Prince Albert of Monaco has added his voice to those who think an America's Cup race could have been held in the light and shifty conditions on the Hauraki Gulf yesterday.
He disagreed with race officials who, for the third time, yesterday abandoned attempts to hold the fourth race in the
best-of-nine match between defenders Team New Zealand and challengers Alinghi, of Switzerland.
The prince prefaced his comments saying he was a modest sailor, used to smaller boats than those used in the America's Cup.
"It seemed to me at one point yesterday, and at one point this afternoon, we could have seen something happen. But you know you have to respect those kind of decisions. It's part of sailing. It's part of this event. It's part of match racing anyway.
"You can start talking about tactics and the delaying game, but you have to respect all these decisions."
Prince Albert, a member of the International Olympic Committee executive, said if Alinghi did win, it would be exciting to see the America's Cup in Europe.
"I know there are a number of [host city] candidates already. I don't have any particular one to recommend but it would be wonderful to be able to have the cup in the Mediterranean," the prince said.
"I think there are a number of locations and venues that have already declared themselves candidates and are bidding for it that have enough wind and have enough room, and that have the manpower and the financial backing to be able to host the cup in a significant way.
"As a country on the Mediterranean obviously we would be very happy if that were to happen."
Asked which team he supported the Prince said he had to respect "what could be termed as an Olympic neutrality".
"I would like to see the contest very close and very exciting ... It is exciting to see a challenger doing so well and having done things in a very organised way, and almost scientific way," he said. " But I don't think you should write-off Team New Zealand right now."
- NZPA
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
