The tug-of-war over the future home port of the teams in the 36th America's Cup continues. But Emirates Team New Zealand has now sent out a clear signal with an animated clip: Wynyard Basin in Auckland could become the new heartbeat chamber of the Cup chasers. The film by the animation professionals at Animation Research Ltd shows what the 2021 Cup event centre could look like. The final decision on the choice of port is to be made by 14 December.
With the release of the clip and enthusiastic comments, Emirates Team New Zealand has more than emphasised its interest in the venue presented by government circles. At the same time, New Zealand media continue to speculate about venues outside the country. In the already published protocol for the 36th America's Cup, Italy, the home country of the Challenger of Record (Luna Rossa Challenge), is explicitly stated as an alternative venue. Currently, there are also voices from the United Arab Emirates, the home country of the team's main sponsor Emirates, signalling a willingness to host the event. However, experts continue to assume that the alternative venues being considered outside New Zealand are primarily intended to put pressure on the New Zealand government to work with the Cup winners to find the ideal venue in Auckland.
Wynyard Basin and surrounding areas could now be the common "denominator" on which Emirates Team New Zealand, the government and Auckland City Council will agree. There is hardly any other explanation for the publication of the advertising clip, garnished with jubilant comments, by the world's most famous sailing team, which initially had its sights set on Halsey Wharf as the new Cup home harbour, but was unable to obtain the approval of the city council, mainly for cost reasons.
The key data for the possible Cup centre in the Wynyard district: if the site is confirmed, the future America's Cup city will extend over 700 metres from Wynyard Wharf to the Viaduct Basin. This is where the teams' temporary base camps are to be built, to which the public will have access. The New Zealanders' camp will have a permanent character as an innovative and interactive Cup centre. According to the new plans, the central television and media centre will be located in the Viaduct Event Centre. The Kiwis are also planning entertainment areas similar to those that entertained fans in Bermuda this summer. The difference: in sailing-loving New Zealand, many more fans are expected than there could ever be on the beautiful but remote island of Bermuda.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
