Emirates Team New Zealand

Winning the America's Cup is no small thing. Emirates Team New Zealand's successful defence of the title in 2021 was the result of exceptional innovation, dedication, teamwork and grit. 

At this elite level, every second counts, both on the water and in the research, development and construction. So, when Chris Hickey and the team needed a partner for roll-wrapped carbon fibre components on a fast turnaround, Kilwell was the name that came to mind. 

A race against time

March 29th, 2018; The class rule for the AC75 hydrofoiling monohulls to be used at the 2021 America's Cup were released. Emirates Team New Zealand have just over three years to design, test and build a cup-winning boat from scratch. 

The next three years will see grit, determination and innovation combine, with every team member and supplier playing their key part.

Challenge accepted

In Chris' words, "If you're not breaking things, you're not really learning any lessons, and that's where a partner like Kilwell is so important". 

When it came to producing mandrel-wrapped carbon tubes during the R&D phase of the campaign, two things meant Kilwell was able to deliver; our people, and our production processes. 

When you ask Jason Daniels, Kilwell's composite production manager for Emirates Team New Zealand, you might think that producing high-strength, lightweight carbon tubing at pace is as easy as making a cup of tea; but it's not. Jason's humble outlook is a reflection of 30 years of craftsmanship and a purpose-built facility. 

 

"Rapid turnaround meant we could iterate our designs"

The full ETNZ case study
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