Russell Coutts' contention that he could be interested in a defender series in Auckland with a second Kiwi America's Cup syndicate should not be dismissed. Coutts has moved his family back to New Zealand, has bought properties and cars in Queenstown and Whangaparaoa and is understood to be keen to make a life in New Zealand again after all the ructions caused by his defection to Alinghi.
Coutts made the defender series comments in a television interview after the Herald on Sunday revealed that Coutts had been in talks with Oracle chief and billionaire Larry Ellison about heading up the next BMW Oracle challenge. It is understood a deal has been agreed between Coutts and Oracle but no contract has been signed.
In the interview, Coutts said he still had other offers on the table but also floated the idea of a defender series in Auckland involving a second Kiwi syndicate, should Team New Zealand win the 32nd America's Cup at Valencia this week.
In the interview, Coutts said he still had other offers on the table but also floated the idea of a defender series in Auckland involving a second Kiwi syndicate, should Team New Zealand win the 32nd America's Cup at Valencia this week.
