It is unlikely to be before 2021. Emirates Team New Zealand refused to sign up to the current agreement and the two-yearly programme was the deal-breaker for the Kiwis, so expect the Cup match to revert to a four-year cycle.
Where will it be raced?
Team New Zealand chief executive Grant Dalton has confirmed the next Cup match would be held in New Zealand. That almost certainly means Auckland. He has said though that Bermuda was "perfect" for racing and he would like to go back, so there could be a series of "Acts" or a World Series. "We do have a plan and it will play out in the next couple of weeks," said Dalton.
Speculation is rife that the regatta will revert to monohulls. Team New Zealand chief executive Grant Dalton has left the question hanging, but has hinted at more seaworthy designs capable of racing in windier, tidal waters. Anyone who has sailed in the Waitemata Harbour would agree it is not the place for fragile foiling cats. Dalton has also suggested crew pumping oil into hydraulics is not sailing. Maybe a big foiling monohull with crew who actually pull ropes is likely?
How many entries are expected?
In 2000, 11 yachts lined up for the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series in Auckland, the match eventually won by Team New Zealand 5-0 against Luna Rossa. Nine challenged for the right to race Team New Zealand in 2003, with Alinghi eventually winning 5-0. Experts believe the numbers for the next Cup could at least equal the 2000 figure.
Will a nationality rule be applied?
Yes. Dalton has confirmed he is keen to impose restrictions around nationality, but dismissed suggestions 80 per cent of the crew would have to be home grown. In Bermuda, only one of the six crew were required to be from the team's country of origin, with Kiwi and Australian sailors dominating on board Oracle Team USA and Japan, while Swedish challenger Artemis had an Aussie skipper in Nathan Outteridge.
Who will be the Challenger of Record?
Long-time ally Luna Rossa has already been appointed and a challenge has been accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron from Circolo della Vela Sicilia. Luna Rossa Challenge will be working with TNZ to help shape the new conditions for the next Cup.
Will the Government provide financial backing for the next Cup?
Prime Minister Bill English said the Government was open to talking with Team New Zealand about the Cup coming here. "They'll have their own commercial arrangements I assume and that will have to be part of the discussion too."
What are the benefits?
The America's Cup brought $495 million into the NZ economy in 2000 and $529m in 2003. It cost the Government around $10.6m in funding to sponsor Team New Zealand and host the cup in 2003. NZ Marine Industry Association executive director Peter Busfield said an America's Cup win would be worth about $500m to the $2 billion-a-year boatbuilding industry, not to mention the benefits to tourism.
