NZL-84 already on the water

NZL-84, the brand new boat of the America's Cup challenger from New Zealand, made today her debut in Port America's Cup. She was lowered in the water at around noon for the first two-boat training session of Emirates Team New Zealand, here in Valencia this year.

As one can see from the pictures, the Kiwi team was extremely careful not to reveal any details of the brand new boat, covering her with the now common "skirts". As with any other new boat in Valencia, we wish her good luck and look forward to watching excellent racing by Grant DaltonManaging Director of Emirates Team New Zealand

Click for more info, Dean BarkerHelmsman of Emirates Team New Zealand

Click for more info and the rest of the team.

NZL-82 and NZL-84 of Emirates Team New Zealand in front of the team's base. Valencia, 12 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

NZL-84, the brand new boat of Emirates Team New Zealand being prepared for the first two-boat training session in Valencia this year. Valencia, 12 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

NZL-84, the brand new boat of Emirates Team New Zealand being prepared for the first two-boat training session in Valencia this year. Valencia, 12 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

NZL-84, the brand new boat of Emirates Team New Zealand being prepared for the first two-boat training session in Valencia this year. Valencia, 12 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

NZL-82 and NZL-84 of Emirates Team New Zealand being prepared for the first two-boat training session in Valencia this year. Valencia, 12 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

NZL-82 and NZL-84 of Emirates Team New Zealand being prepared for the first two-boat training session in Valencia this year. NZL-84 is already in the water and is recognized by her distinctive bow shape. Valencia, 12 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

NZL-82 and NZL-84 of Emirates Team New Zealand being prepared for the first two-boat training session in Valencia this year. NZL-84 is already in the water and is recognized by her distinctive bow shape. Valencia, 12 April 2006. Photo taken by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing