Community Corner
Today's Your Last Chance to See America's Cup — New Zealand Leading
Here's how to watch the America's Cup action on the final day of racing in San Francisco.
Bay City News Service and Patch Staff — Just as the America's Cup Finals appeared to be winding down in San Francisco, the winds died down and allowed Oracle Team USA to extend the competition for at least one more day.
The New Zealand team still leads the America's Cup Finals 8-3 and can win the Cup when racing resumes at 1:15 p.m. today. A second race, if necessary, will begin at 2:15 p.m.
For the first time in the 162-year history of the America’s Cup, the racing, staged entirely within the confines of San Francisco Bay, takes place close to shore, and that means you can catch some of the action without being on the water.
Even if you're not a huge sailing buff, there's a ton of action and entertainment at the America's Cup Park at Piers 27/29:
- The Louis Vuitton Cup Store, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the partnership with the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup.
- The PUMA YARD, housing the official America’s Cup and ORACLE TEAM USA stores. The ground-level store is open daily and upstairs is the PUMA YARD bar.
- Some of the finest superyachts in the world will berth at the America’s Cup Park. A fleet of 13 yachts ranging in size from 85 feet to 300 feet will be berthed off the eastern seawall, with the first arriving in July and more coming over the course of the summer. Many of them are entered in the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta. Racing is scheduled September 9, 11, and 13, on the off days of the America’s Cup Finals.
- The Flying on Water exhibition is an interactive and educational experience covering topics such as the history of the America’s Cup, the technology behind yacht design, and a virtual cinema where you can experience what it’s like to race aboard a flying, foiling AC72.
- The Kids’ Zone will appeal to families with children, and features a grinding challenge, photo opportunities and face painting, among other activities.
- Merchandise shops, including the 34th America’s Cup Park Store, offer fans their favorite team and event clothing, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of food and beverage options, including the Napa Valley Wine Lounge, the Nespresso Café, and a beer garden.
Oracle survived the day by easily beating the Kiwi team in the afternoon's second race. Team USA supporters waved flags, cheered, and chanted "USA" as the 72-foot catamaran crossed the finish line near Pier 27/29 where hundreds watched at America's Cup Park.
Richmond resident Don Ross ran across the pier carrying an American flag on a long pole. "We're back in this to win it," he said. Janet Mason, of Pleasant Hill, had wrapped a New Zealand flag around her shoulders to support her boyfriend's native country and was dismayed by the lost opportunity to claim the Cup.
"It's disappointing for them," she said. "Although it's part of the thrill." She was optimistic about the Kiwis' chances Saturday. "They've done a great job," she said. "They seem to be handling the competition in a sportsmanlike way."
The first team to nine points in the finals wins the America's Cup.
Tony and Maria Giannotti arrived in San Francisco Tuesday from Wellington, New Zealand, on a whim. They decided on Monday it was worth the trip halfway across the world to see their home team in action and booked a plane ticket.
Tony Giannotti said everyone back at home has been watching the races and now his friends and family are envious of the couple that is now seeing it live.
San Francisco resident Barry Jones said watching the races has "been a great party." He said he was "delighted by all the people coming into the city," and noted the friendliness of New Zealand visitors.
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