Grant Dalton with the America's Cup. Photo Chris Cameron / Photosport
Grant Dalton with the America's Cup. Photo Chris Cameron / Photosport
Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton says it is not the team's intention to take the America's Cup offshore.
He told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking today he would be very surprised if that happened.
''But we have got to get to the point where we have a deal,'' he saidreferring to suggestions of a hosting fee and debate over the Cup bases in Auckland.
Emirates Team New Zealand has said that Italy is a likely alternative venue for the 2021 event if agreements can't be reached.
On suggestions that the syndicate was using the hosting fee as blackmail, Dalton said they were trying to put on an event which is free to the public.
Yesterday was a major step when the council outlined the Basin as its preferred choice.
''There is some tension but it is all part of the process. Sometimes it ends up being played out in the media and gets a life of its own. But we are making good progress and yesterday was a great step. We are engaged with the council and the government and we are moving forward.''
He said deadlines were tight, especially the January 15 resource consent date.
A lot of people could not see the economic benefits of the event but for every dollar spent there was between a $10 and $15 return.
''It's difficult, we would like everybody on board but everybody doesn't like rugby either even though it's our national game and we are damn good at it.
''So we are just doing our job to put as great event on.
