Ireland is in a far strong negotiating position over the America's Cup than it may realise, and should set clear conditions if it is going to host the event, according to international sail racing project manager Marcus Hutchinson.
It is also “unfair” to ask a country like Ireland to invest in an event that Team New Zealand wants to run in 2024, the same year as the Paris Olympic Games.
Not only is the timeline too short for preparation, but the return for investment would be affected by the Games, he says.
Hutchinson has worked on five America's Cup events during his career, and has been coach and mentor for major solo ocean racing campaigns including the Figaro and Vendée Globe.
America's Cup racing in New Zealand - Minister Simon Coveney has said that a successful bid to host the America’s Cup yacht race would establish Ireland as a “leader of the blue economy" within the EU
He also believes no country should be expected to agree to host the America's Cup without seeing the protocol or “notice of racing” which has not yet been published.
The Americas Cup is a great opportunity for Ireland, he said, but he agrees with the decision by Minister for Tourism and Sport Catherine Martin to seek a due diligence review.
In his first public comment on Ireland’s bid, he outlined his views to Afloat's Wavelengths – stressing he is not involved in the bid or any of the negotiations.
