Kate Hawkesby: I'm all for the America's Cup going to spain

I'm not remotely bothered that the America's Cup's going to be held in Barcelona. I can't even imagine how tough it is to organise and fund an event like this - and I take my hat off to all those working so hard to keep it going and to find locations - no easy task. Securing this location has taken a year, no mean feat. But also - can we really complain that it's heading offshore? I mean look what they were offered to stay here. The Auckland Council gave them money in kind - that's not real money, the Government were clearly not that interested in it being here, so, gave them a pittance.  If the powers that be really wanted it here, they'd have fronted up with more cash and made the whole thing more simple. But they didn't. Many of the moaners about it going offshore are punters who like the idea of it being here, but aren't that committed to it anyway. Often, they're the same people who bemoan the whole thing as a rich white man's sport, the ones who bang on about how much wealthy sailing teams shouldn't be handed out any of our money.. they don't deserve government funding bla bla bla, and then these very same people bleat like mad when it goes offshore.  I'm not talking about the true sailing fans here - they've proven they'll go anywhere to support it, and there really is a phenomenal support base for Team NZ, who do manage to get themselves anywhere in the world and fly the Kiwi flag. We saw it first hand in San Francisco when we were lucky enough to go and broadcast from there in 2017. Kiwis turned out in their droves, the organisation of fan bases and support areas was slick and well run. The event had a great vibe, thousands of people flocked in, and many managed to get out on the water. The vantage points were great - which is a huge part of it of course - and it was a really fun experience. I'd recommend it to anyone keen on sailing or just anyone keen on supporting NZ sport in a really fun, family friendly and relaxed way. And Team NZ are incredibly popular wherever they go - there's just something about Kiwi sports stars that people seem to gravitate to and just love. They're relaxed, accessible, happy to chat, they're great advocates for our country. What more could you want? Barcelona's being talked up for the great sailing weather - which is a huge factor too - endless race days put off by no wind is no fun for anyone. But despite the naysayers who'll come for Grant Dalton and who'll come for Team NZ like they have some kind of ownership of them - or of the event - I'm happy they've found a great place to host.  And I have no doubt it will be a huge success.. and all the media whiners saying it sucks, you watch, they'll all happily turn up to Barcelona in two years' time to cover it, and enjoy the ratings bonanza that goes with that.  Because that's the other thing, despite all the argy bargy that goes on off the water and leading up to the event, we always seem to all get behind it once races begin.  So poo poo it now if you want, but mark my words, come 2024, Barcelona beach, the race village, the Spanish waterfront.. it'll be spectacular, and the place to be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.