2013 America’s Cup Brief

2013 America’s Cup Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Panasonic – Official Supplier of the 34th America’s Cup

June 14, 2013

Panasonic has become an Official Supplier of the 34th America’s Cup. Panasonic will enhance the on-site fan experience with five large LED video boards as well as 85 flat panel televisions. All of these will be placed throughout the America’s Cup Park and America’s Cup Village.

m5194_panasonic

“Creating dynamic and compelling video experiences is a hallmark of this America’s Cup,” said Petra Carran, Marketing Director for the America’s Cup. “Panasonic is the right choice to allow our fans to enjoy our television and video productions throughout the America’s Cup venues.”

“Fans now have the opportunity to watch the races in crisp, clear high definition, bringing the racing excitement even closer,” said Jim Doyle, President of Panasonic Eco Solutions North America. “The America’s Cup is a great fit for the Panasonic brand as the precision involved with such high caliber racing is well matched with the quality of the engineering behind our products.”

Fans of the America’s Cup can enjoy the action on screens and video walls from Panasonic spread throughout the public and hospitality areas at the America’s Cup Park, the America’s Cup Village and the America’s Cup Pavilion.

The America’s Cup will supply programming through the screens including live race coverage, social media, feature vignettes, partner programming, and venue updates and information.

America’s Cup 2013: Grandstand tickets for early race being refunded

June 11, 2013

The ticket holders are currently being refunded by the America’s Cup for races in the initial rounds of the Summer of Racing.

The Americas Cup in San Francisco

The Americas Cup in San Francisco

The decision follows confirmation last week by the Swedish challenger, Artemis Racing, of its intention to race in the Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series, once it is satisfied its second boat is ready for racing.

“This is the right thing to do for our fans who may be affected in the early rounds, before the racing hits full stride,” said America’s Cup CEO Stephen Barclay.

Last week, Artemis Racing CEO Paul Cayard described the challenge ahead for his team as a “mountain to climb” as it works through the steps to be in a position to race by the end of July, ahead of the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals.

Fans who purchased tickets for the initial races will be informed via email of the refund process. All tickets for racing in the initial rounds (July 5 – August 5) will be refunded. Tickets for the Louis Vuitton Cup semi finals will be refunded as well, with those currently holding tickets given priority access for re-booking once Artemis Racing confirms its racing schedule.

America’s Cup 2013: Artemis Racing preparing second AC72 yacht for competition

June 10, 2013

Artemis Racing states it is moving forward with its challenge for the America’s Cup. The team’s continuous presence had been in doubt, after a tragic capsize that led to the death of a crew member last month.

Artemis Racing aboard the AC72 yacht in April 2013, Alameda, USA © Sander van der Borch / Artemis Racing

Artemis Racing aboard the AC72 yacht, Alameda, USA, April 2013 © Sander van der Borch / Artemis Racing

The Swedish challenger has confirmed it is now preparing its second AC72, which will undergo a rigorous testing regime. When the sailing team is satisfied that the boat is ready to race, it will join the Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series.

“Artemis Racing’s decision to continue will inspire race fans,” said Stephen Barclay, the CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority. “I’m sure we’ll see massive support and goodwill for the Swedish team.”

Paul Cayard, the CEO of Artemis Racing, said: “We are working around-the-clock to get our new boat ready, in the water and to prepare our team to race. We still have a mountain to climb, but our plan is to launch our new boat in early July and get ourselves in a position where we can race by the end of the month.”

“Learning that Artemis Racing is focused on getting to the start line is truly great news,” Barclay said. “I don’t think we can expect them to be ready for the first races but I’m certain the America’s Cup community will support them in every way possible.”

Following confirmation from Artemis Racing that it intends to continue, Regatta Director Iain Murray has updated the schedule to reflect one of his Safety Recommendations developed after the capsize, in reducing the number of preliminary rounds to five from seven. This safety recommendation followed team feedback indicating more maintenance time between races was desirable.

The Summer of Racing kicks off with an opening ceremony on July 4, followed by a fleet race with the Defender and challengers on July 5. The first race day of the Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series, remains July 7.

America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta Owners Dinner to be hosted by Napa Valley

May 30, 2013

Boat International Media and the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta organizers are pleased to announce their partnership with Napa Valley, playing a host to the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta Owners Dinner. The event will be held at Far Niente winery, on September 11, 2013.

