John Sweeney and Tina Kinejan, alongwith Nick Tomson, brought together a stunning regatta series of America’s Cup racing on San Francisco Bay in June and July. In its second annual event
Published: September, 2003
John Sweeney and Tina Kinejan, alongwith Nick Tomson, brought together a stunning regatta series of America’s Cup racing on San Francisco Bay in June and July. In its second annual event, these organizers of the "Challenge Series" received an excellent international response from grand prix racing superstars with a well-planned format attracting major sponsors including Oracle, Wells Fargo, Nexus, and Protector to aid in the high profile series. The IACC Challenge Series organizers offered excellent support to bring veteran America’s Cup yachts out of neglected or abandoned states to race or be chartered. Four of the classic yachts are now kept and being restored at Treasure Island’s dedicated IACC pier.
Their efforts gave breathtaking beauty and excitement to all who watched. The series in June and July were intended to prepare participants for September’s Golden Gate Cup competition finishing with the October televised "Worlds" events.They had been in dialog with the Swiss holders of the America’s Cup to have them join in September. That part changed at the close of August.
Alinghi’s is coming to town, but to square off in a separate match race series with Oracle in San Francisco Bay over five days in September. Alinghi did not want to be part of the fleet racing. Their sights are set on Oracle-BMW. Larry Ellison’s team needs to stay whole and focused for a chance never before given to a challenger in the America’s Cup Match Races. Their Bay schedule is September 15- 20.
In preparing for the next America’s Cup, John Kostecki, Yachtsman of the Year for 2002, has joined Chris Dickson with others who will make this challenge the best-run California effort ever fielded.
A pre-Cup Match Race years in advance of the actual America’s Cup between the challenger of record and the America’s Cup defender has never before occurred in the long history of America’s Cup racing. It looks to be an interesting few years until the 2006-2007’s America’s Cup held in Europe.
Where is the America’s Cup going to be held in 2007? Five European cities are vying for the honor, privilege, and economic boon to host the race. The America’s Cup management posed eight questions to the five cities in June. Lisbon, Marseilles, Palma , Naples, and Valencia who have graciously accepted the competitive review. At the end of August, city representatives made presentations to the selection committee. Selection results are expected soon. Most syndicates need 1-2 years at the location for the race in advance of the Louis Vitton Challenger series to give the event their best effort.
When going downwind, these boats can exceed 17 knots, with significant speeds upwind as well. Keeping up with the action often requires more than 25+ knots of boat speed to pass and reposition to get the great pictures or be present for mark roundings or spinnaker action. This is a case where fast powerboats and sailboat racing combine well.
The race may be televised but if so, tape it and get out to the waterfront. The race course will use San Francisco’s natural amphitheater where spectators can get a good look at the boats from the shores of Angel Island, Alcatraz, San Francisco from Pier 39 to the Golden Gate Bridge, and southern Marin from the Golden Gate to Tiburon. Check with the Golden Gate Yacht club for more details. See it first here in San Francisco Bay!
