America's Cup - New, extended tour taking in Semis, Finals and Match

by Sail-World.com on 1 Nov 2016 Top sailor and now travel agent, Gray Gibson is behind the Americas Cup Packages being offered by Mondo Travel of Takapuna.

In addition to the packages previously outlined in Sail-World Gray is offering an Escorted Tour for the 35th America's Cup.

He updates:

I had been looking at ways of putting together travel packages to Bermuda for the next Americas Cup for some time, it was not easy to find out much about the schedule until quite recently, and accommodation options were proving to be difficult to figure out. It turns out that most of the islands resorts have been allocated to one official supplier, and I’m pleased to announce that we have access to rooms in 12 resorts during the Cup in June next year.

Mondo Takapuna is able to offer several options to suit different timeframes and budgets, I have started by pricing the basics for both the challenger and cup series. The program looks really good with racing centered mainly on the weekends, and Super Yacht, J Class and the Americas Cup Youth series filling in weekdays. The large yachts with their sizeable crews and supporters are likely to put a premium on accommodation though.

Other than simply being able to supply the flights and accommodation, and sure some people will want to stop in New York, San Francisco, LA or Hawaii, I had been tossing around some ideas that might work for the sailing enthusiast. One place came to mind, Newport Rhode Island. This is the place where the oldest trophy in sporting history has spent most of its time being competed for.

So what could be better than starting the journey to next year’s Americas Cup there, soaking up all that history before witnessing the frenetic pace of the modern era? I got to work on putting a tour together. If we left Auckland just after midnight on Saturday the 3rd of June on Hawaiian Airlines then we would be touching down in New York early the same morning, we could be catching a train to Newport that would see us arriving early afternoon.

We will spend two nights there taking in the Herreshoff Museum and the Americas Cup Hall of Fame. There is an optional sail on an old 12 meter, and the chance to see some of Rhode Island’s Mansions, and the magnificent New York Yacht Club House. Travel back to New York with a night in Manhattan before departing on the two hour flight to the excitement of Bermuda, and the Challenger Semi Finals the next day.

The Tour spans 21 Days taking in the Challenger Semi Finals, and Finals as well as the first weekend of the Americas Cup (Races 1 to 4). There is a two night stop in Hawaii on the way home, you are back in time to follow the rest of the Cup on TV.

There is an option to stay another week in Bermuda.

More by clicking here and click here

The other packages offered by Mondo Travel for the 35th America's Cup include:

The countdown is on for the Americas Cup 2017 Bermuda From May 26 - June 27, 2017, Bermuda will host one of the biggest events in its long history: The 35th America's Cup, presented by Louis Vuitton.

Bermuda was chosen as the home of the 35th America's Cup for its temperate climate, near perfect year-round sailing conditions, optimal Atlantic location, time zone and rich sailing history stretching back four centuries. The setting for the America's Cup has never been so spectacular. The action takes place on Bermuda's Great Sound, a magnificent natural amphitheatre with a brilliant backdrop of islands and beaches. With a new event village being built in the South Basin of the Royal Naval Dockyard, the island will offer an unmatched experience for spectators from around the world

The 2017 America's Cup consists of an action-packed month of activity in May/June 2017. It begins with the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers and Challenger Playoffs, to determine the top challenging team. The winner will then face the defending champion, Oracle Team USA, in the America's Cup Match presented by Louis Vuitton, beginning on June 17.

Sound good? Here's what you need to know to start planning your Bermuda America's Cup adventure. Bermuda knows hospitality. Hotels here range from small boutique properties with 60 rooms to larger, luxury resort-style properties. Bermuda is just 21 square miles, so no matter where you end up, you won't be far from the excitement.

If you are going to be traveling elsewhere during the May-July period, and can divert/break your trip to take in a few days of the America's Cup, contact Mondo Travel who can arrange a suitable accommodation package and help with flights.

Where to Stay
The best way to experience the 35th America's Cup, presented by Louis Vuitton? Book an official travel package that includes accommodations, airport transfers, spectator boats, and memorabilia.
Bermuda America's Cup Packages offered include:

The Challenger Package: 5-night Accommodation (June 8th – 13th 2017)
• Return Flights Auckland to Bermuda
• Five night’s accommodation
• Round trip airport transfer
• Two days on official spectator boats watching the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Qualifiers
• Complimentary official America's Cup cap
• Cost from $4,885 per person

The Challenger Package: 7-night Accommodation (June 6th – 13th 2017)
• Return Flights Auckland to Bermuda
• Seven night’s accommodation
• Round trip airport transfer
• Three days on official spectator boats watching the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Play-Offs
• Complimentary official America's Cup cap
• Cost from $5,995 per person

For more click here

The Finals Package: 5-night Accommodation (June 15th – 20th 2017)
• Return Flights Auckland to Bermuda
• Five night’s accommodation
• Round trip airport transfer
• Two days on official spectator boats watching the America's Cup Match presented by Louis Vuitton
• Complimentary official America's Cup cap
• Cost from $5,385 per person

The Finals Package: 7-night Accommodation (June 20th – 27th 2017)
• Return Flights Auckland to Bermuda
• Five night’s accommodation
• Round trip airport transfer
• Two days on official spectator boats watching the America's Cup Match presented by Louis Vuitton
• Complimentary official America's Cup cap
• Cost from $6,395 per person

For more click here

Package price includes hotel tax of 11.75% and gratuity. Resort fee payable locally. Return Economy flights from Auckland to Bermuda. Prices based on two people sharing a room.

Take a look at a map of the world. Notice anything? Bermuda is pretty much right in the middle. That means that it'll be easy to get here for the big event. *Subject to Availability and Airline Pricing on the dates. Add on stopovers in the USA. Based on pricing at the Coco Reef Resort, other options are available.

What Else is Happening
When to come depends on what (and how much) you want to see.
May 26 - June 5: Louis Vuitton's America's Cup Qualifiers Round Robin Race Period
June 1-5: Rendezvous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, RDV2017
June 7-12: Louis Vuitton's America's Cup Challenger Series
June 13-14,19: Superyacht Regatta
June 15-16: J Class Regatta
June 16: Marion Bermuda Race
June 17-18: America's Cup Match, presented by Louis Vuitton
June 21-22: Red Bull Youth America's Cup
Added Bonus: The Carnival-style Bermuda Heroes Weekend, one of the island's most popular cultural celebrations, takes place June 16-19, 2017, with a large 'raft-up' party, live entertainment and various events such as the J'Ouvert party where bands and guests dance throughout the streets.
Check out the America's Cup provisional schedule.

Packages can be tailored to suit your dates with a range of accommodation, flight, and stopover option available. Please get in touch with me at Mondo Takapuna to discuss.

*Information courtesy of Discovering BermudaBlog

About Mondo Travel Takapuna - www.mondotakapuna.nz

Located in the seaside community of Takapuna, Mondo is your all-purpose travel provider specializing in sports and sailing event. Owner Gray Gibson has competed in Olympic and International Classes over many years and has a wealth of knowledge on the competitive as well as the technical side of the sport.