Emirates Team New Zealand has strengthened its sailing roster with the addition of two rising stars, welcoming Serena Woodall and Lena Sanderson into full-time roles as the syndicate ramps up preparations for both the Women’s America’s Cup and the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.
The move signals the defender’s continued commitment to building depth across its programme, investing in emerging talent while broadening the scope of its campaign beyond the primary Cup challenge.
Two Sailors on the Rise
Both Woodall and Sanderson have been identified as key contributors to Emirates Team New Zealand’s Women’s America’s Cup effort, while also feeding into the wider technical and sailing operations of the team. Their transition into full-time positions represents a meaningful step in their careers and underscores the growing importance of structured talent pathways within America’s Cup syndicates.
New Zealand has long been renowned for producing world-class sailors relative to its small population, and Emirates Team New Zealand has historically been at the forefront of nurturing homegrown talent. The recruitment of Woodall and Sanderson fits squarely within that tradition, ensuring the next generation of high-performance sailors gains exposure to the pinnacle of the sport at an early stage.
The Women’s America’s Cup Takes Shape
The Women’s America’s Cup has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of the modern America’s Cup ecosystem. First introduced during the 37th America’s Cup cycle in Barcelona, the event provided a competitive platform for women sailors aboard the AC40 foiling monohull — a smaller but equally demanding version of the AC75 class used in the main event. The regatta was widely praised for elevating the profile of women’s sailing and creating a direct link between female competitors and the broader America’s Cup programme.
For the 38th edition, the Women’s America’s Cup is expected to take on even greater significance as teams invest more seriously in their campaigns. Emirates Team New Zealand’s decision to bring Woodall and Sanderson into the fold on a full-time basis suggests the defender intends to field a highly competitive women’s crew, treating the event as a genuine performance priority rather than a secondary initiative.
Building Depth for the Defence
While the Women’s America’s Cup campaign is a clear focus for both new recruits, their integration into the wider Emirates Team New Zealand programme is equally noteworthy. The AC75 class demands an enormous breadth of expertise — from sailing and athletic ability to systems knowledge and design feedback — and syndicates routinely rely on expanded squads to cover the gruelling development and racing schedules that define an America’s Cup cycle.
By embedding Woodall and Sanderson across the full operation, Emirates Team New Zealand gains additional personnel who understand the team’s systems, culture, and performance targets from the inside. This cross-pollination between the women’s and main campaigns can accelerate learning and foster the kind of internal competition that drives improvement across the board.
A Changing Landscape
The additions also reflect a broader shift in how America’s Cup teams approach squad composition. The era of foiling monohulls has placed a premium on athleticism, adaptability, and technical acuity, and teams are casting a wider net than ever to find sailors who meet those demands. Women’s participation at the highest level of the sport is no longer a novelty but an increasingly integrated component of team strategy.
Emirates Team New Zealand, as the defending champion and Challenger of Record host, is uniquely positioned to shape these developments. Having successfully defended the Auld Mug in Barcelona in 2024, the Kiwi syndicate carries both the prestige and the responsibility of setting standards — on the water and off it.
With the 38th America’s Cup venue and timeline continuing to take shape, the early recruitment of Woodall and Sanderson sends a clear message: Emirates Team New Zealand is building for the future while keeping its eyes firmly on the next defence.
