Romance big plus for French team

By HELEN TUNNAH

French sailors would like to stay on after the America's Cup after meeting some nice local women.

The crew of Le Defi Areva, who have had plenty of spare time after being knocked out of the challenger series last month, said the only drawback in Auckland could be a shortage of French cheese.

The sailors' desire to stay is reported in an Auckland City Council survey of six cup teams asking what they like and hate about the city.

The other teams questioned were GBR Challenge, Alinghi of Switzerland, OneWorld Challenge of Seattle and Italians Mascalzone Latino and Prada.

Asked if they would think about living in Auckland after the cup, most teams said yes - but added that the distance from Europe or the United States and isolation from family and friends would be a problem.

However Prada, Le Defi and OneWorld praised the lifestyle as a big drawcard.

The French added that that there was another temptation. "Some of our team have also met nice Kiwi girls - another very good reason to stay on," said syndicate head Xavier de Lesquen.

Teams were asked where Auckland reminded them of, with most picking the northwest of America - either Seattle in the US or Vancouver in Canada.

All the syndicates reported good working relationships with local businesses, and there was high praise for the marine industry's service and capabilities. Prada and GBR gave the industry "10 out of 10", with Le Defi, Mascalzone and Alinghi awarding nine points.

Schools also rated well with teams, with the British, Italian and French commenting that there seemed to be less emphasis on formal schoolwork and more on sport and the outdoors.

However, the teams did not find Auckland particularly cheap, with rents, eating out and vegetable prices on a par with Europe and the US. Viaduct Harbour restaurants were considered particularly expensive.

Auckland City councillor Scott Milne said he was happy with the survey results. Council directors would be meeting syndicates to discover how stays could be improved if the city hosted the cup again.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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