Archiv für die Kategorie „America´s Cup“

Watching from ‘court side’ seats

Posted on 22 July 2011

Course Marshall Instructions for the America’s Cup World Series – Cascai have been released. These will be of interest to anyone wanting to get up close to the action on the water.

For fans of America’s Cup racing, the World Series events will provide an incredible opportunity to see the best sailors in the world plying their trade. Previous America’s Cup courses, due to their size, made it difficult for on the water observers to get close.

But with shorter races, and smaller race courses, the AC World Series events will change all that.

As in the past, spectator craft will be restricted from getting too close to the race course or start/finish area, so as not to interfere with the racing.

“The big difference with the AC45 catamarans compared to Cup boats in the past is the speed,” said Harold Bennett, Director of On-Water Operations. “When a race boat is moving at close to 30 knots (55kph, 35mph), there is no time to get out of the way, so we have to keep the spectator craft off the race course.”

However, just outside the race course area, spectator boats will be able to follow the action from ‘court side seats’. Security boats will be on hand to assist in keeping everybody in position.

The first day of racing in Cascais is Saturday August 6th.

The Course Marshall Instructions can be found here.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Blog/2011/7/Watching-from-court-side-seats/

Meet Michelin star chef José Avillez

Posted on 19 July 2011

The Estoril Coast is not only well known for its breath-taking landscapes, optimum sailing conditions and the hospitality of its people, but it is also a premium gastronomic destination. The mild climate and the riches of its seas have produced a culinary tradition based on a variety of natural products that includes some of the world’s finest wines and where fresh seafood delights are dominant.

Preparations are already underway in the kitchens at the Cascais Marina to welcome teams and guests to the America’s Cup World Series inaugural event, under the direction of Portuguese Michelin star chef José Avillez. He and his team will fulfil the athletes’ dietary needs during what is anticipated to be a demanding racing season accompanied by an activity-packed onshore visitor programme. Who better than a young, talented and cutting-edge chef to satisfy appetites during the opening stop of this new generation circuit?

A Cascais-native, José is regarded as one of the top references in Portuguese cuisine. Creative, rigorous and avant-guard in style, from 2008 to 2011 he was the Executive Chef of Tavares, the most prestigious Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon, where in less than a year he was awarded a Michelin star.

“My cuisine offers Portuguese flavours, vanguard techniques and inspiration. I have a passion for landscapes. People recognize my food by the way I translate landscapes that really inspire me into recipes. I cook with my soul,” says José.

For the first AC World Series, he is planning menus specifically suited for the event. Although we couldn’t take a sneak preview of his gourmet selection, the chef assured us that the catering will be fully adapted to race needs. “There will be different types of catering: brunch buffet, lunch, cocktail reception and on board catering. Considering the event and the weather, we’ll serve many cold dishes. I felt the catering should combine traditional and modern flavours. I love to use fish and shellfish from the Portuguese coast because I’m sure it’s one of the world’s best.”

José trained and worked internationally in the kitchens of the Monegasque chef Alain Ducasse, the only cook to hold 19 Michelin stars throughout his career, the Catalan Ferran Adrià, head chef of the world-renown restaurant El Bulli and pioneer of molecular gastronomy, and the French master Eric Frechon.

Long is the list of awards and acknowledgments José has received throughout his career: in 2005 he was awarded the “Chef D’Avenir” prize by the International Academy of Gastronomy and in 2009 “Chef of the Year” by the Portuguese Academy of Gastronomy. He was mentioned in the 100 Contemporary Chefs by Catalan chef Ferran Adrià in the book COCO, and was elected “Personality of the Year 2009 in Gastronomy” by the magazine WINE – A Essência do Vinho.

Leading a team of 70 staff, the challenge is exciting for José: “Being Portuguese it is an honor to know that the America’s Cup will take place in our country. I was born in Cascais so it will be an even greater privilege to serve this event in Cascais Marina. I’m sure it will be an extraordinary event. We are looking forward to serving the America’s Cup teams, guests and staff,” he said.

Find out more: http://www.joseavillez.pt/

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Features/2011/7/Behind-the-scenes-meet-Michelin-star-chef-Jose-Avillez/

NZ Prime Minister visits San Francisco

Posted on 21 July 2011

On a whistle stop tour of the United States, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key made a special stop through San Francisco to meet with some of the region’s top technology companies.

