Taking the America's Cup offshore would be a "slap in the face", according to one of Auckland's business leaders. Team New Zealand has tasked a London-based sports consultancy to run a world-wide selection process aimed at holding the "most successful America's Cup event ever seen" in 2023 or 2024. "In answer to your question about Auckland being in contention for the next America's Cup the answer is: yes, absolutely. Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett described plans to host the 37th America's Cup overseas as a "slap in the face". "We are committed to supporting America's Cup Event Ltd and Emirates Team New Zealand to deliver a successful 36th America's Cup."

Source: New Zealand Herald February 12, 2021 00:05 UTC