Coronavirus: Portsmouth's America's Cup event cancelled this summer due to pandemic

Tonight the cup holder Emirates Team New Zealand, and local organising authority Origin Sports Group have announced the cancellation of the America's Cup World Series Portsmouth event which was scheduled to take place between June 4 and June 7.

A statement said: ‘Over the past few weeks all parties have been following developments with regard to the Covid-19 / Coronavirus from the UK government, the World Health Organisation, the America’s Cup teams, as well as the consideration of stakeholders in the event including the host city Portsmouth and the event presenting partner Emirates.

‘The health and well being of the public, the volunteers, the stakeholders, event organisers and America’s Cup teams have to be put first and foremost and proceeding with the event in the current global climate would simply be irresponsible given the safety considerations. We are also facing significant travel and logistical restrictions that are in place right now and forecast to remain in the coming weeks and potentially months.

‘This decision was not taken lightly and now allows all of the teams to focus their attention on their respective operations in their home ports in the coming months while planning logistics for their move to Auckland and subsequent development, testing and preparations for ACWS Auckland (December 17-20), Prada Cup (Jan 15 - Feb 22) and The America’s Cup Match presented by Prada (March 6 -March 15).

Sir Ben Ainslie, team principal and helmsman of Ineos Team UK said: ‘Whilst it’s a sad day for us as the home team, we completely agree with the decision to cancel the America’s Cup World Series, Portsmouth. In these circumstances, preventing the spread of Covid-19 has to be everyone’s top priority. We all need to come together and listen to the official advice and directives to stop this virus spreading, everyone has their part to play.’

All tickets purchased via Ticketmaster will be refunded and will be processed within 48 hours, however if can take up to seven working days for the funds to hit the purchasers accounts.

The refunds, including service charges, will be processed back onto the card used for the purchase. If your card has expired or for any other matters relating to refunds, please contact Ticketmaster customer service on 0333 321 9999 or via the helpdesk on the Ticketmaster website.