Rayglass completed custom builds for almost every AC37 team

Every three to four years the energy in the Rayglass factory changes. We’re usually relaxed yet focused, but coming up to the America’s Cup it’s all go - all hands on deck.

This year we’re busier and more involved in the America’s Cup than ever - in fact, we’re building custom chase vessels for almost every team. We had a chat with the man in charge of it all, Lyndsay Turner, Protector International Sales and Marketing Director.

Almost every America’s Cup 37 team are running Protectors

Rayglass has several clients competing in the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona:

● Emirates Team New Zealand
● American Magic
● Alinghi Red Bull Racing
● INEOS Team UK

We believe this event is the best possible advertisement for Protector vessels:

“They’re chosen because they’re the best boat on the global market for the job. Protectors are proven to be reliable, they’re built strong and robust. They’re easy to drive, and capable in any water, any time anywhere.” said Lyndsay.

The vessels we have supplied include 330 Chases, 330 Targas, 410 Chases and 410 Targas. We’ve added countless custom features to these boats, including Shockwave seats on plinths with crew storage, additional bow handrails and a reinforced heavy duty tow poles. The vessels are all powered with Mercury 300-400 hp engines including the new Mercury 400 V10.

The 330 Chases we supplied to INEOS were also very unique, with a custom red top and twin outboards.

Nearly 25 years of the America’s Cup and Rayglass

Rayglass has a long relationship with the America’s Cup - we’ve been supplying chase vessels for almost 25 years. For Lyndsay, the partnership is a bit of a dream come true professionally and personally:

“Of course, I’m a big fan of the America’s Cup. I think it’s amazing to see what the competition has done for local businesses and for New Zealand. It changed the Viaduct from an old fishing port to a world class precinct. It helped us and so many other great Kiwi businesses keep guys employed, putting food on the table.”

“If you look at the superyachts in New Zealand, the cup has probably brought billions into the New Zealand economy.”

While it’s a big job, Lyndsay loves working with all of the teams in the lead up to the cup:

“I meet so many interesting people. You’ve got to have faith that you can deliver them the right product and when you do, word of mouth does the rest.”

“I have to facilitate all of it but it’s a team effort and my team’s great. Everyone at Rayglass is so excited to watch the 37th America’s Cup. Getting this exposure on the biggest stage is a big part of the reason New Zealand’s maritime industry is recognised as world leading.”

Want to view or sea trial the same vessels AC37 teams are using? Get in touch with Lyndsay to book yourself in.