What a Team NZ win could mean for Cup

‘‘The racing would be inshore rather than out on the Hauraki Gulf’’

A larger fleet, the return of some old names, and inshore racing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour in 2021 – that’s the prospect if Team New Zealand can win back the America’s Cup and get to host yachting’s biggest extravaganza.

Here are some of the key points if they do.

They would likely stage the next regatta in 2021 or possibly 2022. The racing would be inshore rather than out on the Hauraki Gulf where the 2000 and 2003 Cups were held which would allow for more of a ‘‘stadium’’ feel, bringing the action close to shore.

That would be possible by using the foiling craft that have become the vogue over the last two regattas and can operate in far shallower waters and less wind.

A nationality rule would be introduced, with teams needing to have as much as 80 per cent of their crew matching the syndicate’s country of origin.

Italy’s Luna Ross syndicate would return to the frame as the Challenger of Record and would instrument a more traditional challenger setup than the strange alliance that has existed between four of the challengers and Oracle.

Australia, who teased at getting involved this time only to pull out in frustration at working with Oracle, would likely return, given the close proximity to New Zealand and the massive depth in sailing talent there.