Category: america’s cup

SAN FRANCISCO AND FOG

Yesterday I visited the sites for bases for the next America’s cup. The fog rolled in and out several times yesterday. Many of us are intrigued about the weather here in San Francisco, if the window for weather will co operate during the racing. These photographs were taken after noon and as you see the fog is ever present.

I JUST WANT TO SEE THE SAILING

I was looking around on the internet for information about parking near Marina Green during the America’s Cup event in August in San Francisco. I still do not know where I can park. In today’s world it is one of the first questions one asks.

MARINA GREEN

 

America’s Cup yacht regatta organizers are attempting to redefine sailing by offering a free show to anyone who can find a clear view of the race course on San Francisco Bay. But that’s not to say race officials will neglect sailing’s historical fan base among the rich.

Last week, the America’s Cup released VIP packages offering prime seating and other perks such as easy parking and wine tastings from top-notch Napa Valley vineyards. You and 10 guests can have all of that — over a four-day period — at a price tag of just $26,000. Individual tickets for the same four-day package will go for $3,000, and
two-day passes will cost $1,500.

The tickets are being offered for the cup’s 2012 events in San Francisco, including a round of races from Aug. 23 through Aug. 26 and another series that coincides with Fleet Week from Oct. 4 through Oct. 7. Those races will involve the AC45 boats, which will be dwarfed in comparison with the 72-foot yachts planned for the America’s Cup finals coming to San Francisco in September 2013.

The VIP area will be set up adjacent to the St. Francis Yacht Club in The City’s Marina district. Promoters have touted the America’s Cup as the third-best international revenue magnet for host cities — outdone only by the
Olympics and the World Cup.

Normally raced on the open ocean, the 2013 edition of the America’s Cup will be available for wider public view because of the highly touted “natural amphitheater” created by the rim of the Bay. For spectators, especially those willing to pay $26,000, organizers are promising a big show.

“The boats are wing-sailed catamarans, capable of sailing twice the windspeed,” says a brochure for the VIP passes. “Sailing fast is easy, maintaining control is critical, and the physical challenge imposed on the athletes is immense.”

dschreiber@sfexaminer.com

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2012/06/america-s-cup-vip-tickets-going-26000#ixzz227GidBVE

CAPSIZE DOMINATES THE DAY

Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to go out with the Prada tender. I am still adjusting to how the Event works. I will confess I learned a great deal yesterday.

After a fleet race which determined the pairing for the match race series in which each pair would sail 3 races and the winner would advance to the semi-finals today. The New Zealand team had an unfortunate capsize. I was very surprised how long it took to right the boat. I cannot confirm but one report said that this was the first time that a boat had capsized with a mast extension. I have to assume that it quickly filled with water, acting as a counterbalance, rendering the normal procedures difficult. The New Zealand team drifted with the current for more than an hour before successfully  righting the boat and towing it back to the base camp for repair.

we watched helplessly as the team’s tenders made numerous attempts to right the boat. The Italian team offered help and stood by.

I wonder after this experience with a 45 foot catamaran what might be considered with the future 72 foot cats?

Tonight is the America’s cup Hall of Fame induction at Marble house. the inductees are: Gerard Lambert, Patrizio Bertelli, and Jon Wright

 

AMERICA’S CUP WORLD TOUR IN NEWPORT

This is why I hurried back to Newport after the Bermuda Race. It is unlikely that I will ever get closer to the boats than this. The America’s Cup village has been likened to a circus. I think it is an appropriate analogy. They arrive and set up completely self-sufficient.

THEY’RE HERE!

I came back from Bermuda expressly to photograph the AC 45’s. Well, I live here as well.

The “Circuis” is quite self sufficient which probably makes sense. The same crane lifts these boats no mater where in the world they are. The Judges boats, chase boats etc are carried with them as well.These boats really look small, they manouvre very well; quick to accelerate, quick to stop, tight turning radius.

They are a totally different beast then the 72 foot cats that will start to appear soon and will be used in the actual Cup event in San Francisco next year.