35th America's Cup and AC Tour host announced

by Tucker Thompson on 1 Jul 2015 “TV and Public Host of the 35th America’s Cup!” As a sailing TV announcer, when the America’s Cup gives you that title you’ve arrived. That’s exactly Tucker Thompson’s new role. For the next two years he’ll host all public delivery of the event from live TV, to press conferences, public events, video features, and perhaps most importantly he’ll host the AC Tour delivering live, multi-media presentations at yacht clubs and other venues around the world.

After 1,400 sailing shows and three America’s Cups it should come as no surprise that Thompson, now 41, is in the position he is. “I certainly know Russell (Coutts), but I did not know what he thought of my abilities,” Thompson said. “I was extremely honored and flattered when he reached out. I live and breathe this event. Covering the America’s Cup is what I am made for!”

Thompson, a champion sailor, got into international match racing while still competing in college sailing. After graduating, he raced professionally and was picked up to sail with America True in the 2000 America’s Cup trials. From there a career in sailing shifted to one covering the sport. He and then partner, Bruce Nairn, started T2P.TV and after almost 15 years and two more America’s Cups as an announcer with longtime friend Andy Green Thompson now sits in the lead role.

“These are very interesting and exciting times for the America’s Cup,” says Thompson, referring to the sweeping changes that have recently revolutionized the event. “The America’s Cup has always been at the forefront of technology and design in yacht racing, and pushing the envelope of what’s possible is nothing new. It’s what the America’s Cup is all about!” An event with bloodlines that have evolved from Schooners and J Boats to 12 Metres and IACC boats is now contested in wing-sailed, hydrofoiling catamarans that fly above the water as speeds over 50mph. And for the first time the US defender, Oracle Team USA, has elected to sail the event not in home waters but in the tropical island of Bermuda.

Worldwide TV coverage of the first America’s Cup World Series event begins July 25th, but the AC Tour has already begun with groups signing up fast. The tour will stop at major worldwide sailing venues as well as yacht clubs across the US and at times will include the America’s Cup trophy itself. A replica of the yacht America, the schooner that started it all back in 1851, will embark on its own Tour making stops along the western, and eastern seaboards of the US and throughout the Caribbean before traveling to Bermuda with Thompson aboard. The two are available independently or as a package. “I am a lifelong fan of both the America’s Cup and the yacht America,” said Thompson. “I can’t imagine a perfect complement to the Tour than for sailing fans to have the ability to sail aboard the yacht by day and celebrate the event at night.”

With Thompson’s enthusiasm and experience and the excitement of short course racing on flying catamarans at breakneck speeds the 35th America’s Cup is set to be one of the most exciting editions yet. And whether you hear about it at your yacht club, watch it on TV, or travel Bermuda to experience it yourself you’re sure to hear the words of Thompson delivering every heart-pounding moment of the event and fulfilling a dream!

For more on the America’s Cup or the America’s Cup Tour visit the website or contact official.tour@americascup.com