10/03/21 - Auckland (NZL) 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada America’s Cup Match - Race Day 1 Spectator Boats

ON-WATER IN SARDINIA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you are planning on taking your boat on the water to watch the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Prelim Regatta in Sardinia from the 21-24 May, then please read this. It is everything you need to know in order to ensure your safety on the water, and the safety of others.

Remember, it is a long afternoon on the water. Racing starts at 15:00 CEST and is expected to conclude by 17:00 CEST. There will be three races per day on a tight racecourse. FULL DETAILS OF COURSES AND ON-WATER INFO HERE

Please read this and register your details in the link below. The registration will allow you to receive the morning briefing and plans of the day, weather forecast and any important safety and security messages. In this document and in the morning briefings, you will receive everything you need to know in order to enjoy your day watching racing, ensuring your safety and the safety of others. 

PLEASE REGISTER HERE

IMPORTANT: IF A BOAT APPEARS ON THE RACE COURSE IN THE WRONG PLACE (FOR EXAMPLE BOATS WITH NO FLAGS CANNOT GO INTO THE VIP FLAG AREA - SEE ON MAP FOR THER CORRECT VIEWING ZONES) THE MARSHALS WILL INVITE THEM TO MOVE TO THE CORRECT AREA - PLEASE ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MARSHAL INSTRUCTIONS SO THEY CAN KEEP EVERYONE SAFE.

© ACE | Studio Borlenghi

Except in an emergency, anchoring will not be permitted, which means that all spectator boats must be under engine, mobile at all times (never anchored) and remaining mobile in case they need to move, or a racecourse needs to change.

Please note that spectator boats without engines or a means of propulsion cannot join the on-water spectator boat fleet, for safety reasons – all spectator boats must carry and stand by on VHF radio channel 69 and be able to manoeuvre quickly and efficiently if instructed to do so by the ACE Marshals or maritime authorities on station.

It can be expected that alterations in the normal port procedures for the entry and exit of every port will occur.

Samo Vidic

Racing is due to start at 1500hrs* CEST on each day of racing (*subject to change). This will be confirmed each morning to all boat representatives. The racecourse and spectator boat zones will be set up before racing by Marshal boats / Marshals with 20 perimeter marks and this will be in place on a race day by 1230hrs CEST. 

The basic principle is that all spectator boats must go to their directed zone and stay outside the perimeter marks and follow any instructions issued by the ACE Marshals.

Perimeter marks will be identified by a number system so that spectator boats can easily identify the zone they need to go to and remain within. The zones will be organised by groups of boats as shown below:

  • YELLOW / NO-FLAG: All general boats
  • BLUE VIP FLAG: OFFICIAL TEAM BOATS AND EVENT SPONSOR BOATS
  • BLUE VIP FLAG: OFFICIAL TEAM BOATS AND EVENT SPONSOR BOATS

Flags for boats will be provided by ACE and instructions to collect will be advised in due course.

RULES ON THE WATER:

  • VHF radio and On-water WhatsApp Spectator to be carried by all spectator boats. Please listen on Channel 69.
  • Except in an emergency, anchoring will not be permitted. All spectator boats must be under engine with one (1) person in charge, mobile at all times (never anchored) and remaining mobile in case they need to move or change the race course.
  • Spectator boats without engines or a means of propulsion cannot join the on-water spectator boat fleet, for safety reasons.
  • Boats are not allowed to stop or spectate between racing area and the land. There will be a boat corridor between the boundary and beach marks which allows access for boats to the Port of Cagliari.

 Safety is most important for all people and boats:

  • Do not under any circumstances enter inside the perimeter marks.
  • Always follow the instructions of the AC38 Marshals and Police/Security Boats and Ports Authority instructions for harbour exit and entry.
  • Do not attempt to go close to the AC40 yachts at any time. 

NO DRONES ALLOWED:

  • Please note that it is a requirement that no drones / UAVs etc, of any shape, size or form be operated from any spectator, VIP vessel or land mass and flying into, through or around the racing area.
  • We advise all boats to have access to the internet and a mobile device to be able to follow live commentary.
  • It is a long day on the water: take plenty of food and water and prepare for spectator boat queues in/out of port.