The 36th America's Cup starts today

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa will match boats and crews in the 36th America's Cup match.

Racing resumes today and Friday under Covid-19 alert level 2 restrictions, with two races per day between 4pm and 6pm.

Defender Emirates Team New Zealand will take on Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the battle to win the 36th America's Cup in Auckland.

The first team to win 7 races takes home the Auld Mug.

Auckland Unlimited destination general manager Steve Armitage said despite Auckland's lockdowns delaying the regatta, the city was still expecting a successful final match with support from Auckland and around the country.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment since Team New Zealand’s win in 2017 and it’s finally here," Armitage said.

"While it’s great that there are so many ways to watch from home, you don’t want to miss out on the buzz and atmosphere happening right here in Auckland.

“It has been a challenging period, but Auckland has been here before and we’ve demonstrated our resilience and ability to adapt through tough times like these.”

Under level 2 restrictions, the Race Village will not be activating with screenings of the racing but the surrounding bars and restaurants will remain open.

Armitage said many Summernova events would resume in the weekend if Auckland was shifted to alert level 1.

A virtual performance from Sir Rod Stewart was planned in the lead up to Saturday's racing, he said.

Rock the Dock, a joint venture between Tourism New Zealand and Auckland Unlimited, will see Stewart perform his hit song, ‘Sailing’ virtually from London for all of Auckland and New Zealand to join in.

The event will be beamed onto the big screen in the America’s Cup Race Village on March 13 from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm and will be broadcast by TVNZ.

The singalong will also be screened at Summernova’s Race Days by the Sea, Waterbourne Beach Festival and Kia Kotahi Race Days at Takaparawhau Bastion Point.

If Auckland drops to alert level 1 in time for the weekend's racing, these Summernova festival events will hit the super city:

Waterbourne Beach Festival at Takapuna Beach Reserve, Kia Kotahi Race Days at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point, Race Days by the Sea at Windsor Reserve, Devonport, and Love your Maunga ki Maungauika at Devonport's North Head.

Live music will feature at Komititanga Square and Mission Bay on Saturday and Sunday from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm, with free face painting and bubble stations for the children.

Dock out shows, cultural displays and entertainment will hit the Race Village under alert level 1.

Are you planning to watch the racing?

Will you go down to see it in person or view it from home?

Who do you think is going to take home the Auld Mug?

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

Singer Rod Stewart. Photographer: Denise Truscello.