Emirates Team New Zealand Te Rehutai Day 12 Summary

The big, two metre seaway around Auckland that’s been in since the weekend set the nerves jangling at Emirates Team New Zealand as the America’s Cup defenders took to the water to challenge themselves aboard Te Rehutai, the team’s much modified AC75, and push her to the limit. The recon team struggled to keep up all day as the Kiwis blitzed out to the area they call the ‘Back Paddock’ situated between Auckland’s Waiheke Island and Howick Beachlands before heading further offshore to find even bigger waves. Described as being in a “ball of spray” by the recon team, the Kiwis pushed Te Rehutai to the absolute limit and Nathan Outteridge gave a superb summary of the day, talking after sailing and looking more than pleased with how the day unfolded, saying: “It's been quite a windy forecast for the week, so we really want to get out there in the waves and see how the big boat handles the seaway because last campaign pretty much everyone just ran away from waves at all times so you know we took it a little bit slowly today went to the Back Paddock checked the new sail, the J5, and it was 18 to 20 knots there and after a few laps we thought alright we’ve got to get out in the waves and see how we go…we then stopped and went out and it was a bit lighter for sure, like down around 15 knots which was probably quite nice, quite entertaining in the puffs, but we got out there and did a few laps in the seaway and yeah very different boat when you're in waves for sure.” 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