Following a successful America’s Cup World Series in Plymouth, the America’s Cup trophy is in Monaco this week to be part of three events during the Monaco Yacht Show. The stunning backdrop of Monte Carlo is the setting for Superyacht owners, captains, brokers, designers, media and other industry leaders during the annual yacht show.
America's Cup Dazzles in Monaco - Photo Credit Franck Terlin
Iain Murray, Regatta Director for the 34th America’s Cup, Craig Thompson, CEO America’s Cup Event Authority and Paul Cayard, CEO Artemis Racing headlined an America’s Cup presentation last night at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Golden Gate Yacht Club’s Vice Commodore Tom Ehman was the Master of Ceremonies for the full house of almost 200 persons. China Team CEO Thierry Barot was on hand for the America’s Cup program.
The America’s Cup was also in focus at this morning’s Southern Spars breakfast and will be displayed at the Fraser Yachts captains’ dinner at the Yacht Club de Monaco this evening.
Southern Spars through North Technology Group (NTG) is part of America’ Cup Race Management’s shared design program developing a baseline AC72 design for America’s Cup teams. NTG is developing wing technology for ACRM.
America's Cup Dazzles at Monaco Yacht Show - Photo Credit Franck Terlin
The dockside buzz focused on the recent AC World Series in Plymouth and the exciting racing there and the ongoing transformation of the America’s Cup. The dramatic images of the international AC45 fleet pushing the limits — all within shouting distance of the over 100,000 fans who lined the Plymouth waterfront – had the audience here enthralled.
“This is stadium sailing,” said Thompson. “Jimmy Spithill told me for the first time in his life he heard the roar of the crowd when racing.” Spithill had a remarkable near-capsize in front of the crowds lining the Plymouth’s Hoe and the crowd’s reaction could be heard on the race course.
Cayard noted the new challenge for the sailors with the fast and physical wing-sailed catamarans. “It’s a big challenge for all the teams to change their skill sets. With the wing, it’s a whole new thing.”
With the goal of a television product that will cover the sport from the inside out, the America’s Cup is being delivered to new audiences. China Team’s Barot said China is new to sailing and new fans are getting on board as more and more of the dramatic racing images are seen in China.
“What’s happening today is a dream for all of us for the last 30 years and now the dream is happening.”
The next stop for the America’s Cup World Series is San Diego, where racing runs November 12-20
