AC34 accolades and ISAF updates—Sailing news from the U.S. and beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 28 Mar 2014 The 34th America’s Cup may have foiled its way into the history books, but there are still plums to be savored, namely mainstream recognition for the impressive broadcast work that was enjoyed by fans around the world. News recently broke that AC34’s media broadcasts have received five Emmy Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Live Sports Special. These new nominations follow the previous news of an Emmy Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement that the event received for AC LiveLine.

'When we started planning for the 34th America’s Cup in 2010, one of the initial priorities was to create an exciting television experience for viewers,' said Stan Honey, Director of Technology for AC34. 'These nominations from the media production of the America’s Cup in 2013 are a clear signal that the America’s Cup is now being recognized as a compelling television sport.'

Get the full story on these Emmy nominations, inside this issue, and stay tuned for news from the 35th Sports Emmy Awards, which are scheduled to take place in New York City on May 6th.

Meanwhile, anticipation and excitement continue to mount on the (near) eve of the Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía regatta (AKA the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Mallorca), which is set to take place in Palma de Mallorca from March 29 to April 5, and which will attract many of the world’s fastest Olympic-class sailors. Inside, get the full regatta preview, and be sure to stay tuned to the website as the racecourse action unfurls.

Speaking of ISAF Sailing World Cups, dates have now been announced for the 2014 Australian leg of the series. The ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne is now set to take place from December 7-14. 'We are very excited about this year's event as we have a strong focus on ensuring that we attract the best sailors in the world to Melbourne for the ISAF Sailing World Cup,' said Mark Turnbull, Event Director and a former 470 Olympic Gold medalist. 'As always, Melbourne hopes to provide first-class racing as well as a full program of onshore activities and events.'

And in Southern California, the racing action has been intense at the Farr 40 Midwinters (March 26-29), which are being hosted by the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club in San Pedro. According to reports, the 16-boat fleet got off to a rocking-good start in 16-18 knots of breeze.

'It was a great day on the water,' said Kevin McNeil, skipper of 'Nightshift'. 'It was really blowing out there so it was a challenge. It's all about preparation and crew work. We spent four days tuning up before the regatta and that made all the difference.' Get the full report from the Farr 40 Midwinters, inside this issue.

Also inside, get the full report from the Gazprom International Dragon European Championship, the BVI Spring Regatta, the MexORC Copa Corum and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

May the four winds blow you safely home,