Ineos Team UK and Emirates Team New Zealand. Photo / Photosport
Ineos Team UK and Emirates Team New Zealand. Photo / Photosport
Team New Zealand have identified high-flying challenger Ineos Team UK as the next challenger of record, should the Kiwi syndicate retain the America's Cup, according to a report from a leading sailing website.
Sailing Illustrated claims the relationship between Team NZ and the British syndicate has been blossoming for some time with Team UK set to be installed as the next challenger of record should the Kiwis retain the Auld Mug in March.
According to the report, Sir Ben Ainslie's outfit could also help TNZ tune-up for the America's Cup match, which starts on March 6, should they not win the Prada Cup.
Sources close to Ineos Team UK told the Herald Ainslie and Team NZ boss Grant Dalton have had "constant dialogue" over the past weeks.
The Brits are unbeaten in the challenger series and will race Luna Rossa twice at the weekend, with one win enough to see them through to the Prada Cup final.
The winner of the Prada Cup will face Team NZ in the Cup match.
In a statement to the Herald, Team NZ said: "Any of the teams competing could win this America's Cup, so no doubt all of them will consider a number of options with regard to the future at a point in time.
"One way or another there needs to be a challenger of record, whether they are in this current America's Cup or not."
Skippers Ben Ainslie of Ineos Team UK and Peter Burling of Emirates Team New Zealand. Photo / Photosport
The report follows weeks of speculation that Team NZ had provided help to Ineos Team UK after the challenger's poor performance in the America's Cup World Series in December, something Team NZ have described as "predictable rumours".
The Brits failed to win a race and struggled to remain on their foils in lighter breeze during the World Series but have made a fast start to the Prada Cup, winning all four of their races in the opening weekend and all but securing their spot in the final against either Luna Rossa or American Magic.
The American syndicate is in a race against the clock to participate in the semifinals from January 29, after suffering significant damage to their hull in last Sunday's capsize against Luna Rossa.
American Magic flight controller Andrew Campbell told the Herald they have had plenty of support from other syndicates — including Team NZ — as they attempt to repair their AC75 Patriot.
"Everybody from our team is doing everything they can, and some things that they are learning to do, to try help the boat get back together," Campbell said. "Quite a few members of other teams have been through to help us assess what is going on and provide feedback and what they can from their programmes."
Luna Rossa are the challenger of record in this regatta. However, the relationship between the Italians and Team New Zealand is believed to have deteriorated.
