The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Team New Zealand confirmed today that there has been an additional eight notices of challenge for the next America's Cup.
The deadline officially closed for the 2021 event, today at 5pm.
New Zealand will host the 2021 America's Cup in Auckland after winning the title in Bermuda in 2017.
Only one of the entries is able to be immediately accepted with the other seven notices still being looked over.
"We are really encouraged by the level of interest that has been shown from around the world by the number of notices of challenge that have been lodged by today’s deadline," said Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton.
"It has been a long time coming, but worthwhile to give potential teams every opportunity to enter what will be a huge global event for New Zealand.
"However, we must remain cautious and not jump to conclusions on the final number of teams. It is only when the acceptance process has been completed that we will know how many will compete in the Prada Cup alongside Luna Rossa, American Magic & INEOS Team UK."
Conditions of some of the challenges will require changes to the protocol, which is dependant on agreement with the Challenger of Record before each new challenger's participation can be confirmed.
"We understand there will be questions around what a conditional challenge is," said Dalton.
"To give some context, an example is where we might have a challenge that is conditional on there being an America's Cup World Series event in that specific challenger's country.
"This, obviously, is something that cannot be determined today and also needs agreement with the Challenger of Record."
The process of assessing the entries and conditions of the eight new challengers will start straight away with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Team New Zealand.
The Government and Council have been advised that a maximum of five challengers can be accommodated on Wynyard Point with three double bases and two singles.
Should less than three of the late challenges be accepted, the Government and Council will then have the option of not proceeding with the Hobson Wharf extension for the 36th America's Cup.
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