Winds look set to delay start of America's Cup

  • 25/05/2017

The first races of the America's Cup could be delayed until Sunday (NZT) with wind gusts above 30 knots expected to batter the region in the afternoon.

Team New Zealand is set to open its sixth America's Cup campaign in the Louis Vuitton Qualifiers against Groupama Team France on Saturday.

Team New Zealand
Team New Zealand in their last practice (Photosport)

However Cup organisers will have to make a decision on whether to call off the first races, which are set to go at 8am Saturday (NZT).

America’s Cup Event Authority CEO Russell Coutts said they were hoping it wouldn't come to a delay.

"With a sellout crowd for Friday, and huge anticipation for what we are confident will be one of the most competitive America's Cups ever, rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that the opening day goes ahead," he said.

"However, if the prudent decision is to postpone the start of the event, then racing will be rescheduled to Saturday, where the weather forecast indicates great racing conditions."

The Opening Ceremony is then set to take place at 11.30am (NZT).

Team New Zealand is attempting to regain the America's Cup for the first time since 2000.

Newshub.