Emirates Team NZ's CEO reflects on an America's Cup winning 2024
by Emirates Team NZ 20 Dec 17:09 NZDT
Emirates Team NZ - 37th America's Cup - Barcelona - October 19, 2024 © Ivo Rovira / America's Cup
2024 has been another extraordinary year for Emirates Team New Zealand which managed an unprecedented third successive America’s Cup victory winning 7-2 in the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup against INEOS Britannia in Barcelona.
Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton, who along with COO Kevin Shoebridge, has lead the team very successfully for many years, reflects on what has been one of the most rewarding years in the teams history:
“In the world of the America’s Cup there is never much time to look back, it is always about moving forward and progressing fast. But when I think back to what the team has achieved in the past year, there is a lot to be proud of besides the obvious winning of the America’s Cup for the third time in a row.
So much happens behind closed doors, and the team has had to confront critical challenges on a weekly basis. But the great thing about this team is that it is ‘a team’ no one ever takes their eyes off the ultimate objective of winning.
Every member of our team understands they played a pivotal role in this historic win, from our innovative designers, unrelenting shore crew and boat builders, our sailors to our dedicated support staff.
The strength of team was certainly on display in perhaps our most stressful moment when ‘Taihoro’ was dropped from the crane onto its cradle, a scary incident, which at the time looked critical, but pulled the team even closer together and added another level of dedication. 36 hours later we were back out racing.
Certainly, one of the most enduring moments of the year that gave the team an additional boost of strength, pride and mana was the integration of Ngati Whatua Orakei and their waka Te Kawau with us in Barcelona. Being sent off the dock each day with such a powerful haka and then led out to the racecourse by the warriors and Te Kawau gave us a powerful edge and was a symbol of everything great about our country and our culture on the world stage.
Speaking of the best of New Zealand, we are proud to be nominated for Team of the year in the New Zealand Halberg awards along with Ray Davies who is recognised with a nomination for Coach of the Year. Looking at the other phenomenal nominees highlights what a truly successful year it has been for New Zealand sport teams and athletes who continue to inspire through sport.
With our Barcleona base now packed up and most of the team finally home in New Zealand for the summer now, a special mention must be made to Andy Nottage, the pack up team and logistics partners. It is an enormous task to pack the entire base and operation up and they all deserve a well-earned break.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support has been instrumental in our success and their belief in our vision and dedication to winning has empowered us to push the boundaries of what is possible.
To our loyal supporters, your support is never taken for granted. We are proud to represent not just New Zealand, but also the dreams and aspirations of sailing enthusiasts everywhere.
The work has not stopped since we crossed the finish line in Barcelona. The hard-fought win has set the stage for an exciting future as we now collaborate with INEOS Britannia to plan the 38th America's Cup, focusing on continued growth, innovation and excellence across all aspects of the event.”