Thrown in the deep end

ITM has been an Exclusive Supplier to Emirates Team New Zealand since 2018, providing materials for remodelling the Viaduct Events Centre, and the North Shore base where the team is building the boats in preparation for the defence of the 36th America’s Cup. Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes.

Thrown in the deep end

Lorraine didn't know one end of a boat from the other when a group of boat builders and sailors turned up at Albany ITM in 2018. “I told them, I’m not a boatie person, never have been. I get seasick looking at a postcard of rough water.”

So when she took on the central role in the ITM supply channel supporting Emirates Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup defence, it was, well a challenge.

“My General Manager said, 'Hey, you’re it, you’re in charge, make sure you see them right'.”

Building the base

"The team had a two-month time frame to establish their boat-building facility in a warehouse on the North Shore, so I had to support their timeline,” says Lorraine.

“As it turned out, the schedule gave me five days to get in the product they required, much of it being specialty products that we don’t typically stock. It was a major challenge to source what they required from multiple suppliers, but we made it happen on time."

“A lot of it was specific to the actual boat building, not just the building of the base. It was really specialist product that you don’t get from a timber merchant. And they were large quantities. It was a big learning curve for me.”

One big team

“As well as the usual things such as timber, plywood and plasterboard, there were also some odd items they wanted, including multiple bicycle racks, 1850 10-litre buckets and 10,000 paper cups.

“We couldn’t do it all ourselves, but with a network of 90 stores around the country to call on, we were able to get just about everything they wanted. It was definitely a team effort. All the stores are incredibly supportive, you can tell.

“By sourcing all they needed in a really short time, we were able to help keep Emirates Team New Zealand on track to do things faster and better in the building process, just as they do on the water.”

People you can rely on

“I did support the last America’s Cup and now that I know a lot more about it, I’m fully on board. I’ve gotten to know the people in the team; they are incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge with me.

“They have a culture like ITM. They don’t blow their own horns. They don’t have titles, they’re just part of a group, which I found very interesting.

“At the last America’s Cup, they did a fantastic job, and I can see why. They’re incredibly dedicated. Very professional, very kind, very committed. They treat us with a great deal of respect. I enjoy working with them. Although, if they invite me out on the boat, I’d have to say a firm no.”

We had a boat that sailed to Europe and back without touching the water

The America’s Cup has always been the source of incredible intrigue. Yet the events leading up to this regatta have been unprecedented in the history of the Auld Mug.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride and we all really got thrown a curveball with the Covid thing."

"We had a boat being shipped to Europe for the America’s Cup World Series, and we had to turn around halfway and bring it back again. It never touched the water,” says Emirates Team New Zealand’s Shore Team Manager, Sean Regan.

“All our suppliers and sponsors have had to cope with similar dramas of their own as well. Everyone involved has had to change and adapt in unimaginable circumstances."

“ITM has weathered the storm like we have, and we appreciate the support. Being able to have face-to-face contact with the people at ITM again without social distancing has been great. We’re looking forward to hosting ITM and their customers at our place over the coming months as racing kicks into action.”

Cup programme

America’s Cup World Series, December 17 – 20, 2020

Due to Covid-19, the first two regattas in the series were cancelled. The Auckland regatta will go ahead as scheduled and will be the first time the teams go head to head in their AC75s.

The Prada Cup, January 15 – February 22, 2021

Organised by the Challenger of Record, the series will determine which of the challenger teams will take on defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the 36th America’s Cup.

America’s Cup Match

Racing will take place from March 6-21, 2021, with the winner being the first team to score seven points.