We all took a deep breath when the news came in that AC75 Taihoro had suffered damage during a haul out in Barcelona. What immediately came to mind, however, was that MAST graduate Josh Vogels (pictured right) and his brother, apprentice Arnie Vogels (pictured left), were ready to leap into action as part of Emirates Team NZ’s boatbuilding and shore crew stationed there for our 37th Americas Cup campaign.
Well-prepared for any scenario after months of rigorous training and hands-on experience as part of the Taihoro build team, brothers Josh and Arnie have embraced every opportunity that comes their way, sharing a boatbuilding journey at the highest level.
Josh’s career started with the previous Americas Cup campaign, so this time around, he certainly knew what he was signing up for. He started and completed his composite boatbuilding apprenticeship with Emirates Team NZ, giving him the experience and insight needed to tackle this campaign and all the challenges it would bring. “From the ground up, starting with the mould, the length of the build - there’s a lot going on in a very short amount of time,” says Josh.
In 2023, younger brother Arnie, still at school was looking for what’s next. After initial interest in diesel engines he changed direction to boatbuilding through MAST Academy's Launch it - School to Work programme. After securing an interview with ETNZ he was hooked!
With 10 apprentices working on Taihoro, Arnie was one of four straight out of school. He hit-the-ground running, learning the ropes alongside seasoned professionals and of course his brother. "Every part of the process was something new to me, so every day there was something new to learn, says Arnie."
Josh and Arnie, were completely invested in the build and the hours were long. “Time was our worst enemy during the build - it was brutal. There are very few free weekends, and each phase was another step up,” Arnie explains. “The build is kept pretty secret, so having a familiar face around the shed and Josh to talk to after long hours made a huge difference,” he adds.
For Josh, the build represents a shared vision and requires team endurance, leaving little time for anything outside of work.
For all of us on the build team, it’s a massive passion project! It’s not just my work - it’s the work of 40 other designers and boatbuilders, all working together like one big cog! - Josh Vogel
Teamwork lies at the heart of the culture that makes working at Emirates Team NZ so special. Many of the team have worked on multiple campaigns. “At the top end, those guys are critical, but just as important is every other member, right down to the apprentices," says Geoff Senior, Head of Construction. "We started the project undermanned but ended up with a really strong team!”
Challenges during the build were constant, and reaching milestones was exciting. Josh and Arnie thrived on it! “The speed at which you have to learn and the precision required - everything has to be perfect,” says Josh. For Arnie, quick thinking and staying on top of procedures were key to navigating the challenges. “It's definitely character-building,” says Arnie.
Josh arrived in Barcelona early as part of the shore crew to help reconfigure the race boat. "It’s a pretty special craft," he says. Meanwhile, Arnie faced a new learning curve, with a broad scope as part of the tech team responsible for the AC40 fleet. "Basically, I am supporting the fleet, whatever arises, to keep them running," says Arnie.
MAST Academy Training Advisor Mike Birdsall has high praise for the support provided by the Emirates construction team to all the apprentices involved in the high-tech build. "Managing the pressures of the build while submitting their assessments was no easy task for the apprentices." says Mike. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity for these young boatbuilders, who will be able to look back on this as a highlight of their careers. And how special is it that Josh and Arnie get to share this experience as brothers!”
Training and mentoring are highly valued at Emirates Team NZ - it’s part of their Kiwi ethos and culture. Every campaign brings fresh innovation, and as Grant Dalton says, “One thing I love about the Cup is the creation of the boats, which you then turn into speed.”
High speed doesn’t just happen on the water. The build team is ready for any challenge - they know the race boat inside and out, including two brothers, Josh and Arnie, who have an exciting future in boatbuilding ahead.