NYYC boat on way to Auckland but crew wait to follow

American Magic’s Terry Hutchinson says they have taken a huge leap of faith exporting their AC75 to Auckland — without any process in place to get their team through New Zealand’s closed borders.

Hutchinson, who was part of Emirates Team New Zealand for seven years, is executive director of the New York Yacht Club’s challenge for the 2021 America’s Cup.

Interviewed on Sailing Illustrated. com by America’s Cup veteranturned-commentator Tom Ehman, Hutchinson said that already nine of the team who hold Kiwi passports, including skipper Dean Barker, are either in quarantine in New Zealand or planning to leave next month.

Hutchinson is hoping to start sending non-Kiwi members of American Magic’s 138-strong team to New Zealand soon but respects the status of the New Zealand Government.

“From the communications we have had with the New Zealand Immigration Minister, currently exemptions are made only for health officials and those who can help manage and maintain the safety of the NZ community. But outside that — stand by.

“They are standing firm right now as to the fact that the borders are closed. The decision we have made is risky. But it is a bit of a waiting game — which was always going to have to take place for us.

“I completely understand and respect the process taking place in New Zealand. Prime Minister Ardern has done a great job of making difficult decisions.

“Beyond those who have NZ residency, our first deployment will be a team of 55 people and their family members, once we get the green light.”

Hutchinson promises that, if or when given that green light, his team will respect all the country’s rules and guidelines.

“You’re not going to find a more motivated group to adhere to the guidelines that have been set for us.

“New Zealand has done a great job. In so many ways, they have led the world in demonstrating how to fight and virtually eliminate Covid-19.

“From an American Magic perspective, we want to help maintain the discipline the Kiwis have shown and follow the rules we need to follow to gain access into the country.

“It doesn’t seem fair that the NZ Government has to cover the cost of an American Magic 14-day quarantine or lockdown. My expectation is that we are going to have to take that [cost] on, and we will happily do so.”

Fortuitously for American Magic, the America’s Cup World Series events in Italy and England were cancelled before they sent their AC75 Defiant to Europe. Team New Zealand were not so fortunate, having shipped their AC75 boat two months earlier.

That muddle cost the Kiwis four months’ sailing time in Auckland but it has set the scene for the first race of the 36th America’s Cup — whose AC75 will arrive first in Auckland?

Hutchinson and Team New Zealand chief executive Grant Dalton both say it will be close, with the boats expected to arrive in three weeks.

“Our landing time is June 7-12, so there’s a chance we will beat the Kiwis,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson was more serious on the pivotal decision to ship the AC75 along with their base and chase boats to Auckland.

“These are definitely nervous times. I would go as far as to say that the success or failure of our programme lies purely in the next eight or nine weeks.”