Bragging rights and cash still drive America’s Cup
YACHTING The America’s Cup regatta starts tomorrow in Auckland’s harbour. For some it is true sporting theatre while others consider it a total yawn fest. Sports editor Steve Hepburn comes to grips with an event which has not been high on the priority lis
What is the America’s Cup?
Known as the oldest sporting contest in the world the trophy was first contested as the Hundred Guinea Cup in 1851, by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Great Britain for a race around the Isle of Wight. The cup was won by America, a 30m schooner from New York City, and subsequently became known as the America’s Cup.
The American winners of the cup donated it to the New York Yacht Club in 1857 for a perpetual international challenge competition.
Where is it?
The New York Yacht Club had the cup until 1983 when it was won by
Alan Bond and his Australian mates. It travelled around and Team NZ won it in Bermuda in 2017 so hosted it in Auckland over summer. There are five different courses to race on the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf.
Who is in it?
There seemed to be teams coming from all corners of the globe. Russians, the Dutch, a few Americans, some Australians. But it has all come down to three challenging teams. Luna Rosa Prada, from Italy, American Magic from the New York Yacht Club and Ineos Team UK, from Great Britain. Then there is the
defender, Team New Zealand.
When is it?
The racing will take place over three phases.
First up is the World Series starting tomorrow being four races for the next three days of round robin competition when all of the four teams will race each other twice. A Christmas race will take place on Sunday in a knockout format. This is basically a warmup — a series of friendlies.
Then, next month, the eliminator series takes place in which the three challenging syndicates go head to head to find the top two. They will face off in a best of 13 race format, starting on February 13.
The final event will be the successful challenger taking on Team New Zealand. Two matches per day are planned for March 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15. There are additional reserve days and the winner will be the first to seven wins.
Weather, of course, will play a part.
What are these yachts?
First thing — they are not like the yachts which are hooked on to the trailer. The AC75s are speed machines which fly on top of the water. The AC75 is big — it is 75 feet long and 16 feet wide, about 20m by 5m, and is also very light as it is designed to fly along.
Rather than a keel, a brand new concept keeps it standing. Foil cant arms move under, or outside, the boat to provide the leverage it needs to stay upright along with the foils. It is top end stuff.
There are 11 sailors on board and they need to brace themselves. In the right conditions, the boats could go up to 50 knots. That is more than 90kmh. Seriously, seriously quick and considerably quicker than in Bermuda in 2017. There are a few standards for the yachts but teams can bring in their own technology. There are two boats for each syndicate and the fastest and newest one will be used in the coming weeks.
How much has been spent?
Plenty. The British team is backed by one of the richest men in the UK, Jeff Ratcliffe, while American Magic is sponsored by Airbus, which turned over $NZ120 billon last year. The Prada brand markets high end luxury goods and fashion. The Auckland City Council has spent way north of
$100 million to spruce up the venue. The New Zealand Government is spending $136.5 million, including a host fee of $40 million. These teams have hundreds of people involved. They put the All Blacks to shame in terms of support staff for the 11 sailors on the boat.
Who is looking good?
It is hard to gauge as the two events in which the yachts were supposed to race were cancelled in Europe this year because of Covid19. The home team has been standing out in practice these past few days while the Americans are being cagey and the Italians are battling along and have leant on the New Zealand team in some facets. The British are struggling and the boat looks a dog.
Dan Carter has been called in to help but it may be beyond him. But at this stage the smart money may be on the home side.
So why the interest?
It does seem hard to fathom why a race in a minority sport in New Zealand gets so much interest. But it is the stories and the personalities that make it. There is always drama and the unknown on how the boats are going to go. There are villains such as Dennis Connor and James Spittal while good guys like Peter Burling and Dean Barker. Team NZ main man Grant Dalton never goes away. Plus blanket coverage by the state broadcaster means it is forced upon us.
So who is going to win?
Who knows? Remember the choke of 2013 or the horrors of 2003? But at this early stage the home side would be the favourite.