Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker, Emirates President Group Services Gary Chapman and ETNZ managing director Grant Dalton announce the team's 2009 TP52 project. Emirates, the Dubai-based global airline, on Wednesday confirmed its continued support for New Zealand and the sport of sailing by renewing its successful partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand. The airline committed to backing Emirates Team New Zealand on the Mediterranean TP52 regatta circuit next year. The team has started building a TP52 yacht in Auckland. It will be launched on February 17 and shipped to Europe in mid-March. It will compete under the Emirates banner, with the award-winning airline and Matteo de Nora, a strategic adviser to the team, funding the project. Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker said the Grand Prix TP52 circuit is one of the most competitive in the world. An entry on the circuit is the next logical step in the preparation for a next multi-challenge America's Cup. The ETNZ TP52 was designed by the team's principal designer Marcelino Botin and structural and mechanical engineers. Sail and rig designers have also been involved. Members of the sailing team have designed the deck layout and internal systems. Building started at Cookson Boats on the North Shore on 15th September. It will be launched on 17th February next year. Sea trials and testing will follow and the yacht will be shipped to Europe in mid-March 2009.
