Please select your home edition
Edition
RS Sailing 2021 - LEADERBOARD

America's Cup: Fay 'This should not have happened. This didn't have to happen.'

by Radio NZ 1 Apr 2022 14:31 PDT 2 April 2022
A character forming time as (from left) Michael Fay, Chris Dickson, Brad Butterworth and Erle Williams face the media after Race Four of the 1987 Louis Vuitton Cup where the Kiwis were down 3-1, with one race potentially left in the regatta © Bruce Jarvis

The Royal NZ Yacht Squadron has failed the country by letting the defence of the America's Cup go to Barcelona, Sir Michael says.

Sir Michael, who backed three losing bids for the America's Cup, is considering cutting ties with the club over the loss of the regatta to Spain.

He has been a club member for 45 years but says it has badly handled the situation, effectively allowing Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton to make the decision.

"What they've done is they've actually not kept control of the decision on venue... It's their job, absolutely, it's their job.

"This should not have happened. This didn't have to happen. From the club's point of view it should never have happened."

Sir Michael says the country has built "a fabulous record" in the regatta, probably the best track record of any country and remains a dominant force.

He believes the America's Cup has been a huge benefit for this country - in terms of attracting tourists, building goodwill overseas, providing work for the boating industry and momentum for the Auckland waterfront development.

He is also adamant that Team New Zealand owes the country for the way it has come together and supported the cup in the past.

"It's always been about New Zealand and I find it very disappointing that those linkages have been broken and there doesn't appear to be any suggestion that the team owe New Zealand - that's the surprising bit for me."

He says when Sir Peter Blake successfully challenged for the America's Cup in 1995 and then defended it five years later, the benefits for New Zealand were his main motivation.

He believes there was enough money on offer for a successful defence in Auckland but Team New Zealand seemed determined not to "entertain any proposal" that would have retained the event here.

Sir Michael says the Americans set up a structure under a deed of gift so that a yacht club always had to have control of the competition, not an individual.

He objected to the sight of Grant Dalton being photographed with the America's Cup in Barcelona this week when as far as he is concerned, it should be still in a cupboard at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron until it is challenged for successfully.

"We're seeing a bad development, I think for the America's Cup in the future."

Many New Zealanders will be shocked at the move to Barcelona alongside Royal NZ Yacht Squadron members who are owed an explanation, Sir Michael says.

"I think we all deserve to know, not just the members, but New Zealanders at large, followers of the cup, the companies, the supporters, the people who have been around the cup for such a long time. Why did this happen? Why was it not kept here in New Zealand by you and the club?"

He would like Grant Dalton to also explain the decision.

For the full story including a 10 minute interview with Michael Fay

rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint

Related Articles

America's Cup: French give the Brits the "Hurry-up
Frustration builds between Cup factions over lack of progress with Protocol. Last weekend's missive from the French America's Cup challenge team is further evidence over the building frustration with progress towards the 2027 America's Cup in Naples. Posted today at 11:12 am
K-Challenge gives opinion on proposed Protocol
Why the 38th edition could usher in a new era for the America's Cup Stephan Kandler and Bruno Dubois, Co-CEOs of K-Challenge, jointly stated: “The provisional Protocol published on 23 May 2025 by Defender Emirates Team New Zealand is an important step forward for the America's Cup." Posted on 4 Jul
America's Cup: Confidential settlement reached
(Updated) A confidential settlement reached over five year Cup legal claims. Confidential settlement reached between the America's Cup team Emirates Team New Zealand and their formerly contracted Event Managers, Mayo & Calder, and others associated with the company. But what of Mainstream Media's role in the affair? Posted on 29 Jun
America's Cup - #3 Finish Line
The Cup is still undecided. And somewhere, in one last simulation, the universe holds its breath. The Cup is still undecided. And somewhere, in one last simulation, the universe holds its breath. Step into the last leg. This is where legends break — or rise. Posted on 23 Jun
Cup Spy: "Burling Rule" unlikely to be changed
The Defender is unlikely to soften the Rules and allow open season on its sailing team. Despite the shift of three times America's Cup winner, Peter Burling it is understood that there is unlikely to be any softening of the Nationality rule to enable Burling to get any closer to the action than a chase-boat in the 38th America's Cup. Posted on 20 Jun
Burling "excited' by Italian move
In a media statement issued by his Media Team, Burling says he remains fully committed to his role w In a media statement issued by his Media Team, Burling says he remains fully committed to his role with Black Foils, the New Zealand SailGP Team. Posted on 20 Jun
America's Cup: Kiwis advertising for key people
Emirates Team NZ seeking new people for key roles ahead of its 12th America's Cup campaign Emirates Team New Zealand, the current America's Cup champion is gearing up for the 2027 Defence of the most prestigious trophy in sailing. The team has advertised eight positions in the IT, Meteorology and Engineering areas Posted on 12 Jun
America's Cup: Another sponsor signs for Italians
Luna Rossa has announced that Unipol has renewed its trust in the team Luna Rossa has announced that Unipol has renewed its trust in the team and will accompany it as an official sponsor for the duration of the 38th America's Cup. Posted on 5 Jun
America's Cup fillibustered by Challengers
A Cup in turmoil - Protocol is unsigned - with entries due to open on Sunday. Updated story: America's Cup got underway in Rome on Monday, with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. However three teams are working in collusion and have again issued statements within minutes of each other. Posted on 29 May
America's Cup enthusiastically received in Naples
The Castel dell'Ovo, was the venue for the arrival of the America's Cup in Napes The Castel dell'Ovo, set on the tuft peninsula of Megaride was the outstanding setting for the Official Host Venue Presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup. Posted on 28 May
Rooster 2025Henri-Lloyd Dynamic RangePalm Beach Motor Yachts