Cup security picked to stay low key

By HELEN TUNNAH

Security will be low-key for the America's Cup match, despite the visits of overseas celebrities and the large crowds expected around the Viaduct Harbour.

War talk surrounding Iraq has not increased safety fears surrounding the yachting regatta, says the police media liaison man for the America's Cup, Jeoff Barraclough.

"We have reassessed the America's Cup, the security and the level of threat," he said.

"That assessment remains low. We look at the security risk to the Viaduct Basin pretty much on a daily basis, and assess and reassess, and we have the capacity to increase our manning should that be required.

"At this stage of the game it's not thought to be a requirement at all."

But that does not mean there will be no police presence around Auckland over the next fortnight.

Uniformed officers will patrol the Viaduct and 11 police rigid inflatable boats will be on patrol during racing.

Mr Barraclough said police were in daily contact with Team New Zealand and Alinghi to ensure they had sufficient security in place at their bases.

He also appealed for those heading out to watch the racing to take care on the water.

About 3000 boats are expected on the Hauraki Gulf during racing, and Mr Barraclough said he hoped people would remain considerate if light winds delayed the starts.

During the last America's Cup, incidents included smaller boats being swamped by boat wash and at least two suit-wearing fans falling overboard.

"The safety factor is paramount with an increased number of craft out on the water. There is the potential for calm weather ... then we have a lot of craft out on the water sitting.

"What we are just trying to emphasise to people is play it safe, be orderly."

What to do at the Viaduct


* Race days are scheduled for days of the week starting with S or T - Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, starting tomorrow. This schedule is subject to change depending on the weather. Nine races are scheduled, and the America's Cup will be won by the first boat to win five races.

* Team New Zealand and Alinghi will leave the Viaduct Harbour on race days between 9.30am and 10am. The best vantage points for viewing are on the eastern side of the Viaduct.

* There will be family entertainment at the Viaduct Harbour each race day (including buskers, face painters and balloon sculptors) and free live entertainment on the stage at Te Wero Island every day between 9.30am and noon. There's also an ongoing art exhibition in Waitemata Plaza.

* If you're out on the water and a racing yacht approaches you, do not try to get out of the way: stay where you are.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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