The 2021 America's Cup is almost certain to be held in Auckland, but a deal still needs to be struck. And, it was Emirates Team New Zealand who pointed out the possibility of the event going to Italy at their September press conference for the Protocol. On 13 December 2017, the Auckland City Council approved a plan for the America's Cup venue, but the national government is not yet on board. The "event fee" requested by Emirates Team New Zealand also remains an open issue.

Grant Dalton, ETNZ CEO said in a radio interview on 15 December that he doesn't expect the 2021 America's Cup to go to Italy, saying "I'd be very surprised if that could ever happen. Our intention has always been to hold the event in New Zealand. That's why we exist." But he also said that remaining issues between the Auckland Council and the national government in Wellington are "a big deal." Full audio here. Full article here.

The "Wynard Basin" or "cluster" proposal includes eight team bases, the AC Village and Media Center. The ETNZ base is shown on an extension of the the Hobson Street Wharf. Four challenger bases would be located on an extension to the Halsey Street wharf. Three more challenger bases would be built in the Wynyard area along Brigham Street.

ETNZ's concept video for the AC Venue shows that they welcome the beautiful J Class yachts that were so impressive in Bermuda. The Protocol does not mention a youth event, but the concept video indicates that it is a likely part of AC36.

ETNZ state clearly that they plan to hold the America's Cup in New Zealand, but that there is no deal in place yet for the needed infrastructure or event financing. The Protocol gives RNZYS until 30 August 2018 to announce the venue - New Zealand or the Challenger of Record's country, Italy. 

• Disagreement between Auckland Council and national government in Wellington: an alternative plan called "Wynyard Point" has been proposed. See diagram below.
• Timetable:  The approval process begins with "Resource Consent" applications in mid-January. Debate, decision and appeals are projected to take until early August.
• Event fee: ETNZ correctly point out that funds are needed to run the event. Auckland's mayor, Phil Goff says Auckland won't pay this fee; Auckland's investment will be for infrastructure only.  
• Objections to harbor reclamation: environmental and other groups want to minimize or eliminate harbor encroachment.

The Auckland Council approved this plan. The Halsey Street and Hobson Street wharves would be widened by 75 meters to accommodate five bases. Three additional bases would be located along Brigham Street. Cost is estimated at USD 87 million  for infrastructure and USD 13 million to relocate existing occupants. The Auckland Council is preparing a Resource Consent appliction, which needs to be submitted by 15 January.

Economic Development Minister David Parker had requested that the Wynyard Point configuration be kept under consideration for Resource Consent, but the Auckland Council felt there was not enough time to prepare two applications. The "Wynyard Point" option reduces the Halsey Street wharf extension to only 15 meters. Only seven bases are shown. Bases on Wynyard Point would take over a parking lot and require decontamination of industrial land. Estimated cost: USD 78 million for infrastructure plus USD 83 million for relocation and cleanup. The Auckland Council is not preparing a Resource Consent application for this option.

If you want even more info, you will find additional photos and details from Richard Gladwell here.