Thursday, August 30, 2012

America’s Cup Trials

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Ever see a dozen catamarans all racing at over 20 knots, powered by nothing but the wind and current? Do you like watching the best athletes in a given sport perform before crowds of tens of thousands of spectators? Best yet, the whole thing is free to watch.

Last weekend, I went out to Marina Greens alongside San Francisco Bay and watched the America’s Cup trials in sailing. The best sailors in the world from countries such as Britain, New Zealand, Sweden, Italy, Korea, China, and America all compete in high-speed sail regattas as they jockey for qualifying positions in next year's big cup race on San Francisco Bay. Needless to say, observing these sailors in action was a thrill for amateur sailors like my Dad and myself, and some of the crew sailed so close to shore that half the time I didn’t need binoculars to see their faces.

If you happen to be in this neck of the woods any time in the next year, you definitely have to catch a race or two of this worldwide event. You can learn more about the AC Trials and Events here. Root for your favorite team…but I’ll of course be cheering for the American favorites, the Golden Gate Yacht Club.    


8 comments:

  1. I'm on the wrong side of the country. Bet that was an amazing sight though.

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  2. Hello Mark:
    This all sounds to have been most exciting. Seeing these ships in full sail must certainly have been a great sight and, with the backdrop of San Francisco Bay, just wonderful.

    The closest we have been to anything similar is watching the ships sailing in the Solent during Cowes Week. But, the Isle of Wight we have to admit cannot rival The Bay!!!

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  3. What a sight that would be! I'd love to see it someday.

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  4. Very cool. I'm actually terrified of the ocean and wouldn't dream of going out on one of those catamarans. No, no, no. But I would be content to watch from the shore. Seeing that many out on the ocean racing would be a thrill.

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  5. Sounds like it would be really amazing to watch!

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  6. What a fun sight! I'm always impressed with what people can do on the water--I watched people windsurfing in Turnagain Arm here in Alaska this summer. That water's darn cold!

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  7. That would have been a wonderful sight, Mark. You sure are a man of many talents.

    Have messaged you on FB. Feel free to send me your new chapters.

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  8. That looks super cool. I can appreciate it from afar ;)

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