Auckland has moved back to COVID-19 level 3 locking; the first and second race days of the American Cup Match, scheduled for March 6 and 7, have been postponed. Event organizers are working with the authorities to create an updated racing record
With Emma Thurston
Last updated: 28/02/21 8:40 am
Both teams now have to wait for a new race schedule after the opening weekend has been postponed (Image Credit – New Zealand Emirates Team)
The first weekend of the 36th American Cup Match between New Zealand Emirates Team and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has been postponed, tournament organizers announced Sunday.
The first-to-seven points series between the teams of New Zealand and Italy is expected to begin on March 6 and 7, live Sky Sports.
However, as the host city of Auckland moved into the seven-day COVID-19 Level 3 lock from 6am on Sunday, February 28, the organizers decided to take early action on the race schedule. .
In a statement, the American Cup Event Limited (ACE) stated that the reason for their ‘early decision’ was to provide some certainty, in planning for the event’s stakeholders regarding the next weekend of the start ‘.
The competition organizers will continue to work closely with the authorities to understand the next steps for the city, in terms of COVID-19 regulations, and how this may affect the rest of the program for American Cup Game.
In New Zealand, under Alert Stage 3, individuals must stay at home and work from home if they can. There are rules about social distance and face cover. Gatherings are not allowed, meaning crowds would not be able to attend the opening days of the America’s Cup Game.
Back at Level 1 Alert, New Zealand needs to be ready in case COVID-19 reappears in the community ’. Front cover must be worn on public transport and domestic flights, but there are no restrictions on gathering people.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli defeated INEOS TEAM UK in the PRADA Cup Final to secure their place in the American Cup Championship (Image – COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi)
“ACE has always stated that it wants to keep as many of the races as possible under Stage 1 restrictions,” Symmans said.
“To make sense, ACE will apply for exemptions to race under Stage 3 restrictions, so that as many options as possible are kept open. However, races will not take place before, at least, Wednesday, March 10th.
“We need to understand all the similarities in order to implement an updated racing schedule and also ensure that the regulatory requirements are met,” Symmans concluded.
This is the second time the American Cup record has had to be flexible because of COVID-19. The PRADA Cup Final was first played between Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and INEOS TEAM UK.
At the time, discussions regarding the new record were intense, having taken various positions with the Challenger of Record against INEOS TEAM UK and American Cup Event Ltd.
Watch every minute of the American Cup challenge, live on Sky Sports.