The America's Cup in San Francisco?

by Lynn Fitzpatrick on 17 May 2007 As I write this, four challengers and the defender remain in contention for the America’s Cup and the bigger prize – the victor’s right, under the deed of gift, to determine the host city. The Cup could return to Valencia or Auckland, but it could move elsewhere in the Med or to San Francisco, though this dream may be fading.

The £ 100 Cup is worth untold fortunes to the next host city. Not only has it been a catalyst for development in Fremantle, San Diego, Auckland, and Valencia, it has spawned the conversion of underutilized port properties to thriving mixed-use waterfront communities that have survived long after the Auld Mug has moved on to another trophy case.

Fremantle was transformed from Australia’s western gateway for cargo and passenger ships and a beachfront town into a thriving tourist destination. It is complete with its Cappuccino Strip of outdoor cafes and Fishing Boat Harbour with an atmosphere 'similar to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf', according to some travel writers.

In 1988, 1992 and 1995 syndicate compounds sprouted up along San Diego’s waterfront to challenge Dennis Conner’s defending teams. An America’s Cup International Village, spectator boats and viewing barges off of Point Loma hosted thousands of Cup followers. Sailing fans could take in a variety of sights, cultural and recreational activities in and around San Diego when they visited.

When the Cup went down under for the second time, the Kiwis used its presence as a strategic marketing opportunity for tourism and the marine services industries.

The City of Sails’ Western Viaduct wharf, was a jumble of crumbling docks, old warehouses, boat sheds and berths for fishing boats, dating from the late 1920’s, and Sir Peter Blake succeeded in leading the private and public sector in creating a real hub for the America's Cup in Auckland.

Several hundred million dollars were spent to transform the area on the edge of Auckland into the first purpose-built village to support an America's Cup. Parts of the harbor were dredged, a waterfront esplanade was created and shops, restaurants, bars and cafés, commercial and residential buildings sprang up. The racing syndicates, corporate sponsors, the media and the public all came together in one venue.

The Cup, and the media attention that goes along with it, helped New Zealand let the rest of the world know how beautiful its north and south islands are. Tens of thousands of sailing enthusiasts visited the country to be part of the Cup scene and to tour Nature’s wonderland. Many stayed for weeks, if not months. A thriving Viaduct Basin and a flourishing tourism business has been the Cup’s lasting legacy to New Zealand.

Valencia will host more than another month of AC activity, but here are some of the facts so far – The waterfront has been revitalized. A 9,800-foot spectators’ 'balcony' has been built. An America’s Cup park and hospitality village was developed.

New parks, a man-made lake, a train station accommodating high-speed rail, new access roads, an extension to the airport’s runway and new hotels have contributed to the City’s metamorphosis.

The City spent nearly $250 million creating and renovating 60 attractions. It spent over $680 million on the marina and $330 million on a Palace of the Arts. Over two million visitors are expected this year. (The number pales in comparison to all of the eyes that are watching Valencia over all of the media outlets that are now available.)

As an American, I wonder what will happen in San Francisco if the Golden Gate Yacht Club’s BMW Oracle syndicate manges to come from behind and go on to win the America’s Cup. Will another Fisherman’s Wharf, another maritime museum, or another chocolate factory spring up along the Embarcadero? Will empty break bulk cargo facilities come to life with ground floor retail and commercial, hotel and residential towers above? Will Treasure Island hit the jackpot with the £100 Cup?

At the moment, hosting the America’s Cup does not really seem to be on the radar screen of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission nor the Port of San Francisco’s planning department, but I am sure that the public and the private sector, led by Larry Ellison, will capitalize on the opportunity and make the best of the media, tourism and development opportunities that our sport will bring to the community.