The New Zealand, a AC72 catamaran of Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) was loaded onto Maerks Line's vessel which will deliver her to San Francisco for competition in the America’s Cup regatta. Team sponsor Maersk Line plays a crucial part in managing the extraordinary logistics for this professional sailing team, the shipping company's press release said.
The 72-foot multihull yacht was loaded onto the deck of the Maersk Jubail on 18 April at the Port of Auckland.
The team’s Auckland base, home for the past three years, has been packed into more than 70 40’ containers and will be shipped to San Francisco, courtesy of Maersk Line.
31 containers are already on the water, the balance will be leaving over the next month. The floating campaign, which includes a 12-metre chase boat, two 14-metre tenders, a hydraulic travel lift, three 40-metre-long masts and, of course, ETNZ’s two AC72 catamarans (second one is a back-up), is expected to be up and running by 23 May, allowing ETNZ five weeks testing and practice in the treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay.
Commenting on the complexity of the shipment, Stuart Jennings, Maersk Line New Zealand’s Operations Manager, explains: “Because of the dimensions of the yachts and masts we spent quite a bit of time in the pre-planning process prior to settling on the best and safest stowage plan. The AC72’s are like thoroughbred horses – and like thoroughbred horses, they’re expensive, sensitive and need careful treatment.”
All news