Treasurer of Sailing Wanganui Bob Davies said the America's Cup has been a pleasure to watch over the last seven days. Photo / File
Treasurer of Sailing Wanganui Bob Davies said the America's Cup has been a pleasure to watch over the last seven days. Photo / File
Whanganui sailing enthusiasts have been on the edge of their seats over the past week as Team New Zealand battle Luna Rossa to be crowned winners of the 36th America's Cup and there are hopes the event could be a boost for the sport locally.
Sailing Wanganui members have beenwatching from their clubrooms on Gilberd St and treasurer Bob Davies said it had been nerve-racking and spectacular.
"We have lived every minute of it. Certainly all the sailors have enjoyed it," he said.
The America's Cup provided great exposure for the sport, Davies said, with more people asking where and how to learn sailing.
"It's basically why I joined the club. Back in 1995 when we won the America's Cup. That's when I started sailing. You do see a bit of a pulse when this is going on.
Team New Zealand have the perfect combination of boat technology and crew, according to Whanganui sailing enthusiasts. Photo / Chris Cameron/Photosport
"The big boost will happen in Auckland. We will see some of it down here, but we are a small club and can only cope with so much."
Q-West boat builders managing director Myles Fothergill said the level of technology and innovation on show was comparable to what goes on in Formula One car racing.
"The two interact quite a lot. Some of the things they are doing at the America's Cup are being watched very closely by the design teams."
Fothergill said it had been good to see some back and forth action, as one team dominating the other wasn't nearly as entertaining.
Luna Rossa had a significant disadvantage not knowing the water and the conditions, Fothergill said.
"You just can't compare it to our guys, who have literally grown up on these waters."
Q-West Managing Director Myles Fothergill said it will come down to investment from the Government and Auckland Council as to whether the America's Cup will return after a Team New Zealand defence. Photo / Bevan Conley
He applauded the quality and pedigree of those on Team New Zealand, with a great balance of traditional slow boat sailors and fast boat sailors.
"The grinders are key. I don't want to overlook them, they are the muscle men really pumping power into the boat.
"If one of them is only performing at 90 per cent, that can have a drastic impact on how the race goes."
Fothergill admired the chemistry between Olympic sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, who often act like "one person".
"They sail together, hang out together, do everything together. Burling is an x-factor. He has this uncanny feel for the boat and knows where and when it's performing at its best.
He said the possibility of the America's Cup moving overseas despite a Team New Zealand defence is very real.
"Frankly, it's about money. Of course it would be nice for it to be held here but at the end of the day, it's up to those investors and sponsors what the future looks like."
