Light winds on the Hauraki Gulf may hinder the start of today's scheduled fourth America's Cup race, but they will not deter the thousands of spectators expected to take to the water.
Among them will be Prime Minister Helen Clark and Prince Albert of Monaco.
Challengers Alinghi are three races up
on Team New Zealand and need to win only two more to take home the Auld Mug - a possibility over the weekend if racing goes ahead and Alinghi win both days.
The official presentation of the America's Cup will take place at the Viaduct Harbour just a couple of hours after the final race.
The runner-up in the racing is due at the Viaduct about 90 minutes after the race and the winner will arrive at the presentation pontoon in front of the Loaded Hog bar about 15 minutes later for the trophy presentation.
The trophy will be presented by the commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Bill Endean.
It is not known which dignitaries might attend. A spokesman for Helen Clark said yesterday that her attendance at the presentation ceremony had not even been considered yet.
Security is expected to be tight for the presentation. When Alinghi won the challenger series police were clearly evident as Russell Coutts and his team collected the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Three years ago tens of thousands of New Zealanders packed into central Auckland after Team New Zealand beat Prada to hold the cup, and for some the party lasted until the following morning.
Prince Albert is just one of the many rich and famous who have jetted to Auckland during the racing this year.
Last night at a function at the Northern Club he opened Monaco's first consulate in New Zealand. National MP Richard Worth has been appointed consul.
Prince Albert's visit has fuelled rumours that he is talking with the Swiss syndicate about hosting the next cup if Alinghi win.
The Prince admitted the matter had been discussed, but he said the principality would not be the host.
"We had thought about Alinghi, but a quick analysis showed that while it would be a wonderful event it is just too big for Monaco to accommodate.
"We are only two-and-a-half square miles [4sq km] in size.
"We know the approximate size and the logistics needed for the cup and we couldn't do it.
So no, we are not proposing to host the cup."
Continuous coverage of today's America's Cup race will begin on nzherald.co.nz at 12.30pm.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
Light winds on the Hauraki Gulf may hinder the start of today's scheduled fourth America's Cup race, but they will not deter the thousands of spectators expected to take to the water.
Among them will be Prime Minister Helen Clark and Prince Albert of Monaco.
Challengers Alinghi are three races up
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.