Start making your plans now: In just a couple of weeks, San Diego will again play host the America’s Cup, this time to a half-dozen of the world fastest racing catamarans, with exciting race action right off the docks in San Diego Bay.
Racing on San Diego Bay starts in the harbor off Navy Pier (adjacent to the aircraft carrier Midway). While racing is scheduled to run throughout this period, peak racing days are expected to be Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12-13, and also the following weekend, Nov. 19-20.
There will be great opportunities for local sailors to come down and see this sailing event up close. There will be displays and interactive exhibits along Navy and Broadway piers, and special exhibits along adjacent Harbor Drive (many events and displays are free and open to the public). There also will be a spectator zone on San Diego’s Harbor Island, with viewing stands, displays and other events. Look for more details on event schedules, times and locations at americascup.com/en/Events/2011-2012-world-series/2011-san_diego-usa.
The AC website also includes details about the event, and even information about booking unique corporate events (i.e. VIP-only tents, premium access to racing and preferred spectating options) and about arranging for concierge services for your “Super Yacht” during the event.
Local hotels are offering premium packages during the events. For example, the Sheraton San Diego was advertising a $159 package deal that included a bayfront room and a bottle of wine (sheraton.sandiegohotel.com/Americas-cup.html).
Until the America’s Cup gets underway in San Francisco in 2012-13, this will probably be the closest local sailors get to seeing the Cup racing.
