Emirates Team New Zealand have officially launched their boat for this year's America's Cup, a brand new AC75 foiling monohull named Taihoro.
The boat was blessed and named at a ceremony at the team's Auckland base on Thursday afternoon as Team NZ's secret weapon to regaining the America's Cup was revealed.
After a 10-month long build, Team NZ skipper Peter Burling couldn't be happier with the vessel.
"All our tools have led us to this point so far, but we're under no illusions we've got a hard push from here right to the Cup to stay ahead of our competitors."
The name Taihoro, given by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, was inspired by Taihoro-Nukurangi, and translates to 'move swiftly as the sea between both sky and earth'.
"Taihoro-Nukurangi [Tai] being the marine space, [Horo] meaning to be fast, be swift, [Nuku] being the land, [Rangi] being the sky," said Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei's Kingi Makoare.
Even after six campaigns, Team NZ designer Dan Bernasconi says it's hard to know how they'll compare on the water, with many teams yet to showcase their boat and foil designs.
"I think when you look at, the other competitor's boats you can sort of see they've gone through the same questions as we have and come out with slightly different answer," said Bernasconi.
But he's cautiously optimistic.
"I certainly hope it's the fastest."
Swiss team Alinghi were the first to launch their boat in early April while Luna Rossa revealed their Italian-inspired masterpiece on Tuesday as the race to be the best in Barcelona takes shape.
