The second stage of the first ever America’s Cup World Series will take place this week at Piers 30-32 of San Francisco Bay. The first leg of the competition (which took place at the end of August) attracted more than 150,000 fans who were excited to watch a fantastic race between 11 of the best sailing crews in the world.
Despite being the oldest active trophy in international sport (first contested in 1851), the America’s Cup Final has not always attracted significant media attention or the sponsorship money that comes with it. For those of us who do not have significant sailing experience, watching the Americas Cup can be a slightly bewildering experience.
For readers who are not quite sure how the America’s Cup works, I will briefly explain the basic rules. The first yacht (the Defender) represents the yacht club that is the current holder of the Cup. For the 2013 America’s Cup Finals this will be Golden Gate Yacht Club, owned by the BMW Oracle Racing team. The remaining yachts (the Challengers) race for the other yacht clubs that will be challenging for the Cup. In 2013 these yachts will represent Artemis Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Challenge and Team Korea.
Until recently, the organising committee behind the America’s Cup were not too worried about whether or not the race would attract a large global audience. However, two years ago officials announced that the competition will undergo a number of important changes in order to bring in some extra revenue from sponsorship and television rights. These changes are designed to help some of the less fortunate sailing teams who struggle to raise the tens of millions of dollars that are needed in order ensure a successful build and to race in the cup. This included the creation of the World Series format.
As of 2013, 72-foot AC72 wing-sail catamarans will be used for the America’s Cup races. This is designed to add both speed and an element of danger by using boats which move much faster and can capsize very easily. The races will also be held closer to shore, where wind patterns can be slightly less predictable and where they can be viewed by a larger crowd.
The World Series uses AC45 catamarans. The final World Series event will be broadcast live across America on NBC this Sunday.
If you would like any additional information on hiring a luxury yacht charter in San Francisco during the America’s Cup, please have a look at our page on America’s Cup yacht charters or send an email to [email protected]. We would be delighted to assist you with your charter search.