America’s Cup World Series Plymouth Wraps Up After Action Packed Week

Pack-up started in the Race Village on Sunday night and continues throughout the week, with the cargo ship HR Constitution being loaded with the lifeblood of the America’s Cup World Series, including the AC45 race boats, 102 shipping containers, 20 support boats, and one of the cranes used to hoist the AC45s into the water. The ship is scheduled to depart Plymouth Sound on Sunday and to arrive in San Diego by October 24, approximately three weeks ahead of the first race day.
 
“Each time we cycle through the pack-up and unloading, we’re able to find efficiencies and improvements,” said Peter Ansell, director of on-shore operations. “Logistically, it’s a complex exercise, especially with the tight deadlines between venues. We plan to be up and running in San Diego by the end of October, and ready for the teams to go sailing by November 8.”
 
As in Plymouth, where officials estimate over 115,000 took in the race action from up on the Hoe, racing in San Diego will be tucked in close to shore, allowing for a ‘stadium sailing’ experience for the race crews and spectators alike.
 
“San Diego is going to be a fantastic place, a harbor laid out perfectly like Plymouth,” said ORACLE Racing skipper Russell Coutts, who won the America’s Cup in the Californian city in 1995. “When San Diego hosted the America’s Cup (1988, 1992, 1995), the racing was a long way out to sea. That won’t be the case this time. This is going to be a great event.”
 
Official practice racing is scheduled to begin November 12-13, with the San Diego Match Racing Championship running from November 16-19 and the climax event, the Fleet Racing Championship on Sunday November 20. The always exciting Speed Trials will be held on the first day of the Match Racing Championship as well as the final Sunday. Live coverage of racing will start on Wednesday November 16.
 
Heading into the AC World Series – San Diego, Emirates Team New Zealand is the leader in the combined overall standings after two World Series events. The Kiwis hold a four point lead over ORACLE Racing Spithill, with ORACLE Racing Coutts and Artemis Racing on equal points in the battle for the third podium slot. Following a strong performance in Plymouth, Team Korea is just two points further back.