The 36th America's Cup match cannot start next weekend as planned. The postponement of the start of the 36th America's Cup Match, originally scheduled for 6 March, was announced on Sunday by the organisers of the America's Cup Event Ltd (ACE). The New Zealand government had previously ordered a seven-day Level 3 lockdown for the "City of Sails" as a result of another Covid case in the south of Auckland.
ACE Chairman Tina Symmans explained: "ACE has always said that the aim is to organise as many races as possible under Level 1 restrictions. For the sake of prudence, ACE will apply for a waiver to race under Level 3 restrictions to keep as many options open as possible. However, no races will take place before Wednesday 10 March." In the meantime, ACE wants to work closely with the relevant authorities. "We need to understand all possible scenarios so that an updated timetable can be put in place that takes into account all regulatory requirements," said Symmons.
Emirates Team New Zealand released the clip this weekend. They still thought the match would start a week later...
The America's Cup has never been postponed due to a global pandemic in its 170-year history. The Cup defenders from Emirates Team New Zealand and the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team will now have to wait for their first meeting. ACE intends to announce a new start date as soon as possible.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
