Mother ship to lift Team NZ

By SUZANNE McFADDEN

One of the world's biggest rubber duckies will lead the Team New Zealand flotilla into battle for the next America's Cup.

A gigantic rigid inflatable craft is taking shape in a West Auckland boatyard, ready to tow the next generation of black boats to the start-line in 2003.

The towboat, almost as long as an America's Cup yacht, is being built by the Ports of Auckland for Team New Zealand's use until the end of the regatta.

In the past, the New Zealand syndicate has used an array of floating craft to get the yachts out to the racecourse.

Last time, it used a crayfishing boat.

With the help of Team New Zealand's designers, the mother ship has been specially drawn up with low sides and wide decks to carry sails out to the course.

With its inflatable pontoons, it will be able to raft up next to the yachts without damaging their carbon-fibre hulls.

The 18.3m-long boat, believed to be one of the largest built, will be powered by two turbo-charged six-cylinder engines. It will be able to tow two 23m Cup yachts out into the Hauraki Gulf at 12 knots.

Ross Blackman, chief executive of Team NZ, said the rubber ducky would be a big asset: "Now we'll be able to keep up all the time."

"It's going to be an incredible boat. Efficiency on the water is another edge we need to be successful in 2003."

Ports of Auckland is paying $500,000 towards construction of the vessel, at Rayglass Boats, but says the venture is "considerably more valuable."

Ports chief executive Geoff Vazey said it had benefited from the increased business activity that the last Cup regatta had brought.

"So we are pleased to be able to put something back into Team New Zealand and the event to help make it a success next time."

Team New Zealand will be back on the water training this week, in a rare mid-winter testing session.