23 May America’s Cup returns to NYC
From 1870 to 1920, the America’s Cup was contested in the waters of New York Harbor. 96 years later, the Auld Mug returned to NYC. And New Yorkers welcomed the America’s Cup World Series with a triumphant roar. It was thrilling to see these space-age multihulls foiling on the Hudson River. And equally thrilling to see so many people turn out to witness the spectacle.
There are two old truisms about New York. “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere” definitely applied as some of the best sailors in the world struggled with the harbor’s shifty wind conditions and wicked current. And the fleet learned that “things can change in a New York minute” when they saw Emirates Team New Zealand get hung up on the pin at the race start, only to charge back from last place to win one of the races. In the end, ENTZ took the series, just edging out crowd favorite Oracle Team USA.
Crowds thronged the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the foiling machines, and spectator boats dotted the harbor. Helicopters buzzed overhead, and even the ferries altered course to make way for racing. Spectators enjoyed all the activities in the Race Village at Brookfield Place – especially the Dark ‘N Stormy bar sponsored by Goslings Rum, with it’s panoramic view of the harbor. All in all, it was a triumphant return to NYC for the America’s Cup, and a huge shot in the arm for the local sailing community. Hmmm, maybe a trip to Chicago is in order now…
Lower Manhattan’s Brookfield Place and North Cove Marina provided a fantastic setting for the America’s Cup Race Village.
Crowds thronged the waterfront to watch the America’s Cup NYC World Series races. Photo by Richard Pinto/ACEA
Day 1 of the America’s Cup NYC World Series saw very light winds, so spectators passed the time with a traditional sailor’s drink – the Dark ‘N Stormy.
Day 2 saw stronger winds and competitive racing. Photo by Seth Wenig/AP Photo.
Spectator boats dotted New York Harbor as boats raced against the spectacular NYC skyline. Photo by Sam Greenfield/ACEA
Day 2 saw stronger winds and competitive racing. Photo by Seth Wenig/AP Photo.
Oracle Team USA turned in solid performance, taking 2nd overall for the series.
The Race Village featured huge portraits of each of the skippers, including this one of Sir Ben Ainslie of Land Rover BAR.
Oracle Team USA take the stage to accept 2nd place honors at the America’s Cup World Series in NYC. Photo by Rob Tringali.
North Cove Marina welcomed the America’s Cup Race Village and J Class yachts in town for the event.