Napa Valley to host Americas Cup Superyacht Regatta Owners Dinner

Napa Valley to host America's Cup Superyacht Regatta Owners Dinner

The Napa Valley is proud to be the Official Wine Region of the 34th America’s Cup, sharing the elemental spirit of yachting’s most prestigious contest – a fundamental drive to achieve only the best result.

Founded in Oakville, California in 1885 and restored in 1979, Far Niente is consistently recognized as a benchmark producer of Napa Valley Chardonnay and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A dedication to winemaking in its highest form, paired with a focus on house style, vineyard ownership and social responsibility, has established Far Niente as one of the world’s great wine estates.

At the Owners Dinner, a collection of the region’s vintners will bring their best bottlings to complement a six-Michelin star dining experience provided by four of the area’s top restaurants: Restaurant Terra, Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, La Toque and The French Laundry.

Round trip transportation from San Francisco will be provided. Yacht owners are encouraged to make the most of their visit to Napa Valley and spend a quiet, restful night at one of the luxury hotels and resorts before returning the next day with plenty of time to freshen up for the America’s Cup Finals race #7, scheduled to begin at 1:10pm. Return transfers will be available for those owners who wish to return directly to San Francisco following the dinner.

Supplied by boatinternational.com

America’s Cup 2013: AC72 yachts resume training in San Francisco

May 24, 2013

Today, May 24, saw three America’s Cup teams return to training on San Francisco Bay, less than 10 hours after a no-sailing recommendation period expired.

Emirates Team New Zealand training again

Emirates Team New Zealand training again© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

For ORACLE TEAM USA and Luna Rossa, sailing again meant a return to their training programs on the Bay. For Emirates Team New Zealand it was their first sail on the Bay since arriving en masse as a team earlier this month.

ORACLE Team USA training again

ORACLE Team USA training again© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

Luna Rossa training again

Luna Rossa training again© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

AC72 yachts in the San Francisco Bay

AC72 yachts in the San Francisco Bay© ACEA 2013/ Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

Regatta Director presents his “2013 America’s Cup Regatta Director Recommendations”

May 24, 2013

In order to increase safety during the Summer of Racing at the 2013 America’s Cup, the 37 recommendations were issued yesterday, on May 23, 2013. These include the structural reviews of AC72 yachts and wings, a 10-knot lower wind limit (23 knots maximum) as well as enhanced sailor safety equipment.

Regatta Director - Ian Murray Photo credit ACEA/Guilain Grenier

Regatta Director - Ian Murray Photo credit ACEA/Guilain Grenier

Many of the recommendations are intended to increase the personal safety of the sailors and they include buoyancy aids, body armor, crew locator devices, hands-free breathing apparatus and high visibility helmets. Other recommendations are specific to the AC72 yachts, additional support equipment and race management.

Regatta Director Iain Murray, progressing the work of the Review Committee, presented his “2013 America’s Cup Regatta Director Recommendations” at a meeting with the four competing teams and the America’s Cup Event Authority on Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco.

For reasons of insurance and liability, the Review Committee stopped short of making its own recommendations. Regatta Director Iain Murray has formulated the specific safety recommendations.

These additional recommendations have been incorporated into the safety plan produced by the America’s Cup, which was forwarded to the U.S. Coast Guard today.

“Producing and implementing the safety plan is within the scope of the America’s Cup, as the sponsoring organization for this summer’s racing,” said Stephen Barclay, the CEO of the America’s Cup. “This America’s Cup safety plan is a necessary component of the permit application submitted to the Coast Guard for their consideration.”

The Regatta Director will now form a number of task forces to bring in experts to define additional technical recommendations for specific safety items such as protective gear for sailors.

Since its first meeting on May 16, the Review Committee has worked diligently interviewing 25 team members including team heads, skippers, designers, engineers, sailors and support boat operators.

“All four competing America’s Cup teams have cooperated in an open, helpful and constructive way,” Murray said, “and the Review Committee noted there is a clear desire on the part of the teams to ensure the safety of the America’s Cup as much as possible.”

“I want to thank the members of the Review Committee for their exceptional and efficient work,” Murray concluded.

Full 2013 order book for Southern Spars

May 23, 2013

The 2013 order book of Southern Spars is full of projects, including four America’s Cup AC72 wing sails, up to ten Volvo 65’ One Design rigs, multiple superyacht rigs, as well as a new era of Grand Prix racing rigs. All of these demonstrate that Southern Spars is leading the way with design, technology and manufacturing of composite spars and rigging.

