Yachting: America's Cup defender will set sail as NZL57

By Suzanne McFadden

Team New Zealand's new boat to defend the America's Cup will be known in officialdom as NZL57.

The defender received her new sail number yesterday, and within minutes, it was protected by copyright.

But the boat, almost certain to be painted black, will be christened with a quirkier name - as the Black Magics were in 1995 - when she is launched in September or October.

Team New Zealand's latest yacht, being built at Cooksons Yard in Glenfield, is the 14th new boat built for this America's Cup.

The number is issued when the first layer of skin is laid on the hull of the new boat.

Fifty-six yachts have been built to the International America's Cup Class rule since 1991. Superstition meant there was no number 13 issued - and it would have been a Kiwi yacht if it had.

NZL57 is the eighth Kiwi America's Cup yacht built to the IACC rule in the last eight years.

NZL10, 12, 14 and 20 were built for the 1992 New Zealand challenge, NZL32 and 38 were Team New Zealand's black boats in 1995, and NZL39 was Chris Dickson's yacht in San Diego last time.

Team New Zealand business manager Scott Chapman said the new number had to be protected with a trademark.

"The sail number becomes part of the team, it's a brand of ours now," he said.

"People want merchandise with the number on it, so we have to protect our brand. Otherwise there would be T-shirts on the streets within two seconds."

Work has yet to start on New Zealand's second defence boat, but it is expected to be finished six weeks after NZL57.

Team New Zealand plan to have both yachts sailing together on the Hauraki Gulf by the end of November.