America's Cup 33 - Inauguration day
by Jean Philippe Jobé on 8 Feb 2010
Alinghi 5 with sails been loaded on, nearly ready to go. Jean Philippe Jobé
Sail-World's correspondent JPJ reports on Inauguration day in Valencia:
Our day started with a short visit to the official AC exhibit showing more the historical aspects of the Cup.
Then we went to check about Alinghi 5 testing for the day. The Swiss catamaran left the Darsena at around midday and was back before sunset. The winds were lighter than yesterday, probably a taste of what is in for Monday. At one pm the official inauguration ceremony took place by the Veles and Vent building.
The only big decision was in reference of the start for the first race.
On the toss of a coin between the commodores of the Defender yacht club, Switzerland's Société Nautique de Genève, and the Challenger, the USA's Golden Gate Yacht Club BMW ORACLE Racing, the boat to enter the starting box for Race 1 with right of way, on Starboard tack, went to BMW ORACLE Racing's USA-17.
Both teams were presented and had a group of ten members on the stage. Then the Matterhorn was spun to reveal the Americas Cup. A huge display of daylight fireworks or firecrackers went on. Thousands of people were along the entry channel of the harbor to watch.
Later the Alinghi collection was presented in a fashion show sporting Swiss model and actress Emilie Boiron.
Before to end the day I was able to watch the Sailing Anarchy feed with… Richard Gladwell among other AC's specialists debating on rules, fairness and bets!
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