Dalton wants ‘free’ regatta

WELLINGTON: Team New Zealand says the event fee it is seeking from the Government will make the next America’s Cup free to watch in person and on television.

Chief executive Grant Dalton continued his defence of a fee, which he says is critical to run the next regatta in Auckland in 2021.

He says the money is purely for operational purposes, not to help Team NZ retain the Auld Mug, and is not near the various figures of well over $100 million which had been speculated in the media.

Dalton confirmed Team NZ will not seek government financial help for its sailing programme, as was needed on the way to winning the America’s Cup in Bermuda this year.

However, running the regatta will be expensive, particularly as Dalton is adamant supporters should not have to pay at the gate if they want to soak up the atmosphere on the Auckland waterfront.

He also wants racing to be accessed on free broadcasting platforms.

‘‘A couple of things that are dear to us are freetoair television coverage and free access to the village,’’ he told Newstalk ZB.

‘‘Those things cost. It would be ludicrous to charge people to go through the village.

‘‘But we have got to get to the point where we have a deal.’’

Dalton says it remains a last resort option to take the regatta to Italy if Auckland cannot meet certain specifications. — NZN