But before he hopped a plane to Washington DC to meet with President Obama, the Prime Minister made a visit to the location of the 34th America’s Cup – San Francisco Bay.

An atypical summer day greeted the New Zealand contingent, with not a wisp of fog in sight.

The Prime Minister chose to address the crowd with the Golden Gate Bridge as the back-drop, while the Junior Windsurfing Championship was getting underway behind him.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, ACEA CEO Craig Thompson and America’s Cup Organizing Committee Chair Mark Buell joined in the event, where the Prime Minister shared his excitement for the upcoming America’s Cup in San Francisco and his goal for Emirates Team New Zealand to win it back.

Mayor Lee was quick with a playful retort, declaring it John Key Day in San Francisco, but telling him that the Cup would be staying firmly in San Francisco.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Blog/2011/7/NZ-Prime-Minister-visits-San-Francisco/

French teams at the ready

Posted on 21 July 2011

There are two French teams chomping at the bit in Cascais, getting ready to sail their AC45s for the first time.

Photographer Gilles Martin-Raget captured Aleph and Energy Team as they prepare to launch their boats, and their campaigns for the 34th America’s Cup.

More images of Aleph can be found here.

More images of Energy Team can be found here.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Gallery/2011/7/French-teams-at-the-ready/

Energy Team flying

Posted on 21 July 2011

Loick Peyron’s Energy Team took to the water in its AC45 today, training for the first time ahead of the America’s Cup World Series – Cascais.

It was a windy day for a first sail for Energy Team, but that’s nothing new – most afternoons the wind is pushing well over 20 knots at the training base, making for a baptism by fire as one by one the teams take delivery of their AC45s and head out for first training sails.

But the Energy Team crew appeared to be comfortable immediately, no surprise given the collective experience the crew brings to the project.

The first day of sailing on Thursday was a two-stage process. in the morning, the shore crew assembled the giant wing sail, attaching it to the platform and lifting both into the water. Then the first test sail on flat water, but with gusty conditions. Later in the afternoon, a second sailing session, pushing the boat and the crew harder in stronger conditions.

“We were able to do everything today and I think we can be proud because handling these wing sails for the first time is not always easy,” said skipper Loïck Peyron, exhilarated after the day’s work. “Fortunately we are well supported here by the project teams and organization.”

“The key at first is to be safe,” Peyron says, noting the first AC World Series races in Cascais are just over two weeks away. “We must quickly master the power in the machine but still prevent breakage.”

On Friday, Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant, the sailmaker who usually works with the Peyron brothers arrives with a new gennaker in his luggage.

The Energy Team program over the next few days is simple – to sail and to learn. But look for the team to be on the water in the morning. By mid-afternoon, the wind conditions could make it difficult for follow Loïck’s ‘safety’ mantra.

More images can be found here.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Blog/2011/7/Energy-Team-flying/

Behind the scenes: meet Michelin star chef José Avillez

Posted on 19 July 2011

The Estoril Coast is not only well known for its breath-taking landscapes, optimum sailing conditions and the hospitality of its people, but it is also a premium gastronomic destination. The mild climate and the riches of its seas have produced a culinary tradition based on a variety of natural products that includes some of the world’s finest wines and where fresh seafood delights are dominant.

Preparations are already underway in the kitchens at the Cascais Marina to welcome teams and guests to the America’s Cup World Series inaugural event, under the direction of Portuguese Michelin star chef José Avillez. He and his team will fulfil the athletes’ dietary needs during what is anticipated to be a demanding racing season accompanied by an activity-packed onshore visitor programme. Who better than a young, talented and cutting-edge chef to satisfy appetites during the opening stop of this new generation circuit?

A Cascais-native, José is regarded as one of the top references in Portuguese cuisine. Creative, rigorous and avant-guard in style, from 2008 to 2011 he was the Executive Chef of Tavares, the most prestigious Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon, where in less than a year he was awarded a Michelin star.

“My cuisine offers Portuguese flavours, vanguard techniques and inspiration. I have a passion for landscapes. People recognize my food by the way I translate landscapes that really inspire me into recipes. I cook with my soul,” says José.

For the first AC World Series, he is planning menus specifically suited for the event. Although we couldn’t take a sneak preview of his gourmet selection, the chef assured us that the catering will be fully adapted to race needs. “There will be different types of catering: brunch buffet, lunch, cocktail reception and on board catering. Considering the event and the weather, we’ll serve many cold dishes. I felt the catering should combine traditional and modern flavours. I love to use fish and shellfish from the Portuguese coast because I’m sure it’s one of the world’s best.”

