It's been a mere twenty-one years since the America's Cup graced Newport with its presence. In June the cup will make a return performance, although this time the Cup itself won't be the object of contention. The Cup will be on display in Newport, but the competition will be for the UBS Trophy. Team Alinghi, winners of the 2003 America's Cup, and ORACLE BMW Racing will compete in a seven day series of match races hosted by Team Alinghi and sponsored by UBS, with other sponsors including Nespresso and San Pellegrino. The regatta will be managed by the Rhode Island Sailing Foundation (RISF), a new not-for-profit group of volunteers, dedicated to bringing major sailing events to Rhode Island waters. The Chairman of the RISF, Dr. Robin Wallace, a leader of Newport sailing activities, has far reaching ties to the America’s Cup that weren't severed when the Cup left town so many years ago.
Swiss Team Alinghi, owned by Ernesto Bertarelli will be led by world-renown sailors including Russell Coutts, Jochen Schumann, Brad Butterworth and Peter Holmberg. The team from San Francisco, ORACLE BMW Racing, owned by billionaire Larry Ellison and led by Kiwi Chris Dixon will rise to the challenge. Both boats will be berthed at Newport Shipyard starting in early June and their respective shore crews will be hard at work readying their boats for competition.
The regatta runs from June 20-26, and includes both a Pro Series and an Owner-Driver Series. Racing will be held on short courses close to shore to give spectators the best possible opportunity to view the action. The America's Cup boats are majestic. Their huge sails will power them up and down the tight courses between Goat Island, Rose Island, Fort Adams and Castle Hill Lighthouse. The performance and speeds of these state-of-the-art racing machines will dazzle one and all. Look for SUI-64 (Team Alinghi) and USA-76 (ORACLE BMW Racing) as they fly around the courses set in Narragansett Bay.
Fort Adams is a great place to base one's self for this memorable event. Expert commentary broadcast live will bring even the most confirmed landlubber up to speed. Watching the races from Fort Adams just may provide a better view than out on the water itself. In most conditions the boats will be in head-to-head competition less than a stone's throw away. Good land viewing is not restricted to Newport, however. Fort Wetherill State Park and Beavertail Lighthouse on Conanicut Island (Jamestown) will provide a good base, as well.
If you choose to view from the water in your own vessel, become familiar with the restricted areas, the enforced speed limits, and all of the safety precautions that will be in effect. Please consult event information sheets available at marinas, from harbormasters, at yacht clubs and from the regatta patrol to be up to date with the on-the-water procedures for watching the racing. Additionally, boaters can monitor VHF Ch 79 for new information. You may prefer to take advantage of the local spectator boats available for charter or on a "per seat" basis. The charter captains will be familiar with the rules-of-the-road and you can relax and enjoy your day on the water. A walk up and down the Newport waterfront, including Bowen's and Bannister's Wharfs, or along Goat Island should provide you with information on schedules and fares.
All of Newport looks forward to the return of this very special competition. The America's Cup helped secure Newport's prominence in the world sailboat racing circles and the decision to return here was helped greatly by Governor Donald Carcieri and the Rhode Island Economic Development Council. This exciting event reinforces what local sailors already know - Newport, Rhode Island is truly one of the best places to sail in the world.
- by Peggy Comfort
© 2004 Newport Harbor Guide. All rights reserved.