Emirates Team New Zealand is set to take to the water to defend its America’s Cup title with Toyota’s full support behind the team.
The company has been backing ETNZ for 32 years and that continues this year right up to match racing in Barcelona.
A successful tour of the Auld Mug took the trophy across New Zealand in September, bringing it to thousands of Kiwis as excitement builds for the event, which runs from October 13 NZST.
The company has also committed to a range of local and national initiatives to help get more Kiwis on the water. Those include Blenheim Toyota’s support for the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club’s Learn to Sail Programme and a 14-year sponsorship of the Toyota Optimist Nationals.
With racing now just days away, Toyota has helped bring ceremonial waka Te Kawau to the Spanish city to lead the Team NZ yacht to the start line.
Toyota has also developed the world’s first hydrogen foiling chase boat which will be on the water to support the ETNZ crew as they take on the challenger INEOS Britannia.
Rich history
The Auld Mug tour visited 40 locations across New Zealand over 19 days and gave Kiwis a unique opportunity to connect with the storied history of the Auld Mug.
Attendees were able to sign the Emirates Team New Zealand supporters’ sail and have their photo taken with the legendary piece of silverware.
Next generation
The Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta took place on Auckland’s iconic Waitematā Harbour from September 30 to October 4.
Toyota New Zealand Assistant Vice President, Susanne Hardy, says the regatta was a significant step for these young sailors towards achieving their goals of progressing in the sport of sailing.
“At Toyota, we’ve always been strong supporters of grassroots sport and know the importance it plays in the success of many of our national teams. Our longstanding support of sailing in New Zealand with the Optinats through to Emirates Team New Zealand is testament to that.
“It was exciting to see the Toyota Kiwi Cup take place for the first time – a great opportunity for those young sailors to test themselves and have some fun.”
The inaugural regatta featured ten youth teams from across Aotearoa racing in the Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7 fleet. Hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and supported by Live Sail Die, the event was more than just a competition – it was also a platform for nurturing the next generation of Kiwi sailors.
Ceremonial waka
By taking the waka to Barcelona, Toyota and ETNZ are showcasing the significance of New Zealand culture on the international stage.
The Ngati Whatua Orakei waka’s story is the subject of a six-part series produced by the Aotearoa Media Collective.
Hydrogen chase boat
Christened Chase Zero, the next-generation craft is currently one of just a handful globally to be powered by prototype hydrogen fuel cells developed by Toyota, which emit only water and heat.
The craft and its five siblings mark a key milestone for efforts to boost the use of sustainable, zero-emissions energy in the marine industry.
ETNZ Sustainability Ambassador Sir Stephen Tindall says Chase Zero advancements are “absolutely, magnificently, significantly a world first” and a crucial step in the right direction in facing the climate crisis.
With green hydrogen fuel being supplied by Air Products, Chase Zero houses two Toyota hydrogen fuel cells, each one delivering 80kW of power and giving the boat a range of 280 nautical miles when starting with a full tank.
With all these initiatives, Toyota is displaying its commitment to Team NZ’s defence of the America’s Cup and the future of yacht racing in New Zealand.
This content was sponsored by Toyota New Zealand. Learn more about Toyota’s partnership with ETNZ ahead of the 37th America’s Cup here.