Emirates Team New Zealand has confirmed that New Zealand will not host the defence of the 38th America’s Cup in 2027.
In a statement released yesterday (31 March 2025), the New Zealand central government and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) confirmed they have decided not to back the next America’s Cup being hosted in Auckland, stating they have other priorities amid a tough economic climate.
Since winning the 37th America’s Cup in October last year, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand had been exploring the possibility of hosting the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland with a combination of private backing, local government, and central government funding.
The New Zealand government and Auckland Council’s bid to host the 37th America’s Cup in Auckland was rejected in 2022, leading to a controversial decision to host the event in Barcelona.
After that announcement, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union told the media it had sent a bouquet of flowers to the Spanish Taxpayers’ Union (Unión de Contribuyentes) “in gratitude”.
In a statement, Emirates Team New Zealand says: ‘In this time, the team has had comfort in the level of private support and has been working with Tataki Auckland Unlimited, who have been proactively spearheading the bid. So, it is with both disappointment and understanding to hear MBIE and central government have decided not to back the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2027.
‘While the significant economic benefits of hosting the America’s Cup and other major events are well proven, such as €1.034bn (NZ$1.9bn) of economic benefits in Barcelona in 2024, we understand there are other priorities for the New Zealand government right now.’
An estimated 2.5m people attended the event in Barcelona, and Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton has hinted the event may seek a different venue that can accommodate more teams.
Where will the America’s Cup be held?
Attention now turns to which cities may make a successful bid for the competition, which takes place every three to four years and is set to return in 2027. A decision is due by June of this year, if not sooner.
European sailing journalist Fabio Pozzo, writing in the Italian newspaper La Stampa, reports that Athens and Naples are the most likely venues.
“The second city in pole position is Athens, which would be making its debut in the panorama of the cup, but which has already hosted the Olympics and other major sporting events and which probably, after the dark years of the economic crisis and the forced bailout by the troika, which avoided collapse and allowed the country to remain in the EU, needs a major event to turn “the lights” back on.
“In both cases, there would be the support of the respective governments, with a financial proposal exceeding 100 million euros plus the necessary infrastructure.”
While Rio de Janeiro had been mooted as a potential host in recent months, this theory seems to have lost traction, with Dalton reportedly keen to capitalize on growing European interest in the cup.
Read more about the America’s Cup
Post Views:
197
the title: “The Benefits of Mindfulness Practices for Mental Health”
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With the constant demands of work, family, and social obligations, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and take care of our mental health. However, incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routine can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without trying to change or control them. By focusing on the present moment, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve our overall mental health.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness practices is their ability to reduce stress. When we are constantly worrying about the future or ruminating on the past, our bodies are in a constant state of fight-or-flight mode, which can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. By practicing mindfulness, we can train our minds to focus on the present moment, allowing us to let go of worries and fears that are not serving us.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness practices can also improve our mood and overall sense of well-being. By cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment, we can increase our levels of happiness and contentment. Mindfulness can also help us develop self-awareness and self-compassion, which are essential components of good mental health.
Furthermore, mindfulness practices have been shown to improve cognitive function and enhance our ability to focus and concentrate. By training our minds to be present and attentive, we can increase our productivity and performance in all areas of our lives. Additionally, mindfulness can help us develop better coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions and situations, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.
In conclusion, incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routine can have a profound impact on our mental health and overall well-being. By reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing cognitive function, and developing self-awareness and self-compassion, mindfulness can help us lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. So why not take a few moments each day to practice mindfulness and reap the benefits for yourself? Your mind will thank you.