A Look Inside Emirates Team New Zealand's
Portsmouth Base
Kiwis Prepare for Racing, Feeding Mind, Body, and Boat
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Friday July 24, 2015 |
Outside it's a dreary day in Portsmouth, a good time to get out of the rain
before the practice races and go inside the white tent at right, paying a visit
to Emirates Team New Zealand.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
Ambassadresses of team sponsor Emirates Airlines distract observers from the
down to earth work that goes on to keep sailors in winning form.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
Sean Regan, Emirates Team New Zealand boatbuilder, unspools a length of
carbon fiber fabric which can be used to repair small areas of damage on the
boat. White material on right is
used in applying graphics.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
Regan mixes a batch of epoxy, which will be soaked into the carbon fiber
fabric applied in the repair.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
Recipe for a quick patch: ADR 30 is an epoxy resin that cures quickly at room
temperature. ADH 26 is a relatively fast acting hardener for ADR which likewise does
not require elevated temps.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven
Tsuchiya
In addition to wearing well, Durepox paint serves as an effective moisture seal
over carbon fiber. The product was widely used on the America's Cup Class
monohulls as well. In satin finish the paint offers low surface resistance
characteristics without violating rules regarding the flow of water within the
boundary layer.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
Uniforms in new design debuted in Portsmouth.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
Pre-race briefing. Glenn Ashby standing, at center.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
Recipe for Lunch: Sailors need to eat before they race, too, but this fare is
intended for VIP guests.
Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya
On a sunny day, ETNZ shore crew rolls the AC45F out of the tent to prepare for
stepping the wing mast, visible inside at left. Photo:©2015 R. Steven Tsuchiya