37th America’s Cup: New Zealand tests its historic defense

Auckland (AP) – America’s Cup winners New Zealand may cheat. Emirates Team New Zealand examines the cup’s defense in the outer waters.

Previously, in the 170 years of classic sailing history, only Switzerland had taken this route. In 2007, the Swiss had to give up the house advantage stipulated in the 1852 deed of incorporation because, as a land-bound nation, they did not have a suitable area with access to the sea. So the 32nd America’s Cup was held in Valencia.

The opening of the Defense Cup outside New Zealand was preceded by three months of negotiations with the government. She had invested about 80 million euros in the 36th America’s Cup, which ended on March 17 with the victory of the “Men in Black”. In addition, the city of Auckland has invested around 65 million euros in infrastructure.

No deal yet

As for the defense at the 37th America’s Cup, politics and sports have yet to come to an agreement on the financial commitment. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the New Zealand Herald: “We have done our best. But there are also limits to what we can do.” “It would be an unprecedented feat to win the America’s Cup three times in a row. Carrying the trophy overseas may be our best chance to do so,” said Aaron Young, captain of the Royal New Zealand Yachting Squadron.

Rumors about the possible location abroad have been circulating since March 17th. Immediately after their victory, the “Kiwi” accepted the first challenge from the British team around four-time Olympic champion Sir Ben Ainsley. His racing team was succeeded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the richest Britons. The founder of the chemical company Ineos can finance an exclusive cup duel between New Zealand and England in British waters. The motherland of the America’s Cup, where the first regattas were held in 1851, has never won the cup yet.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210616-99-15329 / 2