First weekend of the America’s Cup Match postponed.
In light of the latest Auckland COVID-19 Level 3 lockdown put in place by the Government from 6am this morning for the next 7 days, America’s Cup Event Ltd has postponed the first weekend of racing on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of March.
The purpose of this early decision is to provide at least some certainty in planning for all event stakeholders with regard to next weekend initially.
America’s Cup Event Ltd Chair, Tina Symmans said, “As ACE has always said that it wishes to hold as much of the racing under Level 1 restrictions as possible. But to be prudent, ACE will apply for an exemption to race under Level 3 restrictions so as to keep as many options open as possible. However, racing will not occur before at least Wednesday 10th March.”
In the meantime, ACE will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities over the next few days as this latest COVID situation unfolds.
“We need to understand all likely scenarios so that an updated racing schedule can be put in place whilst also ensuring the regulatory requirements are met,” concluded Symmans.
The 36th America’s Cup Match will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from the 6th to the 21st of March 2021 and will see the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand racing against the winner of the Prada Cup, the Challenger Selection Series, with the winner being the first team to score seven points.
The Match in 2021 will be preceded by a series of preliminary events, collectively known as the America’s Cup World Series, that will take place at selected venues in 2020. The results of the America's Cup World Series will seed the teams for the Prada Cup, the Challengers Selection Series.
Five teams, including The Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, have signed up to take on the challenge again: the Italians of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team, the Challenger of Record, NYYC American Magic (USA), INEOS TEAM UK (UK) and Stars & Stripes Team USA the second entry from United States.
RACING CALENDAR
The racing schedule for the America’s Cup Match has two races per day planned for March 6,7,10, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Additional reserve days have been scheduled but the intention is to complete the event on the weekend of March 13/14, weather permitting. The winner will be the first team to score seven points.
RACE VILLAGE
The 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada Race Village will be situated in the heart of Auckland’s city and, precisely, at the start of Hobson’s Wharf, continuing on through the Eastern Viaduct and the Western Viaduct, up to the Jellicoe Car Park.
Emirates Team New Zealand’s HQ will be at centre stage being located at the former Viaduct Event Center. An extension on Hobson Wharf has been built throughout 2019 to house the Challenger of Record, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team’s base, whereas the other Challengers will be based on the Wynyard Wharf.
The access to the Village will be completely free with between 20,000 and 50,000 spectators per day expected on event time. Temporary overlay structures will house public activation spaces which will include a performance stage, merchandise stands, viewing opportunities and interactive areas.
Flat fee of $7 per day on weekends at Fanshawe Street carpark. Find out more.
Kids ride free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. Find out more.