Another late change to the America's Cup protocol has been stacked against Team New Zealand.
Their five rivals have used their majority vote to now allow teams to have 23 days of training against each other in their official Cup catamarans in Bermuda in the leadup to the first official races that start on May 26th.
The first practice races have already begun with video footage emerging of America's Cup holders Oracle Team USA and British syndicate Ben Ainslie Racing duelling.
An oversight in the protocol had previously barred that, happily noted by Team New Zealand as they continued to work away in Auckland on their build and development.
The latest change will restrict any involvement Team New Zealand will have in this practice racing because of the Kiwi syndicate's schedule.
As time ticks away, the practice window will slowly close on Team New Zealand who are only due to head to Bermuda early next month.
The latest development was dryly noted by Emirates Team New Zealand in a Facebook posting, saying: "America's Cup Class race boats lining up already? Until this week it was prohibited by the protocol, but now allowed after yet another rule change. Working together to protect their future AC framework agreement?"
The development further emphasises the dangers Team New Zealand face operating in their "lone wolf" status.
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