José trained and worked internationally in the kitchens of the Monegasque chef Alain Ducasse, the only cook to hold 19 Michelin stars throughout his career, the Catalan Ferran Adrià, head chef of the world-renown restaurant El Bulli and pioneer of molecular gastronomy, and the French master Eric Frechon.

Long is the list of awards and acknowledgments José has received throughout his career: in 2005 he was awarded the “Chef D’Avenir” prize by the International Academy of Gastronomy and in 2009 “Chef of the Year” by the Portuguese Academy of Gastronomy. He was mentioned in the 100 Contemporary Chefs by Catalan chef Ferran Adrià in the book COCO, and was elected “Personality of the Year 2009 in Gastronomy” by the magazine WINE – A Essência do Vinho.

Leading a team of 70 staff, the challenge is exciting for José: “Being Portuguese it is an honor to know that the America’s Cup will take place in our country. I was born in Cascais so it will be an even greater privilege to serve this event in Cascais Marina. I’m sure it will be an extraordinary event. We are looking forward to serving the America’s Cup teams, guests and staff,” he said.

Find out more: http://www.joseavillez.pt/

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Features/2011/7/Behind-the-scenes-meet-Michelin-star-chef-Jose-Avillez/

Countdown to ACWS – Plymouth

Posted on 18 July 2011

In less than two months’ time, the America’s Cup World Series (AC World Series) will land in Plymouth, England, a location known for its rich maritime history. The nine-day event will mark the second stop in the 2011-2012 America’s Cup World Series, a new professional circuit that is bringing America’s Cup level sailing to port cities around the globe.

With its world-famous Plymouth Hoe, the city is an ideal location to host the thousands of AC World Series spectators anticipated to watch the first racing of the America’s Cup World Series. Creating a live-action setting where fans can sit ringside is a key element of this new America’s Cup cycle.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Councillor Vivien Pengelly said: “The countdown to the fantastic Plymouth America’s Cup World Series is well and truly underway. The Council is working hard with its partners on the huge operation to organise the event and make sure the city is ready to offer the teams and visitors a wonderful experience. The World Series is going to bring racing to Plymouth Sound that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen before and there will be plenty of entertainment on the shore as well for the many thousands of people we expect will come to Plymouth for the exciting experience.”

Fans will be greeted by new boats, new formats and a whole new level of racing. Sailing on the new AC45 wing-sailed catamaran, the athletes will tested through both fleet and match races that put a premium on physical and mental strength. The highlight of the event is winner-takes-all, fleet race on Sunday September 18, where the teams will compete for the title of AC World Series Plymouth Champion, as well as the chance to put points on the board for an overall 2011-12 AC World Series win.

British sailor Ed Wright, a crew member for Green Comm Racing said: “To have the AC World Series come to Great Britain and bring the racing in Plymouth is a really special feeling. I love sailing in England and I enjoy the conditions we have here with the wind, the current, the tide, and so for me this is a great chance to put on a show in front of a home crowd.

British sailor Iain Percy of Artemis Racing said: “You can get four seasons in one day here. It’s a notoriously windy month, September, and that’s a nice part of the world to get those breezes. It’s quite flat water inside the breakwater, so I think that could be a good combination, where the boats are still manageable even though it might be quite windy. Real high speed stuff. One thing is for sure, over the course of a week we’ll get some variety, so there will almost certainly be some windy days.”

The AC World Series Plymouth will consist of four events over nine days: the Plymouth America’s Cup Open, the America’s Cup 500 Speed Trial, the America’s Cup Match Racing Championship and the America’s Cup World Series Plymouth Championship.

Plymouth AC Open – Held over the opening weekend, this fleet racing event will reveal what the teams are made of both in terms of tactical decision-making and pure speed. The opening weekend will feature up to four fleet races with 10 boats battling for supremacy.

AC 500 Speed Trial – On the opening Saturday, the teams will vie for the title of fastest boat through timed speed trials over a 500-metre course, pushing their wing-sailed AC45 catamarans to the limit.

Plymouth AC Match Race Championship – The third stage of the competition pits the teams in one-on-one clashes to earn a place in a final showdown on Saturday. Each day will consist of three, 20-minute fleet races to determine the top six teams, who then face off through three match races. Every day of racing produces a ranking of the full fleet. The results over the three days will determine the seeding order for the Match Race Championship.

