America’s Cup 36: After the champagne

As the sizzle of the 36th America’s Cup subsides, here are some post-event updates from the team at STUFF, New Zealand’s leading news site:

• The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Team UK are the next challenger of record for the America’s Cup, working alongside defender Team New Zealand. Sir Ben Ainslie’s syndicate, backed by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will replace Italian outfit Luna Rossa for the next cycle of the Cup. – Full report

• Talks will begin soon on whether Team New Zealand will agree to stage the 37th America’s Cup in Auckland, or take it overseas to a possibly higher bidder. The Kiwi Government, the major partner which provided $40 million towards event costs, has offered Team NZ an early sweetener of around $5 million on the “expectation the Cup will be defended in New Zealand”. – Full report

• Veteran America’s Cup sailor Dean Barker has hit out at Team New Zealand over suggestions that they plan to take the Auld Mug to the UK next year for a special challenge against Team UK. “Team New Zealand was brought to fruition to bring the America’s Cup to New Zealand,” said Barker. “The Cup can’t leave New Zealand with New Zealand taking it away, it just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.” – Full report

• Luna Rossa co-helm Jimmy Spithill said it was like taking a knife to a gunfight in the America’s Cup Match against Team New Zealand – but he’s not giving up on winning the Auld Mug again. “That’s my fourth Cup final in a row and two wins and two losses, so I can’t leave it there, I’ve got to tip it the right way,” said Spithill. – Full report

America’s Cup Match Scoreboard (wins-losses)
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL): 7-3
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA): 3-7

Advancing as the winner of the PRADA Cup, the Italian challenger faced the Kiwi defense in the best of 13 series. After the postponement due to government COVID-19 health regulations, the 36th America’s Cup Match racing schedule had two races per day planned for March 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and each day after that until the first team had won seven races.

More information:
• America’s Cup format, standings, and how to watch: click here.
• Complete America’s Cup coverage: click here
• Additional America’s Cup information: click here