It was not unexpected for New Zealand to successfully defend in the 36th America’s Cup, but it was not expected for the Kiwi team to put out to bid the 37th edition. However, the tradition of the defense occurring within its club’s borders is being countered in modern times with the finances to host and defend.
Here’s an excerpt from a statement released by team leader Grant Dalton:
So today, 17 August 2021 – being five months since we won the 36th Americas Cup and just one month from the Venue Announcement of the 37th America’s Cup – I think it’s a good time for an update.
I’ve heard it said that: ‘Emirates Team New Zealand would be better losing the 37th America’s Cup in New Zealand, than winning it offshore.’ Of course these are comments that come from outside the team and one expects from people with some sort of vested interest. I still find it astonishing that anyone would expect such a team as ours to set themselves up to lose.
We need to remain hopeful that there is still a chance (albeit small), that a successful Defense is held in New Zealand. As part of continuing negotiations we have provided a draft Host Venue Agreement to the Crown several weeks ago and are awaiting feedback.
Finding the money for the event is crucial but the contractual aspects of accepting and advancing that money is of equal importance.
In the meantime we have been busy analyzing the pros and cons of the other shortlisted countries. We received a significant number of expressions of interest and that has now been narrowed to three.
The expanded opportunities that appear to present themselves will enable Emirates Team New Zealand to retain all key personnel and mount a winnable defense as well as enhance the profile of the most successful America’s Cup team in history. The goal is firmly the ‘three-peat’, it has never been done before.
Meanwhile the Protocol drafting continues at pace. Along with The Challenger of Record we can promise an innovative Protocol which addresses diversity in the sport, sustainability, youth as well as cost control to help enhance entry numbers – but that’s for another day.
From a team’s perspective, we completed a very extensive and detailed review of the last campaign. In fact the way to think about it is that the review was even more thorough than after we lost in San Francisco. You may ask, why – you won? And actually that’s the answer, because we won.
To repeat the campaign the same way is asking to be beaten, teams will not only catch up but in fact pass us. Amongst many recommendations which included continuing to boldly push the boundaries in design, innovation and performance, also identified was a need to enhance our Match Racing experience and over the next three years expect to see us more active in that space.
So watch this space, not long now and the Venue will be announced, soon after the Protocol allowing teams to plan their strategies to try and win from us the oldest trophy in international sport.
