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It appears that the Copa America match will start on time with moderate winds anticipated for the opening match on Wednesday afternoon between defender Team New Zealand and challenger Luna Rossa of Italy.
Regatta Director Iain Murray confirmed in his regular race briefing on Wednesday morning that he was taking the action to Course E, situated between Maraetai and Waiheke Island.
Running on Course A, the northernmost course in Auckland’s east coast bays, had been considered, but safety considerations around an expected large spectator fleet meant the decision to head to Course E, where it also existed the prospect of a more constant breeze.
COR 36 | Borlenghi study
The New Zealand team and Luna Rossa know each other long before the America’s Cup match.
The forecast for the 4:15 pm departure is about 13 knots from the northwest.
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That could increase to 16 knots for the scheduled start of the second race at 5.15pm.
Murray cautioned that the wind could be changeable, meaning course changes, but spectator limits were set to accommodate that without affecting racing.
Murray had the two teams practice in the Course E area Tuesday afternoon, checking their systems. He did not report technical difficulties, but noted that there had been large wind changes during the session.
Wednesday’s moderate breeze should allow the New Zealand team to prosper, but the forecast for the weekend will make Luna Rossa happier.
Thursday is a day of rest and racing will resume on Friday. Murray said the forecast for the weekend was “quite variable” and felt Sunday’s races at this stage were “iffy.”
Luna Rossa sees that her boat is particularly effective in light conditions.
The winning team must win seven races to lift the Auld Mug.
Starting on Friday, the calendar has races every day.
If it gets relentless, Tuesday is being considered as a day of rest to allow for more in-depth maintenance on these highly technical boats.
That would require an agreement between both teams.
