Strong winds threaten first day of Cup

High winds are threatening the opening day of racing for the America’s Cup this weekend.

Weather forecasts predict gust of more than 30 knots which is well beyond the upper safety limit of 24 knots for racing to be held.

America’s Cup organisers have given an early warning.

‘‘Whilst the wind may drop within the raceable limits of 6-24 knots later in the evening, the safety of both the sailors and spectators is always paramount, and a decision whether to open the America’s Cup Village or not will be taken accordingly.’’

They said an early decision could be taken and, with a more favourable forecast for Sunday, the start of the regatta could be postponed for a day if necessary.

There are plans for an official opening ceremony to follow the first day of races, adding heat on organisers to get the show under way and cash in on what is expected to be a weekend crowd in Bermuda.

Team New Zealand are set to race Groupama Team France in their opening race of the Louis Vuitton qualifying series which is a double round-robin format involving all six syndicates, including the defenders Oracle, whom Team New Zealand are set to face on Sunday.

Organisers face a mammoth task to get their schedule through with 30 riound-robin races set to be squeezed into eight days, with just one lay day, which is scheduled for next Friday.