The America's Cup will still be a great event, despite the fact only four teams will make the trip to New Zealand for it, a member of the event's advisory board says.
Dutch Sail have left the 2021 event, following team Malta, leaving just five teams in the competition.
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America's Cup Advisory Board chair Dean Kimpton told Newshub it's not a setback.
"It's going to be a very cool time in the life of Auckland and this is one of those international stage wonderful events so no disappointment, lots of things to get done."
Dutch Sail said there wasn't enough time to raise the funds required to race in the 2021 cup, but don't blame it on the new mono-foiling design Team New Zealand is pushing for.
"Dutch see it as a sport for the elite, but New Zealand has taken that away - they're the water cowboys that show you don't need to have a billionaire to do it," Dutch Sail skipper Simeon Tienpont told Newshub.
Kimpton said it's clear the number of teams turning up is less than expected, but Auckland was already feeling the benefits from the cup.
"We accept that maybe the numbers didn't turn up that maybe everyone had hoped for but what we are really pleased with is the opportunity and the catalyst that it's provided for that redevelopment."
There are four teams remaining, Emirates Team New Zealand, Ineos Team UK, American Magic and Luna Rossa.
Kimpton says the excitement is already in the air, even two years before the event is due to take place.
"I think the racing's going to be amazing, and I'll be right alongside many many others both in the industry but also from Auckland Council and crown perspective"
Newshub.
