A new outbreak of Covid virus shakes the American Cup World Cup in Oakland

Pictures of past weeks looked like heaven: Tens of thousands of fans celebrated together happily in the current Copa America capital, Oakland. In New Zealand midsummer, enjoy a live broadcast at Cup Harbor or watch the races from land and water. But now the festival is over for the time being, because the Covid pandemic has returned to the island country.

The Italian Cup hunters managed to win the third and fourth races in the Challenge Finals for the Prada Cup after an impressive 2-0 start and extended their “First Seven Winners” streak to 4-0, but that was halted by the last. The last sailing was the Cup Summit off Auckland, because on Sunday New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered a Level 3 lockdown for “City of Sails” and a Level 2 shutdown for the rest of the Pacific Island nation for at least three days.

The Covid pandemic has returned to New Zealand and is affecting what happens in the Copa America as well. America’s Cup Event Ltd. organizers announced For the next race day of the Prada Cup Final Series scheduled for February 17th. It has already been postponed indefinitely. They have closed the venue in Auckland Harbor to the public and have announced that they will work closely with the authorities on further planning.

© COR 36 / Studio Borlenghi

So far possible without any problems: the Festival of Fans in the Port of Auckland. After new Covid cases become known, subsequent encounters have been postponed for the time being and access to the Race Village has been banned

And according to what was reported by the New Zealand daily “New Zealand Herald”, there are three “new and active” cases of covid in South Auckland, with a mother, father and daughter from Papatito. New Zealand has always managed to cope with the epidemic with severe lockdown. Those who entered the America’s Cup had to undergo stringent quarantine requirements. The epidemic appears to have been defeated in the island nation by this new outbreak – which is why tens of thousands of fans gathered in the New Zealand summer for happy fan events without special precautions. This is all over for the time being. Organizers want to announce in the coming days how the Prada Cup and America’s Cup finals will continue.

The Prada Cup Final is 4-0 for Luna Rossa, Prada Pirelli, led by Patrizio Bertelli against the British team Ineos in the UK. The competitor is designed for New Zealand defenders in the America’s Cup. The 36th Copa America match is set to begin on March 6.

© COR 36 / Studio Borlenghi

Sir Ben Ainslie and Ineos in the United Kingdom face major challenges with a 4-0 score in the Challenger Final. Helmsman Luna Rossa, Francesco Bruni, is watching closely how the British intend to master them.

© COR 36 / Studio Borlenghi

Will they be competing for Emirates Airline New Zealand in the 36th American Cup match? With a score of 4: 0 for the Italians in the Prada Cup Final, there are many indications. However, helmsman Francesco Bruni urged caution: “The tide can turn quickly.”

© COR 36 / Studio Borlenghi

Ainslie lovers number one and two: wife Lady Georgy Ainslie and their daughter Bellatrix

Despite the excitement in New Zealand, sailors commented on the races themselves at the subsequent press conference, initially at around 16 knots and then less winding later. British captain Sir Ben Ainsley, whose team lost both games before the extremely close and competitive matches, said: “We just have to break free from the line. I think we are dealing with two equally strong boats. (Editor: The Italians) It was a really amazing day and he didn’t make any mistakes. We will go back and fight some more. We know we have the right boat in the wind. We know we can win races. We must sail better the entire path. “Ainsley regretted it could not sail next Wednesday, aiming for the expected strong winds, but at the same time said that people’s health must come first. The Italians, two Co-Casters Francesco Bruni and Jimmy Spithill on the balance sheet,” Spithill said: ” Today our treadmills beat the other players with little muscle strength. “But we have to stay focused. The tide can turn quickly.” The Covid virus has taken care of that now.

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