Russell Coutts in front of the America's Cup. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.
by Jane Eagleson
The America's Cup trophy will return to San Francisco and the BMW ORACLE Racing team's patron club, the Golden Gate Yacht Club, as the team wraps up the California leg of its America's Cup Victory Tour presented by ORACLE and BMW Efficient Dynamics.
Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison with the America's Cup. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.
The tour ended on a high note in San Diego on Sunday in a day that started with a public ceremony hosted by Mayor Jerry Sanders on board the aircraft carrier USS Midway.
"I'd like to thank Larry and his team for bringing the America's Cup back," Mayor Sanders said. "This has been an epic struggle and I for one appreciate everything he and his team have done."
The America's Cup on board USS Midway. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.
Mayor Sanders then presented Larry Ellison with a proclamation declaring Sunday 'Larry Ellison Day' in the city of San Diego. He also presented Ellison with a key to the city.
"I'd like to thank the people of San Diego for making our team members so welcome as we trained for the America's Cup on San Diego bay," Ellison responded. "The mayor has asked us to consider San Diego as a venue for the next America's Cup."
Following the ceremony on the Midway, the team - and trophy - were taken to the San Diego Yacht Club on a replica of the yacht America, after which the America's Cup trophy is named. As the America pulled up to a berth in front of the club balcony, the crowd erupted in cheers.
The America's Cup on board the replica of the schooner America. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.
The team mingled with club members and enjoyed a Q+A session with the crowd. In both stops on Sunday, poster and hat signing sessions with team members proved to be a popular draw. Many remarked that the club had never been so crowded.
With this leg of the 'Victory Tour' now complete, many team members are scattering across the globe for a well deserved break, and to spend time with family and friends. The next phase of the Tour will be announced as soon as the dates and locations are confirmed.
San Diego Yacht Club reception. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.
Further announcements regarding the next edition of the Cup will follow in due course.
BMW ORACLE Racing
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