Emirates Team New Zealand foiling monohull Te Aihe. Photo / Photosport
Emirates Team New Zealand foiling monohull Te Aihe. Photo / Photosport
Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa's relationship appears to be on rocky waters.
The Challengers are entering arbitration over the wind range to be enforced for the 36th edition of America's Cup – a dispute set to significantly impact the design for the boats to be sailed inAuckland.
Team New Zealand want the top end limit to be 24 knots whereas Luna Rossa are set on 20 knots.
However, Luna Rossa, who represents American magic, Stars and Stripes USA and INEOS Team UK have reportedly acted independently on the issue.
Emirates Team New Zealand want the wind limit of 24 knots. Photo / Photosport
In a clarification statement, Team New Zealand said they were "surprised" over Luna Rossa's stance.
"The defender's position on the wind Limits is what is needed to ensure a quality event in Auckland for the benefit of the New Zealand public, international visitors and the world audience," they said.
"The Defender does not deal with the other Challengers direct on such issues but works on the basis that the Challenger of Record is presenting the collective position of the Challengers when undertaking such negotiations, not just the view of its own sailing team, Luna Rossa."
Under the protocol, "the Challenger of Record has the responsibility to represent all challengers and that responsibility involves consulting with other challengers before taking a position with the defender on issues such as race conditions".
Terry Hutchinson - skipper and team director of American Magic. Photo / Getty
However, American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson, who told AP 20 knots seemed "soft," said that they've had no say in the issue.
"To be crystal clear, these decisions are between the Challenger of Record and defender, and we have zero say in it," he said.
"We just want to be told. Like most of these things, as a challenger, what we want to avoid is being surprised. Withholding the match conditions is exceptionally disappointing as a competitor.
"They've had 2 to 2 1/2 years to sort it out. It's consistent with most of the negotiations between Luna Rose and Team New Zealand."
Late last year, an Emirates Team New Zealand rules adviser, Russell Green, told Sail-World.com that wind limits were the only point of disagreement between them and the Challenger of Record.
The issue has therefore been referred to the arbitration panel for mediation.
If unsuccessful, the protocol requires the Arbitration Panel to make a decision on the issues of disagreement by March 20.
