NZL81 launched in Valencia

1.00pm

Well travelled Team New Zealand yacht NZL81 was launched at Valencia this morning, five days after arriving in the hold of a cargo aircraft.

After four days with shore crew working up to 16 hours a day the yacht was launched and within hours was on the water in preparation for the pre-America's Cup regatta starting on Tuesday.

The 42,000km long haul mission was needed after NZL82 suffered structural damage when blown over following a regatta in Marseilles earlier this month.

Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton said the yacht was on the water off the Spanish city two days ahead of schedule.

"The boys had worked very well so we decided to go sailing today. It is only 18 days since NZL82 was damaged in Marseille," Dalton said.

"A lot has happened since then. It is a tribute to the Emirates Team New Zealand shore team who have worked long into the night to make this happen.

"We are very happy to be in Valencia and nearly ready to go racing."

Dalton said the boat performed well, even with more than 20 people - including a group of sponsors - on board today.

"Act 2" of the Louis Vuitton series was to sail for a week off Valencia from Tuesday, with Act 3 on the same water from October 14-21.

- NZPA