Tomorrow's first day of racing at the America's Cup in Bermuda has been postponed because of strong winds.
Boat Aotearoa at the end of yesterday's practice session on Bermuda's Great Sound. Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
Forecasts indicate that winds may gust over 30 knots during the afternoon and evening so, with the safety of the sailors and spectators as the key priority, organisers have decided to postpone the opening ceremony and the first day of racing.
Sunday and the days following are all forecast to have significantly improved weather conditions, so the four races scheduled to take place tomorrow will now be added to the race schedules for the subsequent days.
Event CEO Sir Russell Coutts, said, "We are obviously disappointed that the strong winds mean we have had to postpone day one of the 35th America's Cup. This is clearly a decision we have not taken lightly and appreciate the inconvenience caused to the sellout crowd."
"Our primary concern however, is always safety for everyone involved in the America's Cup. We are adding an hour to the race window on both Saturday and Sunday (Bermuda time) to run extra races with the aim of getting back on schedule."
Team New Zealand was scheduled to meet France tomorrow.