Local iwi have flown to South Australia to give their blessing to Team NZ’s world land-speed record attempt.
Not only are the America's Cup holders trying to push the limits on innovation and design, but for skipper Glenn Ashby, a childhood dream may be about to come true.
On sacred land, two cultures from two countries have come together, with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Gawler Ranges people uniting to strengthen their bond and bless a Kiwi team on the cusp of a record-breaking feat.
"It's starting to feel real now," said Ashby, who will be at the helm, this time on land.
The Aussie-born, honorary Kiwi is already an Olympic medalist and America’s Cup winner - not once, but twice.
"To be the fastest wind-powered human on the planet is something I've had for a long time now," he said.
He’ll need to beat a 2017 record of 202.9kph.
"It took Richard Jenkins over 10 years to break," said Ashby. "It's not an easy task.
"I realise that, but I'm up for the challenge."
But only if the winds align on the day.
"We need a day of 35-40 knots to have a chance of going fast," he said.
There’s a chance he'll enter the record books.
"Having sailed a lot of fast boats and fast things over the years, having the opportunity to achieve personally and with a team, and build a craft not done before is something that really excites me," said Ashby.
His craft, Horonuku, is now blessed and after years of waiting, his childhood dream is closer than ever.
