By JULIE ASH
The Ports of Auckland chase boat is the only boat Team New Zealand hope to see alongside them in their defence of the America's Cup.
The new chase boat, named the Ports of Auckland, was built by Rayglass Boats with design input from Team New Zealand.
Much of its funding came from the Ports of Auckland and it would cost close to a $1 million to replace.
Ports of Auckland chief executive Geoff Vazey said the company was happy to be able to assist the Team New Zealand campaign.
"The last America's Cup generated about $118 million in business from super yachts and $127 million in the marine industry.
"Ports of Auckland has benefited from some of that increased business activity, so we are pleased to be able to put something back into Team New Zealand and the event to help to make it a success next time."
The 18-metre boat is believed to be one of the largest rigid inflatables built, and will be used to tow the two Team New Zealand yachts out to the race course over the next 18 months during practice and racing.
It will also serve as a mother craft for carrying staff and equipment to the yachts.
It has been designed with low sides and wide decks to carry sails and has an inflated tube around the sides so it can pull up next to yachts.
Team New Zealand chief executive Ross Blackman said: "It is wonderful to have a purpose-built boat.
"It is the primary tow boat for us, it is very economical which is a nice aspect but, secondary, it carries all of the safety equipment, pumps and everything.
"One of the major differences to the other boats we have used is the rubber, inflatable sides which means it can come instantly alongside the yacht where as in the past we have always had another boat in between."
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