Wednesday in San Francisco dawned overcast but with the promise of the sun breaking through later in the day as a moderate but steady breeze blew across the bay. With flat water it would prove to be another perfect day for the fleet of sailing superyachts taking part in the America's Cup Superyacht Regatta, co-organised by Boat International Media and the America's Cup.
Five superyachts took to the water today, with three competing in the Racing Class and two taking part in the Exhibition Class. For the racers, it was America, as the slowest rated yacht, that got the day underway at 1230 with the 55 metre yachts Adela and Adele starting at four minute intervals afterwards. In the Exhibition Class, the 24.4m yacht Coconut was first underway, with the 30m CNB-built Chrisco the last over the line on a custom course that would take the yachts north to Angel Island, past infamous Alcatraz to Sausalito and back to the city waterfront for a spectacular finish in front of the crowds in the America's Cup Park.
The story of the day was undoubtedly the ding dong battle between Adela and Adele as they gradually compressed around the course in a direct follow on from Monday's thrilling race. When all was said and done, the order this time was reversed with Adela taking both line honours and the victory ahead of Adele and America. After two races, a third and a bullet for Adela and two seconds for Adele means that the friendly rivals are tied on points going into the third and final race, scheduled to take place on Friday, 13 September. If the racing is as close as the first two days, it should make for a thrilling finale to this spectacular event.
Tonight the owners and other VIP guests will be enjoying the hospitality, fine food and excellent wines of Napa Valley on a special gourmet tour to sample the magnificent fare that the region has to offer. Hosted at Far Niente – recognised as one of the world’s great wine estates – a collection of the region’s vintners will bring their best bottlings to compliment 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. It should prove to be an evening to remember.