Emirates Team New Zealand‘s AC75 race boat for the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona has been formally blessed in a special rain-soaked event (that’s good luck, right?). The boat was gifted the name by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei – Taihoro, which was inspired from Taihoro-Nukurangi, and translates to “To move swiftly as the sea between both sky and earth”.

Our team is proud of our involvement in this huge (and challenging) project. The transition from 2D graphic design concepts to 3D artwork application is technically complex, but we have many years of experience with this specialised work and have it down to an art. The graphics are a combination of digitally printed graphics, and highly-lacquered paint sections applied within hand-masked curves. We have taken a lot of time and care to ensure the graphics flow seamlessly from the sides of the hull to the deck, for full graphic exposure. Once again we have ensured that Emirates Team New Zealand overshadows their competitors with the best-looking (and fastest) livery on the water.

We will watch with bated breath as our Taihoro sails in defence of the 37th America’s Cup later this year.