Yachting: America's Cup a drawcard in Italy

The drawing power of the America's Cup at the Genoa Boat Show in Italy has been phenomenal, says Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron commodore Peter Taylor.

"They are getting 350,000 people to this boat show and our New Zealand stand is by far the busiest," he said from Genoa.

"We are happy for the America's Cup to be seen by Italians every five years."

Mr Taylor said the trophy was being displayed to promote New Zealand trade, tourism and the next America's Cup starting in 2002.

Four former SAS security guards have travelled to Italy to protect the Cup.

Herald Online feature: America's Cup