September 4, 2011

Cats to visit Venice. Photo:©2011 Gilles Martin-Raget/americascup.com

As the America’s Cup teams enter their final week of training before the America’s Cup World Series Plymouth event begins September 10, event organizers unveiled another stop on the global circuit.  Venice, Italy and its famed waterways will play host the AC45 wing-sailed catamarans twice, with AC World Series stops May 12-20, 2012, and dates to be determined in April 2013.

Giorgio Orsoni, Mayor of Venice: “We are pleased to announce that Venice is preparing to host the America's Cup World Series -- a spectacular event of extraordinary charm that places the city at the highest level of international sport activities.  Venice is a cradle of sailing, it is inseparable from the sea that has guided this city though the history and to the successes it has achieved by today.  The America’s Cup, with its high-tech machines sailing in the historical environment of the art city, will present an extraordinary opportunity for Venice to reinforce its vocation and to shine, once again, on the international sports arena". 

The symbolic two-wing lion is proudly spreading its wings over the lagoon, the islands and mainland of Venice.

In 2012, the real action will heat up May 17-20, as teams compete for top honors in both match and fleeting racing championships as well as the overall winner-take-all title.  Similar to other AC World Series venues, Venice offers both great sailing conditions and proximity to the racing, allowing spectators to see the world’s top sailors compete just off the shore. 

Planning is underway for the racing area, and will include spectator access along numerous points on the waterfront, including the team bases in the Venetian Arsenal.  Dating back to the 1100s, Arsenale di Venezia was originally a shipyard and naval depot, providing a uniquely historic home base for the world’s top sailors throughout the event.

Richard Worth, Chairman, America’s Cup Event Authority: “We are excited to bring the AC World Series to Venice, the home of thousands of sailing enthusiasts in a country of millions.  The city’s dramatic and historic setting will be a spectacular juxtaposition to the high-octane AC45s, which will allow spectators within mere meters of the boats.  And we know that Venice will provide a world-class experience for those watching from shore.”

One of the most desirable travel destinations in the world, Venice will provide a beautiful backdrop to the new generation America’s Cup boats that will grace its waters.  A city steeped in a rich musical and artistic culture heritage, Venice will also be a perfect setting for the America’s Cup fan experience which features top local and international acts throughout the duration of the event.

The AC World Series features tight, short racecourses designed to deliver close racing for the fans on shore as well as the online and TV audiences.  The innovative regatta format includes a mix of speed trials, head-to-head match racing, and all-out fleet racing with identical AC45s on the line.  These events provide the fans the only opportunity to see all of the America’s Cup competitors racing together.

The forerunner to the next generation of America’s Cup boats, the AC45 wing-sailed catamaran is the official boat of the AC World Series.  While capable of closing speeds over 35 mph, the AC45 remains nimble enough to handle the tight, tactical race courses planned by America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM).

The 2011-2012 AC World Series kicked off in Cascais, Portugal this past August and is traveling to Plymouth, UK September 10-18.  The circuit will complete its 2011 stops in San Diego, California November 12-20.