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Spectator boat fleets are expected to be on the water to watch the America’s Cup races starting tomorrow, and boats are asked to obey the rules.
Salama Lowe says her café is the boating crews’ favorite spot for their morning coffee.
Photo: RNZ / Amy Williams
The America’s Cup World Series begins with the first race before next year’s cup final.
Racing will continue into the weekend and companies along Viaduct Harbor expect, and expect, crowds.
It has been a long and rough year for many Auckland hotel companies and those along the coast are pinning their hopes on a busy summer.
The Rush Worth cafe sits among the bars and restaurants on the main Viaduct Basin promenade and Operations Manager Salama Lowe said they had been preparing for the start of America’s Cup races.
“We look forward to a busy weekend and I think we’ve also been very lucky with the weather, which always helps,” he said.
“We have added staff in the last few weeks, we have recruited a lot of new people.”
The café is the favorite place for sailing teams to have their morning coffee.
“There’s a lot of mixing and mixing and everything is friendly, isn’t it? When it’s out of the water. It’s good that all the teams come for coffee. It’s become a little hub for them, which is great.
Lowe is also managing a coffee cart inside America’s Cup Village, where spectators are expected to gather to watch the action at the port.
Humming restaurant
Beyond the waterfront, business at the North Park restaurant has increased tenfold in recent weeks.
Executive Chef Scott Greer said the venue was packed with locals and visitors in town for the Cup.
“The business has improved; there are many more people around, all the unions with which we are dealing with their families, feeding them, besides the weather helps.
He said they expected the summer months to be busy as the races unfolded.
“On the other side is the English team and American Magic and it’s great that they come in and out all day so you can sit and eat and have a beer and just watch it, it’s great.”
In the water, each race will be fast (25 minutes) and will take place in the afternoon with a race window between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Boats welcome
America’s Cup Events president Tina Symmans said boats were encouraged to go out on the water to watch, and their safety was paramount.
️ Are you watching the AC75 action from the water tomorrow? @EmiratesTeamNZGlenn Ashby has good advice.
About safety information in the water https://t.co/MbRyBn3eIh# AC36ForAll #AmericasCup pic.twitter.com/twEq6Yat3L
– americascup (@americascup) December 16, 2020
“Anyone can take their boats. I think it’s probably not a good idea to bring small boats, kayaks, etc., but everyone is welcome. This is the philosophy of the America’s Cup event and the New Zealand team, is to be incredibly welcoming and open to all. “
Symmans said spectator boats in Auckland would have to stay within limits and those at the helm were asked to check the cup’s official website daily for speed restrictions and course limits.
She said around 17 quarterbacks will be directing the spectator boats, and the police boats will be in the water as well.
From left to right: Kevin Shoebridge, CEO of Team NZ, Tina Symmans, and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff. (file photo)
Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
As for the first race tomorrow, all eyes will be on the weather and the forecast so far is promising.
Admission to the America’s Cup Village is free and will be the hub of activity on land with a large screen to watch the races.
The best vantage point to follow the first ground run is from North Head and Bastion Point.
Tomorrow’s program includes four races starting at 3.12pm. The first match is between the defender, Emirates Team New Zealand and the official challenger, Luna Rossa, followed by American Magic and INEOS Team UK. Race 3 is between INEOS Team UK and Luna Rossa, with the final race between American Magic and Team New Zealand.
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