36th America's Cup: Finally approved: the new home of the America's Cup

The joy at the end of the tug-of-war with the New Zealand authorities could be heard from team boss Grant Dalton. After months of wrangling over where the event centre for the 36th America's Cup can and should be built in Auckland, the Cup defenders have now reached an agreement in principle with the authorities on where new base camps for the challengers and a small "America's Cup town" for the fans will soon be built. Although the plan still has to be approved by Auckland's council and Finance and Sport Minister Grant Robertson, this now appears to be just a formality from the point of view of all those involved after many disputes and proposed solutions.

"It is a great relief that we have reached agreement with the Government and the Council on the venue and an event agreement. Our determination to hold the event in Auckland was never wavering despite the many challenges until just before twelve," said Grant Dalton. He forgets that the protocol that his team signed with the Italian "Challenger of Record" (Luna Rossa Challenge) contains a passage that would have opened the door to a New Zealand Cup defence in Italy in the event of a non-agreement with the New Zealand organisers.

This is what the futuristic new monohulls on foils should look like in the 36th America's Cup

Dalton rightly pointed out that the negotiations in Auckland had been very difficult and tough at times. "It cost us all a lot of time," said the boss of the world's most famous sailing team, "so it's very satisfying that all parties involved have seen the collective benefit of the site proposal that Emirates Team New Zealand put forward last week."

The Kiwis' plan helps reduce costs by removing the need for an extension to the Halsey Wharf and positioning the home team at the Viaduct Events Centre. One of the challengers could set up their base camp along the Hobson Wharf extension as per the plans. All others will line up along Whynyard Wharf. The agreement provides for a quick start to the realisation and construction phase.

"But we don't have time to celebrate," said Dalton, dampening the euphoria at the same time, "the clock has been ticking for nine months and there is a huge amount of organisation and construction work to be done within a very tight schedule." Which doesn't stop the former circumnavigator, ocean veteran and combative leader of Emirates Team New Zealand from aiming for the "best America's Cup in history" and the "biggest event New Zealand has ever seen for all New Zealanders".