[ad_1]
The Covid-19 resurgence in the community was an issue no one wanted to see, but INEOS Team UK might be better positioned than most to make the best of a bad situation.
With, so far, three positive cases confirmed in the South Auckland community, the Greater Auckland area again plunged into the Covid-19 alert level three lockdown from 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
That blackout period, which could still be extended, doesn’t end until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday night and due to those strict restrictions, the final Prada Cup race scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled.
Fiona Goodall / Getty Images
Luna Rossa and INEOS Team UK can train in the water during Auckland’s level three lockdown.
But in what could be a major victory for INEOS Team UK, the water health protocols were confirmed on Monday to allow all teams to return to the water for training from Tuesday. For Sir Ben Ainslie’s team, that is much-needed practice time.
READ MORE:
America’s Cup: Alinghi manager Ernesto Bertarelli admits he’s been focusing on Auckland 2021 as the future unfolds.
* America’s Cup: the handbrake stopping Sir Ben Ainslie’s hopes of revival
* Covid-19: Prada Cup races postponed as Auckland moves to level 3
* America’s Cup: everything you need to know about the Prada Cup final
INEOS Team UK trailed Luna Rossa 4-0 in the first to seven final for the right to face America’s Cup defenders Emirates Team New Zealand.
After being widely defeated in a couple of races on Saturday and Sunday, mainly due to a sudden lapse in crew performance where errors have crept under pressure from the Italians and a lack of maneuverability compared to the ship speed. , Ainslie and her team needed time to right their ship.
RICKY WILSON / THINGS
America’s Cup defenders Emirates Team New Zealand will also be able to take to the water during Auckland’s level three lockout.
With training in the water now allowed and with no guarantee that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will lower the alert level for Covid-19 after the current three-day period, Ainslie and her men have had the best possible opportunity to turn their fortunes on troubles.
However, INEOS Team UK is limited in what it can change.
Without New Zealand’s latest Covid-19 outbreak, it looked like Jimmy Spithill and Luna Rossa would have been unstoppable in their quest to win three more races.
The New Zealand team will also be allowed to return to the water to train during the level three lock in preparation to face the winner of the Brown Cup final.
