Dream Marine Blog - America’s Cup – Who’s Stepping Up To the Plate?

America’s Cup – Who’s Stepping Up To the Plate?

Aug 23, 2010

George Clifford

America’s Cup news this week suggests that the regatta, which was expected to be held around San Francisco Bay, is now unlikely, due to the state of California being allegedly broke!

La Maddalena in Italy might now be the venue for next year’s start to the new challenge.

Apparently, to cater for the high-tech sailboats and their spectators, construction of shoreline facilities needs to be built, but economic considerations affecting the region are looking to be a key negative factor. Apparently, the city has six weeks to present a formal proposal to host the next series of yacht races.

The new "High Performance" yachts are both mono-hull, aiming for a crew of 13 - possibly with unlimited gennaker sail area and canting keels - and multi-hull classes, with a target crew of 11 and possibly a wing mast.

Acccording to the organisers, Golden Gate YC, the new boats of either design are intended to be much more physically demanding, but despite a canting keel using mechanical power, trimming sails would still rely on human effort.

GGYC states that the overall size of the new yachts has been scaled down from around 82 feet (26m) to 72 feet (22m), so still comfortably within custom yacht range.

Of course chartering a custom yacht like MMBW Nicole or Cookielicious, or the motor yachts, Aspire of London or Koko to attend as a spectator, is unlikely to be affected, wherever the event is finally held!