America’s Cup host ‘outraged’ as Auckland in-city courses ditched

WELLINGTON – America’s Cup host Team New Zealand (TNZ) expressed outrage Thursday at a ruling they say will hinder efforts to showcase Auckland to the world during the prestigious sailing regatta.

The event next year had promised to feature huge foiling catamarans competing at high speeds close to the Auckland coast — offering spectators the chance to see tacking duels from the shore and TV broadcasters shots of racing with a city backdrop.

But after a complaint from Italian rival Luna Rossa, the America’s Cup arbitration panel has ruled that the two racing courses closest to land cannot be used because all competitors will not have equal access to them.

Four alternative courses, all further out to sea, must be used for the regatta — which…