Yachting: NZL68 tests new Cup configuration

Team New Zealand are one of the first America's Cup syndicates sailing in the new version of the design rule.

The Emirates-sponsored syndicate launched the former illbruck boat, now known as NZL68, on Thursday and took her sailing for the first time yesterday.

The America's Cup class rule provides the design specifications for cup yachts. After each cup the defenders can alter the rule.

Version five of the rule comes into force from 2005. The key changes are that the bulbs are a ton lighter, the depth of the keel is increased by 100mm, the sail area is larger due to a longer spinnaker pole and inflatable battens are allowed.

Hull appendages, or hulas, which both black boats sported in the last cup, are banned.

It is envisaged that the boats will be lighter and faster, effectively "turbo-charged".

NZL68 is in version five and NZL81 has been altered apart from the hula. NZL82 is being repaired after it was damaged in a storm which swept through Marseille in the first of this year's regattas.

"NZL81 is in version five in terms of weight and draft but not in terms of having the hula," said Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton.

"NZL81 is a very known quantity now, so testing it against NZL68 we know what we are dealing with. If we took the hula off we wouldn't know - so effectively it is the control on the testing."

The boats will undergo hull modifications before next year's pre-cup regattas, which start in Valencia in June.

It is understood that Prada, now known as Team Luna Rossa, and Oracle also have boats in the new version.

South Africa's Team Shosholoza are in the process of building a new version five boat while Alinghi, +39 and K-Challenge are probably in the process of changing their yachts.

Dalton said his design team had completed two tank testing sessions and the syndicate plan to launch their first brand-new yacht in January 2006.

The 95-strong Team New Zealand syndicate will be based in Auckland until April next year.

Unlike defenders Alinghi, Team Luna Rossa and Oracle, which are already based in Valencia and are scheduled to start training there full time in the new year, Team New Zealand will not shift to Spain permanently until 2006.

Dalton believes it could be an advantage for his team to remain in New Zealand immersed in their own culture rather than get bogged down with trying to fit into the Spanish way of life.

Team New Zealand have already spent a considerable time analysing the weather in Valencia, and with pre-regatta events in the host city each year there is really no need for them to move there sooner.

Following on from their success in Europe, where Team New Zealand were crowned America's Cup class champions for the 2004 season, Dalton is looking for his team to advance in virtually every aspect over the next four months.

Apart from a few sailmakers who will join the team next year, the team is complete. All that is needed now is for the team to secure the final 15 per cent of their proposed budget which is estimated to be around $130 million to $150 million.