Animation Research Ltd's AC72 America's Cup racing simulator has made a big splash with yachting syndicates and fans alike in the United States.
The simulators, which were constructed in Dunedin by Farra Engineering and Metalspray Engineering Ltd, have become top of every syndicate's wish list since they were installed in the Emirates Team New Zealand waka last week.
''The simulator was our way of getting a New Zealand presence into the America's Cup park on the shores alongside the AC race course,'' ARL chief executive Ian Taylor said from the British Open in Scotland yesterday.
''It has proved so popular that ARL has ordered two more sets to be built in Dunedin to help meet the many inquiries from hi-tech companies in San Francisco to borrow them for staff functions.
''There are also discussions with a major San Francisco visitor attraction to install a unit for the duration of the America's Cup. This particular attraction has thousands of visitors a day. It is a huge honour to even be considered to have an installation there.''
It was a coup for Dunedin technology to be creating such interest at a high-profile international event like the America's Cup, Mr Taylor said.
''The timeline was incredibly tight, so it was great to know that we had companies in Dunedin that could step up to the plate and deliver.''
The popularity of the simulators could also trickle down to benefit tourism, he said.
''Not only do people get to race on the virtual Auckland Harbour, they also go into a draw to win a trip for two to New Zealand. The trip will include a visit to Dunedin, the city where the simulator was built.''
ARL has a long association with the America's Cup, developing the first real time yachting graphics package for the race series in 1991.
