Since then, Team NZ have used the boat as an integral part of their development programme towards their next defence at Barcelona next October.
“Te Rehutai has been amazing to us,” said coach Ray Davies. “We have really put her through the paces.
“A couple of years ago, people wouldn’t have thought what we are now doing was doable in foiling boats, but now we’re sailing around in two-metre swells in Barcelona. It’s really awesome.”
Since contesting the first preliminary regatta off the coast south of Barcelona in September, Team NZ have been testing in conditions expected for the America’s Cup window in 12 months.
As Mediterranean days grow shorter, the Kiwis are returning to Auckland to maximise their time on the water, before the second preliminary regatta at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, raced in smaller AC40 designs.
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