EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND PRESENTED THE FLAG OF BARCELONA

The flag of Barcelona is already flying next to the New Zealand one at the base of Emirates Team New Zealand, the America's Cup Defender. In a symbolic event, the Catalan capital wanted to thank the New Zealand team for selecting the city as host of the 37th America's Cup. The Mayor of the city, H.E. Mr. Jaume Collboni has given a flag of the city to the CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, Grant Dalton.

As the Defender of the oldest trophy on the planet, Dalton, along with his Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Shoebridge, played host to the Mayor’s delegation led by His Excellency Mr. Collboni providing the delegation a firsthand look at the facilities of Emirates Team New Zealand in Barcelona including the boat shed where the team AC75 “Te Rehutai”, is housed.

 "We are very proud to receive this flag from His Excellency Mr. Collboni.” Said Grant Dalton. “We are more than grateful for this gesture, which sincerely makes us feel even more at welcome at our home away from home.”

"With the presentation of the city's flag to the Defenders of the America's Cup and the team that brought the Americas Cup to Barcelona, the city becomes the sailing capital of the world. The America's Cup adventure is already underway, and we live it with passion. Barcelona is once again open to the sea for the benefit of the whole city." Said The Mayor of Barcelona, H.E Mr Jaume Collboni.

Emirates Team New Zealand has around 75 team members and their families currently based in Barcelona, including sailing team members, engineers, designers, and other ground staff integrating into the local community. The team has had 7 days training on the Front Marítim aboard Te Rehutai testing the local conditions, now also eagerly anticipating the imminent arrival of their AC40, Te Kākahi, with which they will compete at the first Preliminary Regatta in September in Vilanova i la Geltrú.

The preliminary regatta in the waters of Garraf will provide the first opportunity for the fans to witness Emirates Team New Zealand in action against the other participating Challengers. "We are looking forward to racing in front of the local audience in Vilanova I la Geltrú. It will be a perfect stage for the first official racing between all of the teams just off the beach and port.” said Dalton.