Emirates Airline has announced its continued support of Emirates Team New Zealand, as the team took further steps towards mounting its challenge for the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco, with the launch of an AC 45 catamaran.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said the airline was continuing to support Emirates Team New Zealand due to the fact that the yachting team had consistently proven itself both as a top competitor and a brand-builder.

Emirates Team New Zealand Managing Director Grant Dalton paid tribute to the many sponsors and suppliers – including Emirates, Toyota New Zealand, a sponsor for 20 years, and Omega, a sponsor for 18 years – who have stood by the team in the hard times since the end of the 32nd America’s Cup at Valencia in 2007.

Dalton said the team had paid an initial fee to America’s Cup Race Management to secure access to a supplied one-design AC45. The yacht and wing sail were delivered to the Emirates Team New Zealand base over the past week for assembly by sailing and shore crews.

He added that the team would make a further announcement on its involvement in the 2013 America’s Cup in a couple of months. “In the meantime we are developing the sailing team; the design team is working through concepts for the AC72 catamaran and we are continuing meeting with several potential sponsors.”

The deadline for entry into the 34th America’s Cup is Thursday 31 March.

For more, visit www.emiratesteamnz.com.

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