Team New Zealand's secret weapon revealed

2.30pm

Team New Zealand has revealed at least one of the secret weapons with which it hopes to succesfully defend the America's Cup.

At 12.30 this afternoon the team lifted its two boats, NZL-81 and NZL-82, out of the water for their required unveiling.

Both yachts had third appendages at the stern that looked almost as if they were part of the hull, but separated from it by a small gap.

These appendages are the "false hulls" or "Kiwi clip-ons" which have been the subject of speculation for several weeks.

Team New Zealand principal designer Mike Drummond said the appendages provided more volume at the stern of the boat than would be allowed under America's Cup rules for just the hull by itself.

It meant the boats' sailing waterlines (which affect maximum speed) were a little bit longer.

The two remaining challengers, Team Alinghi and Oracle BMW, also unveiled the boats they will use for the rest of the regatta today. Neither team had adopted the "false hull" concept, although they were reported to have been testing it.

Team New Zealand will defend the America's Cup in a best-of-nice race series beginning February 15.

Its opponent will be the winner of the best-of-nice Louis Vuitton Cup final series between Team Alinghi and Oracle BMW Racing, which begins on Saturday.

Graphic: Team New Zealand's secret weapon

Picture: Team New Zealand unveiling

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