All eyes turn to Plymouth
Posted on 15 August 2011
As the first event ends, all eyes turn to Plymouth, the second event in the America's Cup World Series. To be held September 10-18 in Plymouth Sound, thousands are expected to pack the world-famous Plymouth Hoe and the surrounding shoreline to catch sight of the best sailors on the fastest boats.
See all stories about the America's Cup World Series - Plymouth
Dave Young, the chairman of Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for Plymouth, was present in Cascais to symbolize the closing of the first AC World Series event and march of the teams to Plymouth. Receiving the official flag of the AC World Series from Cascais LOC Chairman Patrick de Barros, Young shared his enthusiasm of what is to come.
"We're excited to welcome these world-class athletes to Plymouth and see the AC45s compete within the beautiful natural amphitheatre that is the Plymouth Sound."
And now, the pack-up in Cascais has begun, with the ship containing America's Cup cargo anticipated to leave the city next week for an arrival into Plymouth around August 22. From there, the tireless crew of the event organizers will work to build the team bases, event facilities and spectator village.
Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of Millbay's lead developer, English Cities Fund, said: "Millbay's restored harbour and historic links with the USA make it the perfect venue for the Race Village. The event will provide a real taste of the future for this exciting waterside regeneration area."
Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University, agrees. "Plymouth is a fantastic venue," she says, "and the University, with its world- class research pedigree and its links to the maritime industry is buzzing."
Teams are expected to start sailing around September 1 as they prepare for their next shot at the title of America's Cup World Series champion. The event will feature both fleet and match racing over the nine-day event, as well as fun activities onshore for visitors including the Race Simulator, a video-game style game that tests your match racing skills, and the America's Cup Experience, which gives visitors a first-hand experience of riding on the high-speed AC45 high-tech catamarans.
See the race format and schedule
Thanks to the city's strong sailing tradition, expectation has reached fever pitch. “It is causing a great deal of excitement,” says Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council. “People think it’s fantastic. I’ve watched some of the clips and saw the [ORACLE Racing] capsize in San Francisco – it’s very dramatic. There will be thousands of people coming into the city to watch the competition, enjoying the sailing and what Plymouth has to offer.”