So this was the weekend when it finally started, the America's Cup First Race was Saturday and I was there!!!
What a great day on the Bay! Perfect weather, actually a lot warmer than normal with no fog or clouds. The wind was lighter than normal but still good. I spent the afternoon on the pier which was the AC village and the finish line, lots of Kiwis around...
I was able to see the crew introductions and the Cup, plus some of the mega yachts parked at the dock. Oracle and NZ were there prior to the race for a good view and photos.
So many Kiwis around but we had some great conversations with a number of people and everyone was saying what a great day and venue it was. After all the hype and talk, it turned out to be a good spot to see the race and finish.
The one thing I will have to say is the cost of a drink. $14 for a beer!! We were spending $50 a round for drinks, $150 during the first race alone... Just crazy... We actually ended up walking a little down the pier and found a place that had drinks for half the price, but man it was expensive yet people were buying.
So for the race.. Those boats can really move! It is incredible to see then move at that speed. I never thought I would see a sail boat go so fast. The size makes it seem even more odd. They are so big that the perspective is hard to really see. You have to compare them to other boats to really get a sense of they true size and speed.
Of course you probably know if you follow the races that NZ won the first two races. Everyone said that these boats are so fast that they would never have a tacking duel, yet that is what they were doing. Classic match racing tactics, covering and forcing the boat to tack away.
Of course the other action was on the dock. Lots of people watching and looking at the Mega Yachts tied up. Athena, one of the largest private sail boats was there and it is hard to imagine someone owns that and it is just a toy to them. A really nice boat and I am sure it would be great in the Med, which is where it will be going I am sure once the race is over.
So I will add some more on the races and more photos, but I think it was worth the wait and the hype. It was fun and also free to watch, lots of great people to talk with and the Kiwis are always fun to hang around with. Cheers to everyone I met and to the race!
 |
| Skyline view |
 |
| More skyline |
 |
| NZ before the race |
 |
| Athena at the dock |
So this was the weekend when it finally started, the America's Cup First Race was Saturday and I was there!!!
What a great day on the Bay! Perfect weather, actually a lot warmer than normal with no fog or clouds. The wind was lighter than normal but still good. I spent the afternoon on the pier which was the AC village and the finish line, lots of Kiwis around...
I was able to see the crew introductions and the Cup, plus some of the mega yachts parked at the dock. Oracle and NZ were there prior to the race for a good view and photos.
So many Kiwis around but we had some great conversations with a number of people and everyone was saying what a great day and venue it was. After all the hype and talk, it turned out to be a good spot to see the race and finish.
The one thing I will have to say is the cost of a drink. $14 for a beer!! We were spending $50 a round for drinks, $150 during the first race alone... Just crazy... We actually ended up walking a little down the pier and found a place that had drinks for half the price, but man it was expensive yet people were buying.
So for the race.. Those boats can really move! It is incredible to see then move at that speed. I never thought I would see a sail boat go so fast. The size makes it seem even more odd. They are so big that the perspective is hard to really see. You have to compare them to other boats to really get a sense of they true size and speed.
Of course you probably know if you follow the races that NZ won the first two races. Everyone said that these boats are so fast that they would never have a tacking duel, yet that is what they were doing. Classic match racing tactics, covering and forcing the boat to tack away.
Of course the other action was on the dock. Lots of people watching and looking at the Mega Yachts tied up. Athena, one of the largest private sail boats was there and it is hard to imagine someone owns that and it is just a toy to them. A really nice boat and I am sure it would be great in the Med, which is where it will be going I am sure once the race is over.
So I will add some more on the races and more photos, but I think it was worth the wait and the hype. It was fun and also free to watch, lots of great people to talk with and the Kiwis are always fun to hang around with. Cheers to everyone I met and to the race!
 |
| A Wally... All Carbon Fiber |
 |
| The Cup of course |
 |
| Oracle flying |
 |
| After crew intro, Oracle guys walking off. |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.