by Barbican Waterfront media
The field of international competitors who will race in Plymouth as part of the America’s Cup World Series have revealed their game plans for winning the prestigious trophy.
Teams representing China, France (with two teams), Italy, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sweden and USA were unveiled ahead of the inaugural America’s Cup World Series in Cascais, Portugal in August. The second stop on the circuit is Plymouth from 10 to 18 September, which will see the trophy on home soil for the first time in its 160 year history.
The City Council announced its role as a host city in April 2011 and has since been gearing up for what promises to be a truly sensational international event, where the eyes of the world will be firmly upon Plymouth.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Vivien Pengelly said: “The excitement really is building in Plymouth as the city prepares to welcome thousands of visitors and the international America’s Cup teams. This is one of the top sporting events in the world and the week long regatta will be packed full of amazing racing with the catamarans out in Plymouth Sound, the teams have already been demonstrating just how dramatic the sailing can be with their training in San Francisco. There will also be lots of entertainment on the Hoe and we’re going to be showing everyone what a truly vibrant, waterfront city Plymouth is.”
Plymouth is taking a real partnership approach to delivering the America’s Cup event, which expects to attract over 500,000 visitors from across the UK and the world to the city. The Council has engaged numerous partners across the public and private sector which have offered their support and are taking advantage of the opportunities this kind of event offers.
Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth University, said: “We are delighted to be a key partner involved in hosting this prestigious international sporting event. Using our graduation marquees on the Hoe to help stage the event will really showcase what Plymouth has to offer. Our strong marine and maritime heritage and the University’s world class standing in research and innovation will create opportunities to share in and benefit from partnering with the America’s Cup.”
Leading city businessman Dave Young, MD of the Una Group, is leading the private sector’s response and involvement with the America’s Cup as Chairman of a Task and Finish Group, at the request of the City Council.
The inaugural AC World Series competition will be held 6 to 14 August in Cascais, Portugal. The second stop on the circuit will be Plymouth, England on 10 to 18 September, followed by the final stop in 2011 in San Diego.
The competitors for the 34th America’s Cup are (nation, team, yacht club):
- China – China Team, Mei Fan Yacht Club
- France – Aleph – Équipe De France, Aleph Yacht Club
- France – Energy Team, Yacht Club de France
- Italy – Venezia Challenge, Club Canottieri Roggero di Lauria
- New Zealand – Emirates Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
- Republic of Korea – Team Korea, Sail Korea Yacht Club
- Spain - Green Comm Racing, Real Club Nautico de Valencia
- Sweden – Artemis Racing, Kungliga Svenska Segel Sallskapet
- United States – ORACLE Racing, Golden Gate Yacht Club (Defender - 2 boats)
Plymouth America's Cup World Series regatta 2011
America's Cup
