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America's Cup 2021

The 36th edition of the America's Cup - also known as AC36 - will take place at Auckland, Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand commencing on the 6th of March 2021 and concluding on the 21st of March 2021.

Five courses have been selected that span from the north Auckland suburb of Takapuna to Waiheke Island. According to Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton, the courses were chosen to cater for all wind and tide directions and conditions while ensuring that land-based spectators and the large spectator fleet that is expected have excellent views of proceedings.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Circolo della Vela Sicilia, who are represented by the Emirates Team New Zealand and the Challenger of Record - Luna Rossa respectively, have collaborated on the building rules for the AC75 to ensure there is plenty of room for creativity and innovation while maintaining fair competition between vessels. The rules include:

• Strict limitations on the number of components that can be built including hulls, masts, rudders, foils, and sails, thus encouraging teams to do more R&D in simulation and subsequently less physical construction and testing

• Supplied foil arms and cant system to save design time and construction costs

• Supplied rigging

• One design mast tube

While the previous two editions used catamarans, the 36th edition of the America’s Cup will be contested in the AC75 mono-hulled foiling yacht, which has a hull length of 20.7m/67.9ft with a bowsprit of 2m/6.5ft, and a maximum beam of 5m/16.4ft. The total weight will not exceed 6.5T, while a crew of 11 has an expected weight range of 960-990kg.

The twin canting T-foils have a maximum span of 4m/13ft and a depth of 5m/16.4ft, while the centreline T-foil rudder has a maximum 3m/9.8ft span and a draft of up to 3.5m/11.5ft.

Attached to the 26.5m/86.9ft mast is a sail plan with a main sail of 135-145m2/1453-1560.7ft2, a jib of 90m2/968.7ft2 and a code zero of 200m2/2152.8ft2.

The World Series will take place in the second half of 2019 and in 2020, with a Christmas Regatta to end the year.

Timetable running up to the 36th America's Cup:

• Entries open - January 1 2018

• Entries close - June 30 2018

• America’s Cup World Series - 2019 - 2020

• America's Cup Christmas regatta - December 2020

• Prada Cup Regatta (Challenger Selection Series) - January - February 2021

• America’s Cup - 6th-21st March 2021

The teams

Four teams have been confirmed by the 1st of July 2019 deadline set by the defending Emirates Team New Zealand. They are:

• Emirates Team New Zealand

• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli

• INEOS Team UK

• American Magic NYYC

Of note is a change in the rules requiring at least 10 of the 12 crew to have to be citizens of the country that they represent, while the other two must meet strict residency criteria.

In addition, defenders Emirates Team New Zealand will not be taking part in the challenger series unlike previous winners ORACLE Team USA and will enter the competition once the America's Cup commences.

Stars + Stripes Team USA have joined the competition as late challengers and are liable to pay a $1,000,000 USD late entry fee with is due in instalments before the 1st of October 2019.

Although Royal Netherlands Yacht Club, DutchSail, were one of the original contenders, they were unable to secure a naming rights sponsor and therefore could not commit by the set deadline, resulting in their withdrawal from the competition.

Royal Malta Yacht Club also intended to take part in the 36th America's Cup, however a $40,000,000 USD package promised by backers did not come to pass.

No fee for luxury yachts dropping anchor in waters around Auckland Auckland Council in consultation with NZ Marine have dropped fees for luxury yachts over 40m/131ft in length that wish to drop anchor in the waters surrounding the city. Instead, there will be a new visitor-friendly 12-month navigation and safety fee for vessels that fit into this size category, allowing foreign visitors and New Zealand residents from other parts of the country to take their time exploring the clear waters, coves and sandy beaches surrounding the metropolis. Find out more...

Local luxury yacht charter attractions

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and as such has a massive array of galleries, museums, boutiques and shopping centres with international brands on offer. Nicknamed the 'City of Sails', one in three households owns a boat and the stunning surrounding islands and coast are well worth exploring on the water. 

The Bay of Islands - North of Auckland, the Bay of Islands reportedly has the second bluest skies anywhere in the world (after Rio de Janeiro) boasts some incredible beaches and ideal conditions for sailing and wind-powered water toys. The sport-fishing here is known internationally, with visitors coming to hook a kingfish or marlin. Dolphins and whales can also be spotted within the region, and the uninhabited islands make for a quiet sunbathing spot away from the pressures of the modern world.

The Bay of Plenty & Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - With 80 islands to explore by yacht, it's possible to spend an entire week exploring the northern tip of the North Island and still not see all of its wonders. Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano and the closest island to Auckland. Trails lead to the summit where visitors have sweeping views of the surroundings, and the island is also home to the world's largest pohutukawa forest, a tree that blooms with red flowers over the southern hemisphere summer and is often called the 'New Zealand Christmas Tree'.

Great Barrier Island is covered in historic sites including a whaling station, shipwrecks, and gold and copper mines. Snorkelers, Scuba divers and fishing groups come to the region to explore the crystal clear waters, and hikers will be in their element with the pristine beaches and trails through the forest on offer.

Poor Knights Islands - This area has a reputation as one of the best locations for Scuba divers to visit, offering incredible biodiversity in crystal clear waters, with attractions including a nudibranch wall and caves to suit more experienced divers, whereas beginners also have a selection of impressive sites to practise skills and gain experience.