Dubai: Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) is convinced there are benefits for both Emirates Airline and Team New Zealand, should the two continue their association for the 33rd America's Cup.
"Emirates Team New Zealand were worthy challengers and they have done well to positively portray the name of Dubai at the highest stage," Hareb told Gulf News.
Defender Alinghi came from a 1-2 deficit to win 5-2 and successfully defend the America's Cup last week.
"Now is the crucial time for both the parties as they go through the post-mortem. And I believe both stand to benefit if they continue with their association for the next edition of the America's Cup," Hareb added.
The DIMC chief stated that he is looking forward to a meeting with senior officials from Emirates in the near future.
"We have a big following for sailing here, and the sport has moved up a few notches following the success story of the America's Cup," Hareb stated.
"As part of the post-mortem process, we need to come together and see what we can do to further consolidate the sport here," he said.
"Emirates is one of the strongest brands in the world today and Team New Zealand were worthy challengers. It is but logical to see the two together in the future," Hareb felt.
The DIMC chief felt that the result could have been closer between Alinghi and Team New Zealand. "The racing could not have been closer. Eventually, Team New Zealand had their problems and they simply did not have that little bit of luck on their side," Hareb stated. Emirates Airlines had reportedly signed a sponsorship deal worth $33 million to get exclusive naming rights for the Kiwi team. The deal coincided with Emirates starting a new route to Auckland.
Hareb felt confident that Dubai is now being seen as a strong contender for being a host for teams during training, if not for one of the Acts.
