Australia will mount their first America’s Cup challenge in 27 years. Performance chief Glenn Ashby leads the rushed preparation effort. He believes his team can win the trophy in Naples next year.
Acquiring A Proven Winner
The team acquired the Te Rehutai yacht from New Zealand. This boat won the America’s Cup in 2021. Buying an existing vessel saved time and money. The crew currently trains with a simulator in a Sydney warehouse.
Tight Modification Schedule
Engineers in New Zealand are currently modifying the hull. The team will ship the boat to Italy in January. They aim to start sailing by the end of February. The Louis Vuitton Cup qualifiers begin in Naples in May.
Relying On Elite Experience
Tom Slingsby will skipper the elite sailing crew. Ashby brings vital experience to the challenge. He previously skippered Team New Zealand to two America’s Cup victories. He also won an Olympic silver medal for Australia.
Ashby praised the camaraderie with Team New Zealand. The defending champions provided a technical design package to Australia. This assistance significantly reduced the development curve.