Emirates Team Zealand have been flying in the early stages of the 2017 America's Cup match.
Emirates Team Zealand have been flying in the early stages of the 2017 America's Cup match.
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But helmsman Peter Burling and his team are not getting carried away. New Zealand led the 2013 event 8-1 but conspired to lose to Oracle Team USA -- the opponent it faces in Bermuda.
But helmsman Peter Burling and his team are not getting carried away. New Zealand led the 2013 event 8-1 but conspired to lose to Oracle Team USA -- the opponent it faces in Bermuda.
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The recriminations back home were huge for CEO Grant Dalton and his then skipper Dean Barker.
The recriminations back home were huge for CEO Grant Dalton and his then skipper Dean Barker.
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Barker was removed from his role as skipper and opted instead to join rival team Softbank for this year's Cup.
Barker was removed from his role as skipper and opted instead to join rival team Softbank for this year's Cup.
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His departure ushered in a new youth policy with the average age of the crew now under 30.
His departure ushered in a new youth policy with the average age of the crew now under 30.
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But that has just been part of the transformation. An aggressive design philosophy has given the team a speed boost in Bermuda.
But that has just been part of the transformation. An aggressive design philosophy has given the team a speed boost in Bermuda.
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Part of that has been down to the team's decision to go for pedal power rather than the more traditional approach of hand grinders.
Part of that has been down to the team's decision to go for pedal power rather than the more traditional approach of hand grinders.
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With seemingly increased pace on the rest of the crews they have moved into a 3-0 lead over Team Oracle USA.
With seemingly increased pace on the rest of the crews they have moved into a 3-0 lead over Team Oracle USA.
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But superstition from 2013 means the team are playing down the splash they're making in the Great Sound, where the racing is taking place.
But superstition from 2013 means the team are playing down the splash they're making in the Great Sound, where the racing is taking place.
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Having endured mishaps, including a dramatic capsizing, they are well aware things can still go awry during this weekend's round of races.
Having endured mishaps, including a dramatic capsizing, they are well aware things can still go awry during this weekend's round of races.
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