America's Cup: Kiwis catch Cup abroad

Jonty Barraud is following delayed coverage of the racing online in the northwest Himalayas.

As a storm looms over the racing, expats brave all climes to tune into the action

The infamous San Francisco Bay winds will challenge Emirates Team New Zealand today as they begin their final push for America's Cup glory.

Winds of 18-22 knots have been forecast, increasing to 25 knots in the afternoon. The wind limit for the match is 23 knots, but races are scheduled to coincide with a strong ebb tide so the limit will likely be 20 to 21 knots.

Yet, Kiwis around the world are braving hot and cold climes, doing whatever it takes to tune into the racing.

Kiwi Jonty Barraud, living in the northwest Himalayas, said he was devoutly following delayed coverage of the racing online.

Former Te Awamutu resident Terry Harnett is catching the America's Cup in British Columbia.

Former Te Awamutu resident Terry Harnett, now living in Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada said he planned watching it today and "having a few Steins".

For many expats, it's not easy to catch the action. Dianne Langefeld lives in a boat at the Southwestern Yacht Club in San Diego, and says American news media does not mention the Cup. She follows the action on nzherald.co.nz. Those in England also report a vacuum in coverage.

In West Australia, Deb Purdy said Kiwis were gathering at Fremantle Yacht Club to watch the racing.

Finding good coverage is also a challenge in remote parts of the globe. Ian Baugh said: "I'm watching America's Cup YouTube official livestream over a bad Wi-Fi link in Bali. Sometimes I miss the local colour of Kiwi commentators."

Dianne Langefeld keeps up with America's Cup news on nzherald.co.nz in San Diego.

Bryony and Steve Shaw flew to San Francisco last night to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The couple from Beach Haven in Auckland packed red socks to cheer on Emirates Team NZ.

"We will be spending all of Sunday at the races," said Bryony. "All we have to do is find ourselves a New Zealand flag."

On the same flight were Susan Brown and her son Louis, from Hamilton. "We're very excited to watch the races live," said Brown.

An Air NZ spokeswoman said there were now limited seats to San Francisco.

- Additional reporting Elesha Edmonds