Big blow to Team NZ as Aussies quit cup
TEAM NEW Zealand are seriously affected by Australia’s withdrawal from the America’s Cup, losing a crucial training partner.
Team Australia yesterday confirmed they were pulling out of the next regatta, a double blow for organisers Oracle with the Aussies doubling as the Challenger of Record.
Swedish syndicate Artemis Racing are likely to have first chance to fill that role now, having eventually held the position at the last regatta.
Australian backer Bob Oatley said campaign costs had become too big. Their exit comes a week after seven syndicates met in Los Angeles to discuss the cup at the instigation of Team Australia. The challengers voiced several concerns to holders Oracle there.
‘‘ The challenge was initiated with a view to negotiating a format for the 35th America’s Cup that was affordable and put the emphasis back on sailing skills,’’ Oatley said.
‘‘Ultimately our estimate of the costs of competing were well beyond our initial expectation and our ability to make the formula of our investment and other commercial support add up.
‘‘ We are bitterly disappointed that this emerging team of fine
Team NZ boss
It’s a shame to lose the Australians. They won the Cup in 1983 which opened the door to the first New Zealand challenge in 1987.
Grant Dalton
young Australian sailors will not be able to compete at the next America’s Cup under our banner.’’
With stricter controls on design and the challengers restricted to one 62- foot racing catamaran compared with Oracle’s two, Team New Zealand felt the ability to pair with another syndicate was crucial to training and development.
They formed a partnership with Prada last time that saw the Italians base themselves in Auckland.
Australia, despite their rookie status in the cup’s catamaran game, represented the next best thing as far as reducing costs were concerned.
The Sunday Star- Times understands the talks between the trans-Tasman teams were progressing rapidly.
Team Australia’s decision came as a surprise to the Kiwis.
Publicly Team New Zealand were joining the chorus at voicing disappointment at Australia’s demise.
‘‘ It’s a shame to lose the Australians. They won the Cup in 1983 which opened the door to the first New Zealand challenge in 1987,’’ Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton said in a statement, adding they were progressing well.
‘‘We have the class rule and the design team is well into its programme; the sailing team continues to compete successfully overseas.’’