Considering the performance they are delivering right now, TNZ can seriously hope to win the Cup.

If they do, and if the Auld Mug returns to Auckland, despite they have indicated they are keen to continue, several syndicates have reservations about their involvement in the next America's Cup.

Nobody actually said "if Team New Zealand win, we won't be in the next Cup" but some came very close.

"If it goes to New Zealand we may not do it", said Shosholoza’s Mark Sadler after their dream of a place in the LV Cup semi-finals faded with a loss against the Spanish home team. "We want it to stay in Europe."

With several German sponsors, South Africa's first challenge showed a clear preference for another Cup in Europe.

"Most probably Alinghi will win again and if they do, it is not final, but 99% sure, that the next Cup will be in Valencia", said captain Salvatore Sarno, team founder and managing director. "If this is the case I hope that we will be able to launch RSA 101 by February next year and have it ready for the first Acts in May. My plan is that we have a two boat programme and if we can do that we can win the America's Cup."

Desafío Español president Agustin Zulueta said after his team's elimination from the challenger series that his team's main sponsor had already decided there will be a Spanish challenge if the cup remains in Europe.

"The question is, if the cup goes to New Zealand," Zulueta said. "New Zealand is a very good place. I was living there when the event was there in 2000. But, obviously, there are not too many Spanish companies interested in going there in terms of a return on their investment".

"It's better for us if Alinghi win", added Desafío Español president. "However, Desafio Espanol, on its own, will try and go to New Zealand if that is the case".

The German syndicate has said it intends to move forward but Syndicate head Michael Scheeren said that "the engagement of their) sponsor is very much depending on the future venue".

"If it goes to New Zealand, we can't go on," told his home country's media Ralph Dommermuth, the founder and chief executive of one of the German team's main sponsors.

"There is no reason why Team New Zealand would not hold some regattas in Europe in the lead-up to the next event", said New Zealand Herald journalist Julie Ash. "If that happened, then it might encourage some sponsors with an interest in the European market to stay involved".

But, until a winner is found in this event, a number of teams' futures lie in the balance.