Owners outside, looking in
Shortage of spaces in managed isolation sees syndicate bosses missing early action
No promise can be
made and MIQ is incredibly full at the
moment butwe’re having conversations.
At least five wealthy backers of the challenger teams to the America’s Cup are struggling to enter the country in time to watch their yachts race.
Information provided to RNZ shows the owners of the Italian team Luna Rossa, Team Ineos UK and American Magic have been granted border exemptions but are not yet here.
It’s understood they have been unable to obtain vouchers to stay at managed isolation hotels.
The five owners — three of American Magic, one of Ineos, and one of Luna Rossa — are all now hoping for some form of government intervention.
Immigration New Zealand says all five were granted visas several months ago.
But they are already missing the start of racing where teams battle for the right to take on champions Team New Zealand for the coveted Auld Mug next March.
America’s Cup Minister, Stuart Nash, said his staff are working on it.
“We do understand that owners have invested a significant amount of money here so it’s a very fine balancing act about getting this right. Servicing the needs of Kiwis overseas who want to come home, but also ensuring that the men and women who’ve invested millions of dollars in this can take some part in it.”
Anyone entering the country is required to stay in a governmentmanaged isolation or quarantine facility — private yachts are still off the cards.
“We’ve really resisted bespoke quarantine. That’s what happened in Melbourne, and if we haven’t got control of this and something happens then it will be the Government that is blamed.”
He did not want to expand on options for getting the owners into the country.
“We’re having conversations; I’ll just leave it at that. No promise can be made and MIQ is incredibly full at the moment but we’re having conversations.”
Immigration New Zealand said Hap Fauth, Doug De Vos and Roger Penske were included in American Magic’s request for a border exception under the “other essential worker” category.
This was approved by ministers in June.
Luna Rossa team principal Patrizio Bertelli and Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s requests were approved in July and November respectively.
Immigration would not provide any further information for privacy reasons — and the teams would not comment on the movements of their owners.
Teamnzoff to a flyer
It’s only one race, but Team New Zealand made an ominous start to the America’s Cup World Series with a crushing win over Luna Rossa yesterday.
The defending syndicate led from start to finish, and the race looked over at the first mark.
Te Rehutai crossed the line a staggering 3m 13s ahead of the Italians, in what was an absolute, good oldfashioned smashing.
The New Zealand crew was faster upwind, quicker downwind and better with their transitions in a result that will send shock waves through the Challenger fleet.
Team New Zealand held a 1:15 lead when they went around the top mark the second time, and were flying at 47 knots when they completed the second lap.
The Italians weren’t exactly slow — they hit 45 knots during the downwind leg — but couldn’t make an impression on their opponents.
Nothing had changed at the bottom mark (1:17) and it was obvious that Team New Zealand have something special under the hood.
Their advantage was 1.3 kilometres as they rounded the mark for the last time (2:38), and it was a procession to the finish.
Veteran yachting broadcaster PJ Montgomery was understandably impressed during commentary on NZME’S Gold AM. “However you look at it, this is a wake-up call,” said Montgomery. — NZ Herald
America’s Cup Minister Stuart Nash