OPINION: The rules appear to be on the Challenger of Record Luna Rossas side but common sense and decency isnt.
There had already been plenty of niggle between the Italian syndicate and the other teams during the Prada Cup, with their petty and frivolous objections, but they took it to a whole new level on Wednesday, by insisting that the Prada Cup final resume on Friday, regardless of Auckland being in alert level 2.
As the Challenger of Record 36, it says the AC36 Event Covid-19 Management On Land and On Water Plans allows for racing to happen without crowds, which is how sports like football, Formula One and tennis have been operating around the world since the pandemics initial spread.
However, what the plan doesnt take into account is whats happening in New Zealand right now.
READ MORE:* America’s Cup: Mexican stand-off over when Prada Cup Final racing can resume* Covid-19: Prada Cup races postponed as Auckland goes to level 3* America’s Cup: All you need to know about the Prada Cup final
This country has managed to avoid the scale of deaths and illness that have hit so many countries.
But for now, Auckland is in a lockdown. Hopefully its not for long and everyone in the city can get back to enjoying near normal lives.
Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Luna Rossa want to continue their battle with Team UK on Friday.
The Prada Cup has gripped the nation, whether its people watching the TV coverage, reading about it on Stuff, being out on the water or in the Americas Cup Village, the audiences have been huge.
So if the racing gets pushed back a week in the hope event takes place in level 1, allowing for public participation, then isnt that good for the Prada Cups standing?
Stuff’s Duncan Johnstone and Todd Niall review the highs and lows from the second day of racing in the Prada Cup finals.
A cynical person could say that Luna Rossa are trying to exploit their position of being 4-0 up in the series against Team UK, by insisting that the Prada Cup must finish on February 24.
At the launch of the Prada Cup, Luna Rossa chairman Patrizio Bertelli said by video link from Europe that he was hoping for a fair and sporting regatta.
I would like to launch an appeal, he said on January 14.
I would very much like this Americas Cup to be a really sports event. A very sporting event.
I would like that instead of talking about all sorts of silly things, that we focus on the competition, sportsmanship.
I would like the Prada Cup to really be a major sporting event.
Well, so much for all of that. Luna Rossa in the true nastiness of the Americas Cup, have taken a win-at-all-cost approach.
We want to be honourable to New Zealanders who have made sacrifices,” Americas Cup Events chair Tina Symmans said on Wednesday.
The potential rescheduling will give the best possible opportunity to see the event run with maximum engagement and benefits for public and stakeholders.
If the entire Prada Cup had taken place under level 2 or 3 lockdowns, then fair enough, get through it, its better than nothing.
But it hasnt and so far its been a wonderful event. Hopefully Luna Rossa has a ‘sporting change of mind.
