The sponsors are pretty happy with Emirates Team NZ's efforts in the America's Cup to date. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The sponsors are pretty happy with Emirates Team NZ's efforts in the America's Cup to date. Photo / Mark Mitchell
KEY POINTS:
Kiwi supporters are not the only ones enjoying Team New Zealand's America's Cup efforts - their sponsors feel they are getting value for money and are positive about continuing, although they will not make any guarantees.
Airline Emirates, carmaker Toyota and Spanish brewer Estrella Damm have their logosdisplayed on NZL92's hull in the best-of-nine fight with Swiss syndicate Alinghi for the 32nd America's Cup.
"Most important is going to be the global TV coverage. In that respect, the coverage has been good," Emirates group services president Gary Chapman said.
He said the red Team NZ spinnaker emblazoned with the Emirates logo characterised the airline's bold marketing and sponsorship approach.
But success off the Spanish port of Valencia does not guarantee Team NZ sponsorship the next time around, although team insiders are hopeful.
"We will review it but we are positive about it. We are aware continuity and security are key elements in retaining talent and a team that works well together," the New Zealander working in Dubai said.
"Our feeling on this is very much the same; win or lose, we feel positive about it."
Chapman and Toyota New Zealand head Bob Field said the strength of the team under the leadership of syndicate head Grant Dalton had been a critical factor in backing the team.
"It [Team NZ] has met the expectations and, if it continues to perform creditably, then they will have earned the right to continue," Field said.
"I think they have earned enough respect among the type of people who would sponsor them.
"Emotionally, I'm sure Emirates, ourselves and the New Zealand Government would like to continue but, practically, you've got to look at what the structure is next time and where it is going to be." .
Any changes to the timing and set-up would also have an impact on Toyota's decision on whether to proceed. "We'd want to look at the structure and also get a feel for other sponsors' interest in continuing," Field said.
"We're in this to win. We don't want to be a sponsor of a team that will do well. We want to sponsor a winning team."
