is assigned a two-person Recon Unit to follow their every on-water move, but it's not that simple. The cameras are supplied and identical for all Recon Units. Drones are not allowed, and they can't get that close, plus following a boat and keeping a camera steady at 45 knots isn't that easy to begin with. c) A three minute interview follows each on water day, and teams must answer the Recon Unit's questions while trying not to give too much away. It's a raw, unedited view of the never before seen behind-the-scenes development of a team and their boat to win the oldest trophy in international sports. #AC37Recon #AmericasCup #Barcelona2024