Emirates set to extend Team New Zealand backing

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark has said that the Dubai-based airline will renew its title sponsorship of Team New Zealand for the next edition of the America’s Cup sailing event.

Emirates Team New Zealand claimed victory over Oracle Team USA in the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda in June, and will be seeking to defend its title in 2021, when the event is due to be held in Auckland.

Emirates has been the team’s main sponsor since 2004 and Clark said an extension of the partnership would be a formality.

“It’s been a very successful sponsorship for us over many years,” Clark said, according to the New Zealand Herald newspaper. “The notion that the team should continue to be sponsored by Emirates is a classic no brainer – we will continue to do that.”