Vivid memories… and a lot of work ahead
27/07/07
Grant Dalton’s update
Less than a month has passed since the last race in the 32nd America’s Cup match.
And in true America’s Cup style a lot has happened.
We still have vivid memories of the legions of New Zealanders draped with flags who lined the canal every day as we left for the race course and when we returned.
Their noisy and good natured support was very humbling; it gave us pride to represent New Zealand and an incentive to do well.
As the racing progressed, the base became a “gallery” displaying messages from home.
On the exterior wall, for all the visitors to Port America’s Cup to see, was the huge NZ Post jigsaw. Inside countless faxes and emails were on the walls. Schools sent us banners, young sailors sent us two Optimist sails signed with messages of support and, often, words of advice.
Tait Electronics sent us a P class sail signed by their staff. That too was proudly displayed at the base. That’s Dean Barker at the right pictured with the sail.
There was support too from our sponsors and suppliers who were in Valencia. When the pressure was really on it was great to be able to chat with our sponsors when we had a spare moment.
Their advice and support throughout the campaign was an invaluable part of our preparations.
And while the racing was on it was great to see “NZ Inc” using the America’s Cup mystique to attract some business “big hitters”, from Europe and further afield, for seminars and dinners in the base hospitality area.
Tourism New Zealand and Trade and Enterprise worked hard to present New Zealand’s expertise and profile to important markets. It was great to see New Zealand business people networking with potential clients in such relaxed but businesslike circumstances.
And not forgetting Emirates, Toyota and Estrella Damm, and our exclusive suppliers, who made full use of the base to host business contacts.
We also welcomed many of our “silent majority” – our suppliers who support the team in a variety of ways. These people, from companies large and small, made it possible for a challenge that calls New Zealand “home” to compete on almost equal terms with the “billionaire teams”.
Such is the magic of the America’s Cup.
The base in Valencia has been packed up and boats and gear are being shipped hom by Maersk Line. The first shipment is due towards the end of August.
The operational core of the team is already at work at the Auckland base.
Other team members are taking some time off, some in Europe, some in New Zealand.
Many members of the sailing team are competing in European regattas before returning.
For the team as a whole, it’s a time for regrouping, planning and rebuilding for the 33rd America’s Cup. We have moved to retain team members.
We cannot sit still even though there’s still a lot of uncertainty about the future shape of the event.
Valencia has been confirmed as the venue; the dates May, June and July 2009. Design rules for the proposed 90ft yacht will not be announced until the end of October.
Two pre-regattas, one in Valencia and one somewhere else in Europe, will be held in 2008. These will be sailed in the current boats.
As you will have read in the past couple of days, Emirates Team New Zealand has challenged for the 2009 America’s Cup.
There is a lot of work to be done in just two years.
Grant Dalton
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Vivid memories of 2007
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