The America’s Cup has always been a testing ground for new technologies. As well as its defence of The Auld Mug, one of Emirate Team New Zealand’s other projects has broken new ground in innovation. Along with the pioneering use of composite technologies on the water, and hydrogen-powered chase vessels, the team set its sights on a more obscure record attempt.  

Horonuku’, named by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei meaning ‘gliding swiftly across the land’ has set a new ground speed record using wind power. Pilot Glenn Ashby comments: “The team and I are obviously buzzing to have sailed Horonuku at a speed faster than anyone has ever before – powered only by the wind. But in saying that we know Horonuku has a lot more speed in it when we get more wind and better conditions.”

“So for sure there is a cause for a celebration, but this isn’t the end. From the initial idea and the beginning of this world record attempt, which was pushed and supported by Grant Dalton, Matteo de Nora and the rest of the team at Emirates Team New Zealand, the objective has never been about just beating the record, it has always been about pushing things to the limit and going as fast as we possibly can. We know we can go faster, so we plan to.”

The 222.4km/h speed will be declared…