TweetEmail TweetEmailGreat news for the South West and UK sailing fans, as it was recently announced in the press last month that Plymouth, Devon has been chosen as one of the locations for the 2011 America’s Cup. The 34th America’s Cup World Series will see fifteen teams from 12 countries across the world competing in […]
Great news for the South West and UK sailing fans, as it was recently announced in the press last month that Plymouth, Devon has been chosen as one of the locations for the 2011 America’s Cup.
The 34th America’s Cup World Series will see fifteen teams from 12 countries across the world competing in the event. The America’s Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America’s Cup and is a test of sailing skill, boat and sail design, as well as fund-raising and management skills. Plymouth is set to host the second round of the series in September 2011. The other two stages of the event will be held in Portugal and San Diego, USA.
The America’s Cup, was originally awarded in 1851 by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a race around the Isle of Wight which was won by the schooner ‘America’ making the cup the oldest trophy in international sport. The trophy was renamed the America’s Cup after the boat was donated to the New York Yacht Club.
The Cup not only attracts the world’s top sailors and yacht designers but also the involvement of wealthy entrepreneurs and sponsors due to the history and prestige associated with the America’s Cup. Understandably the announcement has generated much excitement in the region with many businesses set to profit from the event. Plymouth hosting the second leg of the America’s Cup is fantastic global promotion for the South West and its economy.
Dates for your diary:
6-14th August 2011 – Stage 1, Portugal
The Portuguese town of Cascais will stage the first event
10-18th September 2011- Stage 2, Plymouth, UK
The city of Plymouth, UK will host the second stage
October – December 2011 – Stage 3, San Diego, USA
The final leg of the qualifying event is due to be held in San Diego, California
Useful links:
Well done to Plymouth and its organisers!