One of the 2013 Southern Spars projects - WallyCento superyacht Magic Carpet 3 - Photo by J. Renedo

One of the 2013 Southern Spars projects - WallyCento superyacht Magic Carpet 3 - Photo by J. Renedo

“This year we’ve been busy producing the AC72 wings for Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge,” says Richard Lott, Southern Spars’ managing director. “At present, the Volvo 65’ One Design rigs and numerous superyacht projects ranging from 30 to 90 metres are moving through our Custom Projects facility in Auckland, New Zealand.”

Lott and Southern Spars director and co-founder Mark Hauser believe the yachting sector appears to have pushed through the hump of the global financial crisis. “It’s great to see the marine industry slowly recovering,” says Lott. “With the America’s Cup ramping up with a new era of racing in the exceptional AC72 foiling catamarans and the Volvo Ocean Race taking a new turn into One Design, we’ve seen grand prix racing teams coming back in full force as they gear up for the 2013/14 busy regatta calendar. There are exciting times ahead for Southern Spars and clients around the world.”

Hauser adds: “Southern Spars was founded on the backbone of this Grand Prix yacht racing with one of our first major projects resulting in Sir Peter Blake’s Steinlager II winning all six legs of the Whitbread Round the World Race – that’s a record yet to be trumped. Since then the team at Southern Spars has pursued a passion for excellence, building and supplying the world’s finest carbon spars and rigging.”

Other significant projects delivered by Southern Spars in 2013 include the recently-launched WallyCento superyacht Magic Carpet 3 and the Mills 72’ yacht Alegre.

Hauser says: “Both Magic Carpet 3 and Alegre sport the latest high performance technology from Southern Spars, with high modulus Thin Ply Technology (TPT) throughout. Both masts have all the bells and whistles from internal tangs through to the latest Top-Lok (locking mainsail car for square top sails), racing booms with nomex honey cone cores and EC6 carbon continuous rigging.”

Developed by Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design with the exterior styling and interiors by Wally, sailing yacht Magic Carpet 3 fully exploits the WallyCento box-rule to create a fast, seaworthy cruiser-racer that benefits from the latest performance technology while respecting the Wally spirit. Magic Carpet 3 is the second WallyCento be launched to date; Southern Spars also supplied the rig package for the 30m WallyCento superyacht Hamilton which won the first Superyacht Cup Cowes regatta after just five days of sailing since her launching in July 2012.

A stunning performance also marked the debut for Magic Carpet 3 – just two weeks after her launch, she competed in Gaastra Palmavela regatta (Mallorca, 1-5 May) out-matching competitors in all races in real time and crossing the finish lines between five and 20 minutes ahead of the closest competitor.

Magic Carpet 3 yacht’s owner and helmsman Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones commented: “I’m highly satisfied with the outcome of this ground-breaking project. Magic Carpet 3 is precisely what I wanted and expected her to be, totally fulfilling my goals and briefs – fast, beautiful, comfortable, technologically-advanced, and easy to sail.”

Presently, Andy Soriano’s brand-new sailing yacht Alegre is getting ready for her busy regatta season in Valencia, Spain. With her Southern Spars rig package stepped and tuned, the 72-footer, designed by Mark Mills and built at Longitud Cero, has successfully completed her maiden sea trials.

Alegre yacht’s owner’s representative Dave Williams comments: “We are very happy with the new Southern Spars rig and rigging package. It is exactly what we expected and the Southern team have done an excellent job.”

Hauser adds: “For the team at Southern Spars, it was great to get back into the mini maxi game after a little downturn in this market. We’re delighted to hear we have yet another happy customer.

“We are also pleased to announce that we have recently received orders from three of the world’s most high profile racing teams: Ichiban (newly-designed Carkeek 65’), superyacht Wild Oats XI and Loyal (ex-Speedboat).

“This year’s Sydney to Hobart will be one to watch, with all three going head-to-head with their newly-stepped, fully-specified Southern Spars rig and rigging packages.

“The positive feedback we have from Americas Cup teams, grand prix race teams and superyacht owners about why they choose to work with Southern Spars means a great deal to everyone in the company. We continually strive to be at the forefront of the world’s mast and rigging industry in terms of design, technology, manufacture, safety and performance.”

