Emirates Team New Zealand commenced the new week with a bold display of heavy air sailing aboard their new AC75, ‘Taihoro’. Despite challenging conditions, they managed the offshore breeze, gusting over 30 knots, with aplomb and emerged unscathed.
![](https://nauticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Emirates-Team-NZs-High-Wind-Training-Session1-1024x684.webp)
AC37 Joint Recon Team Reports:
Emirates Team New Zealand – AC75 – Day 7 – April 22, 2024 – Auckland
On Day 7, ETNZ sailed ‘Taihoro’ in the Hauraki Gulf amid strengthening southwesterly breezes. The team delayed the start to allow squalls to pass, then launched at 13:00hrs for the “Back Paddock” in more manageable conditions.
![](https://nauticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Emirates-Team-NZs-High-Wind-Training-Session2-1024x576.webp)
They deployed a new, smaller Main sail along with the J5, sailing upwind before executing a double board-down bear away at 15:10hrs. Maneuvers intensified, with aggressive laps in upper-range conditions until they docked at 16:31hrs.
Despite good control, the yacht occasionally touched water exiting gybes. With light fading, sails dropped, and the team returned to port.