America's Cup World Series venue #3 in 2011: San Diego, California. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com
by Stephanie Martin
With an average of more than 200 hundred days a year above 70° F (21° C), San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, making it is a major destination for global visitors. The City offers an expansive variety of things to see and do, appealing to guests of all ages. In particular, San Diego is known for its impressive bay, considered to be one of the best natural harbors on the western coast of North America with 70 miles of pristine beaches and great on-the-water conditions.
“We are delighted to represent the U.S. as a stop on the AC World Series, and believe San Diego Bay’s natural stadium sailing environment is perfect to allow fans to get close to the action,“ said Chuck Nichols, chairman of Sailing Events Association San Diego. “The San Diego boating community has hosted large events on San Diego Bay before, so we’re primed and ready to host this new and exciting form of sailing.”
America's Cup World Series venue #3 in 2011: San Diego, California. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com
Current plans call to hold racing within San Diego Bay, with the start/finish line just off the shoreline and spectator access along numerous points on the waterfront. The regatta will give the public an opportunity to watch the world’s top sailors compete in the state-of-the-art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans, which will be the first time the high-tech boats will be seen in the U.S.
"The recent races have drawn more than 20,000 spectators to our waterfront," said Scott Peters, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. "The America's Cup World Series promises to be even more popular."
Televised to expose millions more fans to the sport of high-performance sailing, the AC World Series is a regular circuit of regattas that will bring America’s Cup-level racing and experience to top international venues. At the end of each AC World Series season, a champion will be crowned. These events provide the fans the only opportunity to see all of the America’s Cup competitors racing together.
"San Diego and its spectacular bay will provide a first-rate experience for AC World Series competitors and fans," said Richard Worth, Chairman, America’s Cup Event Authority. “We're very pleased to bring the next generation of America's Cup sailing to San Diego and continue its long, proud history with the Cup."
America's Cup World Series venue #3 in 2011: San Diego, California. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com
The 2011-2012 AC World Series will be sailed in the AC45, the forerunner to the next generation of America’s Cup boats. The boat was launched to great acclaim in New Zealand in January of this year. Focused on creating more on-the-water excitement for both the teams and the fans, the AC45 wing-sailed catamaran was designed for both speed and close racing. While capable of closing speeds of up to 30 knots, the AC45 remains nimble enough to handle the tight, tactical race courses planned by America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM).
The 2012-2013 season will be sailed in the larger and faster America’s Cup boats, the AC72, and its champion will be crowned just prior to the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup (America’s Cup Challenger Series) in July 2013. This AC World Series will also enable all teams seeking to compete in the America’s Cup Finals in September 2013 to be race-ready for the AC72.
The San Diego AC World Series stop is being hosted by Sailing Events Association San Diego, a new sailboat racing events organization created to bring high profile international racing to the region. SEA San Diego will work closely with the Port of San Diego, the San Diego Port Tenants Association, as well many other organizations.
America's Cup
