Emirates has renewed its sponsorship agreement with the New Zealand sailing team. Emirates is committed to being the lead sponsor of the team renowned for its America’s Cup victories. The airline has agreed to continue its partnership with the sailing team for the upcoming 37th America’s Cup race and all preliminary regattas.
Renewal of partnership
Emirates, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the renewal of its partnership with the sailing team Team New Zealand. This enduring collaboration between the airline and the sailing team commenced 19 years ago, yielding numerous victories and cup defenses. Emirates will retain the naming rights for Emirates Team New Zealand.
The sponsorship agreement between Emirates and Team New Zealand will encompass:
- Prominent brand presence on the mainsail of each Emirates Team New Zealand yacht, defense chase boats, defense tenders, team bases in Auckland and Barcelona, and crew uniforms.
- Expanded branding, including placement on the hull of the Emirates Team New Zealand yachts, featuring an updated design from the 2021 Defense.
- Sponsorship visibility across Emirates Team New Zealand channels, encompassing social media, digital platforms, traditional media, live events, and official materials.
Emirates and sailing team Team New Zealand’s representatives recently commented on continuing their partnership.
Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand for Emirates, stated, “Since 2004, we have been on a memorable voyage with Emirates Team New Zealand, and we are delighted to announce our continued support as they defend their reigning championship at the 37th America’s Cup. Emirates Team New Zealand shares DNA with the airline in its ambitious pursuit of innovation and self-improvement, and it’s a relationship that’s endured challenges and delivered results, so extending it was an easy decision for us. We also hope that as we move closer to the America’s Cup, the incredible talent, ground-breaking sailing technology, and historic rivalries among the different teams will broaden the sport’s appeal to more audiences worldwide.”
Emirates Team New Zealand Chief Executive, Grant Dalton, added, “We are delighted to have Emirates continue to support Emirates Team New Zealand as the naming sponsor. Emirates has always been a staunch sponsor of Team New Zealand through our highs and lows since 2004. We greatly value Emirates’ commitment to stand by the team in solidarity going into our 2024 defense in Barcelona. We’re ready to take on the massive task ahead of us next year, with a laser focus to compete at our best.”
The renewal of sponsorship for the New Zealand sailing team signifies the enduring relationship between Emirates and New Zealand. Emirates recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of operations in the country. The airline operates the Airbus A380 daily from Auckland and Christchurch via Sydney. Also, Emirates is the sole company providing journeys on a double-decker aircraft under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.
Team New Zealand
Team New Zealand (TNZ) is a sailing team representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Established in 1993, the team is renowned for its victories in the America’s Cup, notably in 1995 and 2000, under the leadership of the celebrated New Zealand sailor Sir Peter James Blake. TNZ achieved a historic milestone as the first sailing team outside the USA to win and successfully defend the America’s Cup. Over the years, the team won 8 out of 11 races from 1995 to 2021. Notably, the last three competitions, including the 2021 and 2017 America’s Cup and the Louis Vuitton Challenger’s Trophy, were triumphant for Team New Zealand.
America’s Cup
The America’s Cup, also known as Auld Mug, is the prestigious trophy awarded in a sailing competition. The races for the America’s Cup happen between two sailing yachts, each representing a different yacht club. One yacht signifies the club holding the trophy (the defender), while the other represents the challenging yacht club (the challenger). The competition derives its name from the winning yacht, “America,” in the inaugural event in 1851.
The next America’s Cup will occur in Barcelona, Spain, between September and October 2024. This event will mark the 37th competition for Auld Mug. The defending team comprises the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the Royal Yacht Squadron of the United Kingdom.
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