The NEW ZEALAND 45 sailing boat is a high-performance racing yacht that was specifically designed for the 1995 America's Cup. It was built by the New Zealand-based boatbuilding company, Cookson Boats, and was used by Team New Zealand in their successful campaign to win the prestigious sailing competition.
The NEW ZEALAND 45 was designed by Bruce Farr, a renowned yacht designer, and was known for its innovative features and advanced technology. It featured a lightweight carbon fiber hull and a powerful sail plan, which allowed it to reach impressive speeds on the water.
The boat had a length overall (LOA) of 75 feet (22.9 meters) and a beam of 14.4 feet (4.4 meters). It had a deep keel and a bulb at the bottom, which provided stability and improved performance. The NEW ZEALAND 45 also had a large sail area, including a mainsail, jib, and spinnaker, which allowed it to harness the wind effectively.
During the 1995 America's Cup, the NEW ZEALAND 45 proved to be a formidable competitor, winning all five races against the defender, Team Dennis Conner's Young America. The boat's speed, maneuverability, and excellent crew coordination played a crucial role in Team New Zealand's victory, making it the first non-American team to win the America's Cup in 144 years.
The success of the NEW ZEALAND 45 in the America's Cup helped establish New Zealand as a dominant force in international yacht racing. The boat's design and performance influenced subsequent America's Cup campaigns, with many teams adopting similar features and technologies.
Today, the NEW ZEALAND 45 remains an iconic symbol of New Zealand's sailing prowess and is remembered as one of the most successful boats in America's Cup history.
