A romance has blossomed between an Italian sailor and a member of TVNZ's seven-strong America's Cup coverage team.
Luna Rossa grinder Nicholas Brezzi and reporter Emily van Velthooven met through mutual sailing friends before the first stage of the regatta in December, Spy understands. Sources in the America's Cup Village say the pair have been dating and are often seen out and about together at various local haunts.
On Valentine's Day, van Velthooven posted a picture of a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Instagram — but kept quiet about who they were from. Spy is told they were from Brezzi.
It could lead to some awkward family moments ahead of the America's Cup — van Velthooven is the younger sister of Simon, a grinder for Emirates Team NZ.
TVNZ would not comment on the romance and Luna Rossa would also not be drawn.