Yesterday
The boat was sent. Team path closed
American Magic – the American team participating in the 36th draw of the America Cup – unexpectedly found itself in an extremely unpleasant situation. And even entered into a skirmish with the government of New Zealand.
Recall that the race of the Cup of America will be held next spring just in New Zealand. And before that (in December of this year and February of the future), two stages of the America Cup World Series racing series will also take place there.
In this regard, the management of American Magic decided to start training at the site of future battles in Auckland early. On May 27, the team’s boat – AC75 Defiant – was lifted in the port of Pensacola (Florida) onto the deck of a cargo ship, which the next day headed for New Zealand. The ship should arrive in Auckland on June 20. But…
But at the same time, the members of the American Magic team have no access to New Zealand. Categorically. As, in fact, to all those who want to enter the country. Nobody is allowed in there – and they are not going to let anyone in. For a long time.
Covid-19, I must say, was not particularly annoying New Zealanders. In the country, 1504 cases of infection with coronavirus were recorded, 1481 people were cured, 22 people died, and in the hospital they treat one and only poor fellow. Moreover, this situation has not changed for 5 days.
Accordingly, almost the restrictions previously imposed by the authorities have been lifted. The last of these, the government is expected to cancel next Monday. True, with one exception. A complete ban on the entry into the country of citizens of other states will remain for an indefinite, sufficiently long period – and no one in New Zealand is going to make exceptions to this rule. This is again stressed by Prime Minister Yasinda Ardern.
The Americans, of course, are offended – and accuse the New Zealanders of an unfriendly attitude towards their main allies and at the same time of unsportsmanlike behavior. True, all these accusations make no impression on New Zealanders.
P.S. Taught by bitter American experience, the British Ineos Team UK decided that its boat and crew will leave for New Zealand only at the end of September.
238 Yesterday # 10179
Chief Editor
boatclosedpathteam
What do you think?