FIRST UPGRADES ON TAIHORO
With strict limitations on the numbers of components allowed in the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, development of the foils and rudders is, for now, being conducted on legacy items from the last cycle. In a declaration overnight, Emirates Team New Zealand notified that the legacy rudder on Taihoro had been updated and it’s a very subtle change, most likely to be aimed at improving lighter air performance.
When Taihoro relaunched back on the 10th March, the rudder was noticeable for the gap between the top and the hull – particularly at the leading edge. The trailing edge was stepped from a little less than one-third down to then flow on to the thin blade. The version revealed overnight, shows that ‘step’ being eradicated to a straight vertical all the way down and the rake has been pushed forward so the noticeable gap at the leading edge is almost flush with the hull.
The modified rudder of Taihoro - 26th March 2027
Today in training, in lighter airs that is an area that Emirates Team New Zealand seem to be concentrating heavily on at the moment, the recon team reported several rudder ‘ventilations’ in the session, particularly on aggressive, fast turns as Nathan Outteridge and Seb Menzies tested the rudder configuration thoroughly. The recon team also observed much more gentle coaxing from the helms who were also working on slower turn rates and timing of the board deployment – something that was super-slick in the Match in Barcelona.
The unmodified rudder of Taihoro on 10th March 2026
The slower, more measured turns were observed to vastly reduce rudder ventilation and the team were able to improve consistency in what was, at times, sub the 6.5 knot lower wind limit that racing can take place in Naples. For 2027, teams are allowed to build just one new rudder for the cycle so today’s session, the seventh of the permitted 45 days allowed for ETNZ, would have been a valuable training day for sure.
Coach Sam Meech confirmed that the team are looking closely at the weather over the coming week saying: “It’s a bit marginal. The weather at this time of year hasn't been quite as settled as we could have hoped, so finding good sailing days, the days that we can make the most of like today, is a little bit harder. But hopefully a couple more days next week.”
ETNZ Training Report
Light winds training session, manoeuvres, speed builds & take offs.
Notes:
• Initial Crew setup: Jake Pye (port trim), Seb Menzies (helm), Andy Maloney and Nathan Outteridge (starboard), Jo Aleh onboard support.
• Ongoing work on cant/auto functions (cunningham + automation systems).
• Light-air manoeuvres highlighted importance of slower turn rates and timing of board deployment.
• Delayed board drop in gybe
• Rudder ventilation/cavitation observed during aggressive turns.
Key Takeaways:
• Manoeuvre control: Slower turns reduce rudder ventilation and improve consistency.
• Board timing: late, deliberate board drop in light air gybes.
• Trim & setup: Jib car and slot tuning crucial in sub-10kt conditions.
• Reliability: Frequent battery changes