As morning dawns over the fleet of sailing superyachts taking part in the first ever America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta, co-organised by Boat International Media and the America’s Cup, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and expectation on the dock. Today is the final day of racing for the fleet, and there’s all to play for. The 55m yachts Adele and Adela are tied for first place after two races, and for the winner there’s a very special prize to collect.
The Boat International America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta Trophy will be awarded to the winning yacht, and it holds some special significance. Made by Garrard in 1872, the trophy is almost as old as the Auld Mug itself. ‘The intention is that it will become a perpetual trophy,’ explains Boat International Media’s CEO, Tony Harris. ‘It goes back to the winner and will be used for the superyacht regatta at the 35th America’s Cup, wherever that will be.’
Such a prize will be hard fought, and with the sun slowly burning off the clouds over San Francisco bay we can expect to see another gripping battle between Adele and Adela. The yacht America, also taking part in the Racing Class, will get the final race underway with her start at 1230 local time and will also be hoping to put in a good performance.
There are also three yachts taking part in the Exhibition Class today, with the 27.4m Claasen-built modern classic Kealoha starting first, followed by 24.4m Dynamique Coconut and the 30m CNB performance cruiser Chrisco.
The race committee has once again selected a custom course for today’s race, with the fleet heading over the start line to the first mark off the corner of the America’s Cup Park. The yachts will then track north to a mark to the east of Angel Island, before heading west to Sausalito, then back to the city waterfront before taking a dogleg out round Alcatraz and back to the finish off the America’s Cup Park. For the gathering crowd of spectators, the sight of these magnificent yachts engaging in close combat so close to shore against the iconic Bay backdrop will provide lasting memories.