2 Oct 2008

Dalton sees an end to boom bust sailing cyle

6:40 pm on 2 October 2008

The head of Team New Zealand says the decision to build a new boat to contest a European Grand Prix series, will help create a more permanent future for the team.

It is the first time a New Zealand America's Cup challenger has built its own large boat for a different class - in this case the 52-foot MedCup series in Europe.

The managing director Grant Dalton says the new project and the re-signing of its main sponsor Emirates sends strong signals not only about the current team, but may also end the boom and bust nature of big sailing campaigns.

Team New Zealand's new TP52 boat is under construction and will be shipped to Europe early next year.