The model seems nice but that stand is kinda ugly looking.

Holy moly! Looks bigger than I first thought (that's what she said).
Anyway, it's a pleasure to have some boats in the portfolio

Hmm... next cancellation due to late re-evalulation of the (needless) license?

Pneumatics? Where, for what?

Should sell well in New Zealand I guess.

@Ridgeheart said:
"Oh, cool. I didn't know sportswashing was a pneumatic function. All the same, I don't think I'll be getting this any time soon.

Well done on dropping the partnership with Shell, TLG. Are you sure these are the people you want to get in bed with instead, though?

https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018890357/money-or-morals-team-nz-saudi-arabia-and-sportswashing"

First NEOM, now this.

@EtudeTheBadger said:
" @Ridgeheart said:
"Oh, cool. I didn't know sportswashing was a pneumatic function. All the same, I don't think I'll be getting this any time soon.

Well done on dropping the partnership with Shell, TLG. Are you sure these are the people you want to get in bed with instead, though?

https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018890357/money-or-morals-team-nz-saudi-arabia-and-sportswashing"

First NEOM, now this."
Which makes the ending of the partnership with Shell, or the cancelation of the Osprey, seem even more hypocritical.

TLG giving visibility to Emirates? No, thanks.

imo very expensive, where the volume of the sets are two vinyl sails and there is no so much of the craft beyond them.

IMHO not an ideal subject for Technic, since 90% of the model's size is inert printed vinyl specific to the model, rather than generic modular brick. A modern racing yacht (a hydrofoil-supported monohull with wingsail, a so-called "foiler") *has* interesting mechanical functions, but they're concentrated in the hull. See: https://theconversation.com/sail-gp-how-do-supercharged-racing-yachts-go-so-fast-an-engineer-explains-121902

(Probably a common opinion: It's only proper Technic if it has rotating parts: propellors, or wheels, or internal mechanisms like conveyor belts that roll on wheels. Discuss.)

To supply some background on @Ridgeheart 's misgivings: The America's Cup yacht race has been held since 1851, on no fixed schedule, each time between two clubs: the defender and a single challenger. The defending clubs have been, counting backwards, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Golden Gate Yacht Club (USA), Societe Nautique de Geneve (Switzerland), San Diego Yacht Club (USA), Royal Perth Yacht Club (Australia). There are currently six clubs operating "AC75"-class boats (for some specs, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC75 ). So unlike Formula One motor racing, with ten teams on the track whose cars differ mainly in livery, TLG has a more limited choice of vehicles to represent, and the defender is the most obvious choice.

Each race cycle involves several preliminary regattas prior to the final race, and the venues are subject to change. For the 37th cycle ("AC37") during 2023-24, Jeddah in Saudia Arabia was one of three preliminary sites (the others being Vilanova i la Geltrú and Barcelona in Spain). The final race will also be in Barcelona, in October (which presumably informs the release date of this model). This model is an AC75, whereas the Jeddah race used an earlier AC40 boat.

The New Zealand yacht has been sponsored by Emirates since 2021. Emirates is the flag airline of Dubai (whereas Abu Dhabi has Etihad; there are two flag carriers in the United Arab Emirates, which is a federation of seven). The UAE has its own questionable human rights record, but not to Saudi Arabia's level.

So, LEGO wants me to purchase a set, at an inflated price, so I can display advertisements for Emirates, Omega, and other corporations printed on the set. Yes, same deal with other 'licensed' sets,; in this case the advertising is the key visual impact when the set is on display.

I will buy it if Emirates pays me $10 month for showing their advertisements.

This seems to be a pretty static Technic set. Are the pneumatics for blowing smoke up certain areas??

@Lexomatic said:
"IMHO not an ideal subject for Technic, since 90% of the model's size is inert printed vinyl specific to the model, rather than generic modular brick. A modern racing yacht (a hydrofoil-supported monohull with wingsail, a so-called "foiler") *has* interesting mechanical functions, but they're concentrated in the hull. See: https://theconversation.com/sail-gp-how-do-supercharged-racing-yachts-go-so-fast-an-engineer-explains-121902

(Probably a common opinion: It's only proper Technic if it has rotating parts: propellors, or wheels, or internal mechanisms like conveyor belts that roll on wheels. Discuss.)

To supply some background on @Ridgeheart 's misgivings: The America's Cup yacht race has been held since 1851, on no fixed schedule, each time between two clubs: the defender and a single challenger. The defending clubs have been, counting backwards, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Golden Gate Yacht Club (USA), Societe Nautique de Geneve (Switzerland), San Diego Yacht Club (USA), Royal Perth Yacht Club (Australia). There are currently six clubs operating "AC75"-class boats (for some specs, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC75 ). So unlike Formula One motor racing, with ten teams on the track whose cars differ mainly in livery, TLG has a more limited choice of vehicles to represent, and the defender is the most obvious choice.

Each race cycle involves several preliminary regattas prior to the final race, and the venues are subject to change. For the 37th cycle ("AC37") during 2023-24, Jeddah in Saudia Arabia was one of three preliminary sites (the others being Vilanova i la Geltrú and Barcelona in Spain). The final race will also be in Barcelona, in October (which presumably informs the release date of this model). This model is an AC75, whereas the Jeddah race used an earlier AC40 boat.

The New Zealand yacht has been sponsored by Emirates since 2021. Emirates is the flag airline of Dubai (whereas Abu Dhabi has Etihad; there are two flag carriers in the United Arab Emirates, which is a federation of seven). The UAE has its own questionable human rights record, but not to Saudi Arabia's level."

Low interest expected in New Zealand
Historically teams defend the cup in their home country.
This time around "Team New Zealand" have sold out and holding finals in country / venue that pays the most money for hosting rights.