Following the unfortunate defeat of a design-led campaign in 2003 which was mainly due to deficiences in the boat, Dalton saw the need for a combination of a sailor-led campaign with a 'good all round boat' as seen in the 2003 America's Cup winner Alinghi's SUI 64.

Initially considered unattractive, the unique full bow on both NZL 92 and NZL 84 are quickly appearing to set a new evolution of yacht design and style in the 2007 America's Cup.

When compared with NZL 82 and NZL 81, and most of the 2007 America's Cup edition boats which have a very flat double-knuckle bow, with exception of both Alinghi's SUI 64 and BMW Oracle Racing's USA 71.

[clarification needed] Both the benchmark in aesthetics and speed with some of the other 10 challengers mimicking its design, particularly in the bow.

NZL 92 won the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup in five races on the 6 June 2007 against Luna Rossa Challenge ITA 94, but was defeated by the defender Alinghi SUI 100 in the 2007 America's Cup, losing 5 races to 2 on 3 July 2007.