Wow! What an incredible season of America’s Cup racing. For New Zealand, what an amazing result! Whether it’s foiling, sailing, or whatever these AC75 and AC40 beasts identify as, the outcome was outstanding — especially with the introduction of the Women’s and Youth America’s Cups.
Now that the racing is done, the teams are heading home for a well-deserved break, although many sailors will quickly switch to the SailGP circuit (stay tuned for my thoughts on that next week!). It’s time to reflect on what’s next for Team New Zealand — and to some extent, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, which technically holds the Cup.
Funding: A Crucial Challenge
First off, securing funding is key. We cannot afford to loose our amazing team – securing funding, if its not already saved from the last challenge, is vital.
Last time around, for AC37, Emirates Team New Zealand had to go cap-in-hand to the government for financial support, and it was granted. But times have changed. Under Jacinda Ardern’s leadership, funding was more accessible, albeit borrowed. Now, with Chris Luxon’s government tightening its fiscal belt, we can’t expect the same level of support.
Across the board, Kiwis are feeling the pinch, and it’s hard to imagine public funds being readily available to tide the team over until the next campaign. If Team New Zealand hasn’t saved enough or secured private funding, they’ll need to be creative — a challenging prospect in the current economic climate. I doubt we’ll see the government’s cheque book open quite so freely this time around.
Where Should the Next Cup Be Held?
Let’s talk about location. We Kiwis love our boats, and hosting the America’s Cup here has always been a source of immense pride. I still remember watching the AC boats fly across Waitematā Harbour and Gulf Harbour during AC36, with one yacht speeding past us near Motutapu Island, barely 30 metres from our stern. It was an exhilarating sight that’s hard to beat.
But is hosting the event in New Zealand the best thing for the competition or for our team? When the Cup moved to Barcelona, many feared it would be a loss for Kiwi fans. Yet, the regatta exceeded expectations. We saw more entries in the main event, the addition of the Women’s and Youth Cups, and a much larger global audience, thanks to Europe’s more favourable time zones.
Team New Zealand may have lost some public goodwill after auctioning off the hosting rights following AC36, but Barcelona proved to be a smart business move. The expanded competition and global reach were hard to ignore. And while local hospitality and tourism suffered without the Cup on our shores, New Zealand’s innovation in foiling and boat design shone on the world stage, earning us recognition and contracts from around the globe.
But where should AC38 be held? While Auckland has proven it can host, I don’t think the Cup should return here just yet. The global exposure from a European or Middle Eastern location is too valuable. Barcelona, despite occasional light winds, delivered a fantastic spectacle. Should it host again? It wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Could Dubai or Saudi Arabia Be Next?
Dubai is another option. With its world-class infrastructure, steady winds, and established ties with Emirates, it’s a natural fit. Plus, Kiwi fans already have strong travel links to the UAE, making it easy for us to support our team from the Middle East. Dubai has proven its ability to host major international events, and holding the America’s Cup there would continue showcasing the sport to a new, broader audience.
Then there’s Saudi Arabia — a wild card. The nation has deep pockets and could certainly put on a spectacular event, but there’s bound to be controversy. The Women’s America’s Cup has been a resounding success, and placing the event in a country with a poor track record on women’s rights could spark backlash. Hosting the Cup in Saudi Arabia could alienate teams, sponsors, and fans, and potentially disrupt the unity of the event. The rewards may not outweigh the risks.
The Challenger of Record: Stability Ensured
One thing we can count on is a stable future for the Challenger of Record. The Royal Yacht Squadron has confirmed their intent,
and INEOS Britannia has recommitted as a major sponsor. That means Ben Ainslie will likely be back, leading the charge for the British.
Importantly, this also secures the continuation of the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup regattas. These events have already proven their value by inspiring young sailors and elevating the profile of foiling across the globe. I do hope the Youth Cup next time features more genuine youth talent!
Looking Ahead
While many questions remain, one thing is certain: New Zealand’s role in the America’s Cup remains central, regardless of where the next regatta is held. Whether it’s in Dubai, Barcelona, or elsewhere, our team will continue pushing the boundaries of innovation, keeping New Zealand at the forefront of sailing technology.
As Grant Dalton and his team weigh their options, we Kiwis can take pride in knowing that New Zealand’s legacy in the Cup is secure. Whether on home waters or abroad, we’ll be watching, cheering, and celebrating the sport we love.
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Could be good to hold it in Britain Cowes