On the final Saturday, the Match Race Championship will find the six best teams (as determined over the previous three days) battling through a Quarter Final, Semi-Final and Final to determine the Plymouth AC Match Race winner.

AC World Series Championship – This title is at stake on the final Sunday in a winner-takes-all fleet race, where all teams will have a shot at the title.

See the race format and schedule

At the end of the overall 2011-2012 AC World Series, the AC World Series Champion will be crowned based on the scores from each of the final Sunday fleet races.  In addition, an overall match race champion will be recognized based on the cumulative scores from each AC Match Race Championship.

Televised to expose millions more fans to the sport of high-performance sailing, the AC World Series is a regular circuit of regattas that will bring America’s Cup-level racing and experience to top international venues. At the end of each AC World Series season, a champion will be crowned. These events provide the fans the only opportunity to see all of the America’s Cup competitors racing together.

The AC World Series will be sailed in the AC45, the forerunner to the next generation of America’s Cup boats. Focused on creating more on-the-water excitement for both the teams and the fans, the AC45 wing-sailed catamaran was designed for both speed and close racing. While capable of closing speeds of over 30 mph, the AC45 remains nimble enough to handle the tight, tactical race courses planned by America’s Cup Race Management.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/News/2011/7/Countdown-to-ACWS---Plymouth/

Team Korea training

Posted on 18 July 2011

We go on board with Team Korea as they head out on their second training session on the AC45 on Monday.

More images can be found here.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Gallery/2011/7/Team-Korea-training/

Pulses racing ahead of Cascais

Posted on 17 July 2011

Artemis Racing is holding a training camp in Valencia in preparation for the America’s Cup World Series – Cascais.

On Sunday, team CEO Paul Cayard shared his thoughts, saying the AC45s are proving to be more physical than any Cup boat he’s every seen:

“The level of physical activity onboard is like nothing the America’s Cup has ever seen. The races last 30 minutes and the heart rate for most of the five man crew is over 150 bpm for that entire period with peaks of 175. They actually wear heart rate monitors so our team’s trainer, Pete Cunningham, can log their physical capabilities and stresses. Recovery from these races will be paramount and the coach boat comes alongside after the session with energy drinks and protein bars.  The crew eat “gel” throughout the day…”

Read the full report from Paul Cayard here.

And see a photo gallery here.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Blog/2011/7/Pulses-racing-ahead-of-Cascais/

A white tiger begins to prowl

Posted on 17 July 2011

Team Korea took to the water Saturday morning for its first ever sail, marking another milestone for the first Korean America’s Cup challenge.

“Today was really good, a bit puffy gusting 20 knots or so and there were a few holes around but mostly a really good first sail,” said skipper Chris Draper after returning to shore. “The most nervous part for me was actually getting off the dock, but once we were out there it was all awesome. So we are very happy.”

Team Korea’s AC45 was pushed out of its tent early Saturday morning near Cascais, revealing its spectacular and original livery, featuring a white tiger motif – the emblem of Team Korea – on both hulls.  

With the help of ACRM shore team, the platform was then launched and towed one mile down the Tago river to the temporary training base where the hull was put onshore again to receive its wing, a process closely followed by the other teams preparing their boats: Aleph, Team Energy and Venezia Challenge.

Team Korea was able to take to the water by mid-afternoon, becoming the first feam to start training on site in an AC45 before the America’s Cup World Series -Cascais.

Except for wing trimmer Troy Tindill, who has been part of the whole trial process of the AC45 for ACRM, the Team Korea crew were all rookies on the AC45, so as one would expect, they approached this initial testing session with caution in the gusty, puffy conditions. The team has more sessions scheduled in the coming days.

“Weather permitting, we will be out the next few days. I don’t know what point it’s going to howl, so we want to get as much sailing in as possible before it does,” Draper confirmed “Sunday looks alright, a bit breezy on some of the models but we definitely are still planning to go out… We need to get our hours up on the boat.”

According to photographer Gilles Martin-Raget, the Korean AC45 made for an impressive site on its maiden test sail.

“It was quite spectacular to watch this boat sail on one hull in front of colourful Lisbon City and its monument including the Belem Tower, the  Padrão dos Descobrimentos or the 25th paril bridge which looks very similar to the Golden Gate in San Francisco.”

See more images here.

Article source: http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/Blog/2011/7/A-white-tiger-begins-to-prowl/