New Zealand opens yachting America's Cup Village

Source: Xinhua| 2020-12-15 19:26:25|Editor: huaxia

WELLINGTON, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The opening of America's Cup Village in downtown Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, marked the start of an exciting summer of action on and off the water for the international yachting event, a New Zealand senior official said on Tuesday.

"The opening of the Village marks the beginning of an incredible summer of racing, as teams battle it out for the 36th America's Cup," Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said at the official opening ceremonies of the America's Cup Village on Auckland's waterfront.

"The border restrictions that keep us safe from COVID-19 could not have been imagined when we signed the hosting agreement in April 2019. The absence of large crowds of international spectators will make this event very different from earlier spectacles," Nash said.

"However, I know Kiwis are determined to celebrate our international reputation as a great sailing nation ... The America's Cup Village will provide a focal point for this during the three-month festival," he said.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said as one of the largest international sporting events held since the start of the pandemic, it represents a milestone for Auckland, New Zealand, and the world.

The government is investing 136.5 million NZ dollars (96.6 million U.S. dollars) in the America's Cup and associated events and infrastructure, and Auckland Council has allocated 113 million NZ dollars, said Nash.

"Long after the racing is over, the social, economic, cultural and environmental infrastructure created for the event will be a significant asset for the city. It will leave a lasting legacy that taxpayers and ratepayers can be proud of," he said.

"The action on water and seeing these boats fly can be an inspiration to Kiwis all over Aotearoa (New Zealand) in a number of areas including science, technology, engineering and maths," he said, adding this will see kids get a hands-on scientific understanding of what makes these boats fly, and inspire them to develop the skills they will need for the future of work.

The Village is open every day (except Christmas Day) from Dec. 15, in time for the racing to start on Dec. 17, until the final race day in March 2021. Enditem

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