NZL-82 takes to the water in Valencia

Emirates Team New Zealand returned to the waters off Valencia today. NZL 82 left the dock at noon for routine testing.

It was a big moment for the team after a massive move from Auckland in which the race boat NZL 84, chase boats and almost the entire contents of the boat shed and offices were packed and shipped to Valencia.

NZL-82 of Emirates Team New Zealand docking in the team's base after her first day of sailing in Valencia this year. Valencia, 10 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Valencia base is largely completed and now, with one yacht sailing and the next to follow in a couple of days, the team feels it has really arrived.

In a month – on May 11- the first of the 2006 regattas starts. Until then, the team has a full programme of testing and development before lining up for the first match race of the 2006 season.

NZL-82 of Emirates Team New Zealand docking in the team's base after her first day of sailing in Valencia this year. Valencia, 10 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing