By NATASHA HARRIS
Most sheds don't have the world's best technology in them or see the feet of half a million people.
But the Telecom Shed at the Viaduct Harbour is no common shed.
It's a "discovery" centre full of details about America's Cup defender Team New Zealand and the communication firm's
latest gadgets.
The shed took three months to assemble and fit out. Its walls feature television screens filled with sailing images, display panels with pictures of the cup, its history and details about the workings of the big boats doing battle on the Hauraki Gulf.
Telecom's general manager of marketing, Kevin Kenrick, said the aim of the shed was to get more people involved in America's Cup fever.
"Last time, more than four million people came to the Viaduct, but only a hundred thousand of them went on to the water. We want to bring the experience to life for everyday New Zealanders."
He said Telecom - one of Team New Zealand's "family of five" sponsors - worked closely with the syndicate to make sure the shed showcased the whole team.
"Team New Zealand wanted to emphasise the team part of their name and that it's about including all New Zealanders - it's not about individual heroes."
To help keep visitors up-to-date with Team New Zealand news, computers give video profiles on the team, including all the support team members, and access to team members, via email.
Two big-screen TV sets linked to televisions in central Wellington and Christchurch enable non-Aucklanders to see what's going on in the shed.
Hands-on activities include grinding and winching Machines, and virtual spectator 3D-glasses bring the thrill of racing to life.
"The winching and grinding machines are exact replicas of what the boats use - we had [Team NZ grinder] Rob Waddell in here to set them up," said Mr Kenrick.
The 3D glasses were linked to four cameras, so when viewers' eyes moved over the screen, which has live-racing on it, the cameras would move with them.
The other half of the shed showcases Telecom's latest and upcoming gadgets, such as video on-demand, instant-online messaging and computer games.
The shed was opened on Monday night by Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Mr Kenrick expects more than 500,000 visitors at the free-entry shed, which will close after the last race in late February.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
By NATASHA HARRIS
Most sheds don't have the world's best technology in them or see the feet of half a million people.
But the Telecom Shed at the Viaduct Harbour is no common shed.
It's a "discovery" centre full of details about America's Cup defender Team New Zealand and the communication firm's
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.