Team New Zealand’s nemesis Alinghi is back in the America’s Cup after an 11-year absence.
NZME understands the Swiss syndicate has paid the initial $1.47 million entry fee for the 37th America’s Cup, on the day entries have officially opened. NZME has been told they are working to secure an old practice boat.
It’s believed another syndicate has also paid the initial entry fee.
Owned by Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli, Alinghi famously won the Cup for the first time in 2003, sweeping defender Team NZ 5-0 in the Cup match.
Confirmation of Alinghi’s entry and commitment for the 2024 regatta will be a boost for Team NZ and Challenger of Record Ineos Britannia, who have released the protocol but have not yet finalised the venue.
Cork in Ireland, Valencia in Spain and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia have long been talked about as the three overseas bidders while an Auckland defence has still not been ruled out.
Team NZ have set a deadline of March 31 next year to confirm the venue. — Matt Brown in the New Zealand Herald
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