New Zealand Superyacht Day in San Francisco, September 7, 2013

May 23, 2013

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, in partnership with participating companies, Alloy Yachts, Events Clothing, Fitzroy Yachts, McMullen and Wing, as well as Southern Spars, are delighted to introduce the New Zealand Superyacht Day, to be held on the first day of the 2013 America’s Cup, September 7, in San Francisco. The event will provide a unique possibility to engage with and gain insights from the best yacht builders in the industry, comprising world-renowned superyacht designer, Ed Dubois of Dubois Yachts.

NZ Superyacht Day


Set against the stunning backdrop of San Francisco amidst the excitement of the 34th America’s Cup, US superyacht owners, owners representatives, captains and designers are invited to attend a unique one-day program demonstrating the innovative and award-winning New Zealand superyacht industry.

The day will begin with a breakfast featuring guest speaker Ed Dubois, among other leading superyacht regatta specialists,leading marine innovation experts, and demonstrations of the future of the New Zealand superyacht industry. Breakfast will be followed with the opportunity to watch the first day of the race on the water with a complementary kiwi craft beer tasting and barbeque.

America’s Cup 2013: Experts appointed to Review Committee

May 15, 2013

This summer’s events remain on track, as confirmed by America’s Cup organizers. In parallel with finishing the last arrangements for the America’s Cup, a highly experienced panel of sailing and safety at sea experts has been named and charged with reviewing the training as well as competing of AC72 yachts in the 2013 America’s Cup.

America's Cup Press Conference in San Francisco © ACEA Photo : Guilain GRENIER

America's Cup Press Conference in San Francisco © ACEA Photo : Guilain GRENIER

The Review Committee will make its recommendations following the loss of Artemis Racing crew member Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson (GBR) in a training accident on San Francisco Bay on Thursday of last week.

Members of the Committee have strong backgrounds in the sport at its highest levels as well as involvement in other reviews where an incident at sea has claimed the life of a competitor.

Iain Murray, the Regatta Director, will chair and lead the Review Committee comprised of:

•    Iain Murray (AUS, Chair)
•    Sally Lindsay Honey (USA, Deputy Chair)
•    John Craig (USA)
•    Chuck Hawley (USA)
•    Vincent Lauriot-Prévost (FRA)
•    Jim Farmer QC (NZL)

The U.S. Coast Guard supports this approach and will assist as appropriate. Lt. Jon Lane, with 26 years in the Coast Guard and 10 years experience as a marine casualty investigator will serve as liaison.

Tom Ehman, the Vice Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club (the America’s Cup Trustee), said, “The America’s Cup will go ahead this summer. We will see the world’s best sailors racing at the highest level on one of the most iconic race tracks in sport.”

With regard to the Review, Ehman added: “The Committee brings immense experience and expertise to this Review. At a meeting in San Francisco this morning, the teams expressed unanimous support for this Committee and this process.”

The Review Committee will report as soon as possible, given that racing starts in seven weeks.

America’s Cup Director tasked with running fact-finding mission

May 11, 2013

Set to work on a review into the circumstances surrounding the capsize of the Artemis Racing AC72 yacht on Thursday, America’s Cup Director Iain Murray says consultation with stakeholders is already underway.

Image credit to Artemis Racing/Sander van der Borch

Image credit to Artemis Racing/Sander van der Borch

On Tuesday, Murray has scheduled a formal meeting when all four teams competing in the Summer of Racing – ORACLE TEAM USA, Artemis Racing (SWE), Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA) – will be in San Francisco.

“The meeting with the teams is a crucial next step,” Murray said. “We need to establish an open flow of information to ensure this review meets its goals of fact-finding and putting us in a position to recommend changes, if necessary.”

One aspect of the review will involve study of all data that was captured at the time of the incident.

“Once we have the information, the basic facts, all the data, then we will be able to re-build the entire chain of events and start to assess why this incident resulted in a tragic loss of life,” he said.

On Saturday, Artemis Racing released a statement: Artemis Racing is in the process of conducting a thorough review and analysis of this week’s accident. As a part of this review, Artemis Racing is sharing and exchanging data and information with concurrent work being performed by America’s Cup and the San Francisco Police Department. Until this process is complete, any conclusions being made about the events that led to the boat’s capsizing and its tragic outcome are pure speculation. Out of respect for Bart’s memory and his family, we ask that the broader sailing community and others reserve judgment until all the facts are known, and not persist in unnecessary rumor. We again thank everyone for their continued support and thoughts during this difficult time.

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