The Galley

Newport may be part of the two biggest sailboat racing events: Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 and 34th America’s Cup.

Volvo Ocean Race is an around the world race with several stop-overs in major cities.  Right now only the starting city, Alicante, Spain and the first stopover, Cape Town, South Africa have been confirmed.  Newport is in the running with Miami, Florida for the North American stop.  It would happen sometime in late spring 2011.

While Miami may have an edge in weather, Newport is clearly the better choice.  One element in our favor is the excellent group run by Brad Read of Sail Newport that put together the bid.  He is the brother of Kenny Read, the skipper of the Puma team from the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race.  The Puma office is up and running at the Newport Shipyard - just 2 floors above The Captain’s Concierge office.  We have no insight into their plans as the office is shrouded in secrecy.

A stopover in Newport would have a huge, positive impact on the City by the Sea.  The teams stay in port to recharge, regroup and repair.  They also hold in port races that  count toward the point totals.  The race village is designed for the public to visit and take in the spectacle.  To help build momentum there is a facebook group: Bring the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 North American Stop To Newport - we encourage you to join.  The announcement of the complete route and stopovers should happen before the end of March.

The 33rd America’s Cup was won on February 14th by BMW Oracle - the American team run by Larry Ellison.  Please check out our previous posting for more details.  This is pretty exciting as the Cup is now headed back to America.  But where is the big question creating all the buzz in Newport.  BMW Oracle sailed for the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) based in San Francisco which is where Larry started sailing.  This is one venue choice that he mentioned along with San Diego, California and Newport, RI where Cups have been sailed before.  He also mentioned Valencia, Spain where the last two Cups were held because the infrastructure is in place.  The infrastructure is key to a successful Cup and sponsorship.  This is one major change since the last time the America’s Cup was in Newport in 1983.

In addition to a long history of hosting the America’s Cup competitions, Newport would be a great venue for many reasons including much available land for developing a race village and easy access for many Europeans and Americans to attend.  Maybe the New York Yacht Club should get together a challenger team to help.  Hosting the America’s Cup would also help the struggling Rhode Island economy. To help build momentum there is a facebook group: Bring the 34th America’s Cup To Newport - we encourage you to join. It would be great to have the yachting scene happening in Newport in 2013.

Soundtrack to Post: Fast and Furious - VOLVO OCEAN RACE 2008/9 - Leg 1