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After lengthy and sometimes uncertain preparation, the America’s Cup World Series regatta begins this week with four teams competing for their chance to compete for the most coveted trophy in sailing.
Today, teams and their families gathered at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbor for a sunrise ceremony followed by the official opening of the Race Village.
Several hundred people gathered for the official opening with Auckland’s clear blue skies and glittering harbor as a backdrop.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei blessed the village and welcomed the foreign cup competitors with a pōwhiri and karakia.
Three challenging teams are participating, as well as defending Team New Zealand, and the races will start on Thursday.
The America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) Regatta and Christmas Race on December 17-20 provide a prelude to the Challenger Series in January and February, and the America’s Cup Match in March.
The opening ceremony of the Americas Cup World Series (ACWS) at Viaduct Basin in Auckland.
Photo: www.photosport.nz / © Chris Newey 2020
Although there are no international tourists for the races, many families of those who work for the challenging teams are here to show their support.
Ubaldo Bruni completed the managed isolation after arriving from Italy a few months ago. His father is the helmsman of Luna Rossa Prada.
“We did the quarantine, which was a bit difficult, but not surprising. [I’ve been] talking to people from Italy and now they are locked up. This is a blessing. “
He has been attending high school in Auckland.
“I am corresponding from Italy and went to school here to [get to] I know some people but it ended a week ago. “
Candela Fernández was also there supporting her father, who works for American Magic as a lawyer.
“I’ve also been here for two months and I go to school here and I’m working from Spain to catch up, but it’s okay.”
He was looking forward to traveling around New Zealand with his family after the Cup final.
The government has contributed $ 136.5 million and the Auckland Council $ 113 million to the America’s Cup event and infrastructure.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff admitted this year that he was concerned that the global pandemic was too big a headwind for the cup.
“Last year I wondered if all that effort would be lost when Covid-19 swept the world. When we are here to open the races today it is a cause for celebration that we are sitting here, I do not see a face mask I do not see social distancing because it is safe don’t do that right now, “Goff said.
After the speeches, each team was introduced, and the four of them stayed side by side to take a photo and watch a haka.
Aude Cesari was there to support American Magic, the team her husband works for. It was the first time he experienced a traditional Maori welcome.
“The multicultural atmosphere here is something very special and I think that for everyone, especially children, seeing this different culture and being part of it is very pleasant.”
She was happy to be there, having remained in controlled isolation with her children, who had been attending a local school since they arrived.
“It is quite an experience to stay in the hotel, but I am grateful to be here now and, especially, that the children have a normal life.”
After the opening ceremony, Tourism Minister Stuart Nash took a tour of the Team New Zealand base.
He will be on a spectator boat to watch Saturday’s races and estimated that the events would attract people to the city.
The New Zealand team’s base on the Auckland Viaduct for the America’s Cup.
Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
“I think this will capture the imagination of New Zealanders because it is different. The races are short, they are 25 minutes long and you can see it from the shore, so it is a real spectator sport. This will be the place to be when the sailing is on. on and I hope the kiwis travel. “
The America’s Cup trophy was on display at Viaduct Harbor this morning for passersby to see.
All four teams returned to the water for a final day of practice racing before the PRADA America’s Cup World Series begins on the Thursday before the first racing weekend.
The village is open every day except Christmas Day, until the last day of the race in March 2021.
