Black boat models in demand

A Wellington company packaged up 100 models of the Team New Zealand black boat yesterday for Swiss watchmaker Omega's top boutiques around the world.

The company, AC15 Yachts, already produces 1.7m-long and 2.6m-high radio-controlled 1:15 scale models based on NZL32 which sell for about $13,500 each.

The models destined for Omega, the cup's official timekeeper, at a scale of 1:75 (50cm high with stand), cost about $750 each and will probably end up in display cabinets, says Mike Guyomar of AC15 Yachts.

Both hand-assembled models are produced under licence from Team New Zealand. The smaller models are a representative "new generation" design because of Team New Zealand's reluctance to give away its most up-to-date secrets.

The larger models made out of fibreglass with sails of spinnaker cloth can be raced, the smaller plastic and aluminium ones are for display only.

Mr Guyomar said the firm's work employed about half a dozen people. " ... We are an example of the economic benefits to New Zealand from [the America's Cup]."

nzherald.co.nz/americascup