Emirates Team New Zealand LEQ12 Day 7 Summary

Emirates Team New Zealand kicked off the Christmas week of their re-vamped LEQ12 programme with a light-weather day out on the Hauraki Gulf as the north easterly breeze filled and faded all afternoon. Technique in the light is something that every team will be focussing on as the countdown to Barcelona continues and it was notable that, on occasion, to promote flight, the leeward crew could be seen crossing to windward, forward of the mast, to unload the pressure on the foil and get airborne. It’s a highly effective technique for the really marginal flying conditions and one that the Kiwis and the Italians have been using to great effect in training – and the difference is more than notriceable. Today saw a change in the test-crew with Blair Tuke not on the boat in favour of the not inconsiderable frame of Josh Junior – New Zealand’s Olympic representative in the Finn Class at the Tokyo Olympics. Perhaps not the best choice for a light-weather day but the affable Josh was excited to be back on the boat saying: “For me it’s great to get out there and sail with the guys who have been doing it a lot and just see what it’s all about and how far we’ve come.” 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