Spithill predicts late Cup entries

Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill says he expects more teams to challenge for the next America’s Cup, despite the entry period closing last month.

“There’s an allowance for late entries and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple of other teams come in before the end of the year,” Spithill said. “I can’t say who they are, but one of them will be pretty exciting for the whole event.”

There are six teams lined up to contend for the Auld Mug — Oracle, Artemis Racing, Ben Ainslie Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Challenge and Team France — but there is still no certainty around where and when it will be held.

Spithill denies the lengthy wait for a venue announcement has been a deterrent for potential contenders.

“Nah, not at all. It’s either San Diego or Bermuda, and that’s been known for a long time.”

Certainty on a venue, however, is top of the list for Team New Zealand.

“We’ve sort of plunged back into that period of uncertainty and the certainty makes a big difference,” skipper Dean Barker said. “For us, more than any of the teams, it’s important and it’s important for the sponsors to get good value. Certainty makes a big difference and adds a twist to the proposals we have to make to the Government.”

The New Zealand Government have already committed $5 million into Team New Zealand’s next campaign and are reportedly considering putting in as much as $36 million — the same amount as last time. Team New Zealand’s total spend in 2013 was around $180 million.

Business, Innovation and Employment Minister Steven Joyce said the Government were unable to offer further funding until plans for a host city were made public.

“We haven’t made the final call on that,” Joyce said. “We are waiting for a proposal from ETNZ.

“I’m well aware of the mixed views of the public and my view is, when we are assessing the proposal, we assess it from a sponsorship point of view. We spend quite a bit promoting the country and it’s important to grow the income for the country.

“The last Cup added $106 million to the economy. These things are all quantified by the brand awareness and the innovation of what we do.”

Spithill says a venue announcement might be made next month, although the official deadline isn’t until the end of the year.

“Obviously it’s in the interests of everyone to get the venue out there as soon as possible,” he said.

Jimmy Spithill