America's Cup: AC75 used as a high diving platform at Alinghi Red Bull Racing base opening
by Alinghi Red Bull Racing 22 Sep 2023 23:23 NZST
Celia Fernandez and Rhiannan Iffland perform during Alinghi Red Bull Racing base opening in Barcelona, Spain, on September 21, 2023 © Olaf Pignataro, Alinghi Red Bull Racing
The new Alinghi Red Bull Racing home opened its doors to the public on Thursday for the first time with a busy schedule of events and activities to mark the special occasion.
The team headquarters are designed to support all the key functions of its America’s Cup campaign and is located with easy access to sailing in Barcelona’s Port Vell.
Fans and public visitors were welcomed at the brand new Alinghi Red Bull Racing team headquarters on Thursday in Barcelona’s Port Vell harbour for the official “Base Opening” celebration. Thousands of on-lookers streamed in to enjoy music, live shows, check-out the race boats up-close and have the chance to meet the sailors of Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
“It was such an incredible atmosphere for the official base opening on Thursday afternoon,” said sailor Nils Theuninck, power group. “To see the interest and passion from the local public really demonstrates how big the America’s Cup is going to be next year and motivates me even further as a crew member to push myself each and every day to put on the best performance out on the water.”
The modern purpose-built facility is at Plaça de l'Odissea between the Aquàrium Barcelona and the Maremagnum shopping center. The new base houses all team operations under one roof including the boat shed, designers, sailing team, shore crew, hospitality, training facilities and support staff offices.
"The America's Cup is a challenge – not just as a sporting event and a technology competition – it is also one around building a team from zero, especially for us as a new entry," said Silvio Arrivabene, Co-General Manager. “To do this most efficiently and productively, having a team base like this is absolutely crucial.”
While taking selfies of the AC40s and BoatZero was especially popular with fans, the chance to meet in person with the sailing crew of Alinghi Red Bull Racing was a highlight for many. Team members spoke with visitors throughout the afternoon about their passion and allure for the America’s Cup. For others, the spectacle of the Red Bull cliff divers with the team base and port of Barcelona as a backdrop was the perfect photo-op from the event.
With the first Preliminary Regatta in the rear-view mirror and the official “Base Opening” having now taken place, Alinghi Red Bull Racing will return its focus back to testing and training mode as it looks ahead to the second America’s Cup competition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia towards the end of November.
As part of the day’s special Base Opening, the team has unveiled images of the design to the media and broader public bringing everyone inside for a closer look at the Alinghi Red Bull Racing headquarters that will be buzzing with energy and excitement practically around the clock over the next year.