If you’ve been sailing on the Solent during the early part of 2015 you may well have seen the Ben Ainslie Racing team going through their paces. The images below were taken by our crew and left everyone impressed by their speed and dedication.
All this preparation is building up to the big day in July when the America’s Cup circuit comes to Portsmouth. This has been made even more exciting following the cancellation of the America’s Cup World Series event in Cagliari, Italy (was 5-7th June 2015).
The cancellation means that the event off Southsea Common in Portsmouth will be the first of the America’s Cup World Series circuit 2015, and will add to the building excitement to an event which has already seen over 90,000 tickets booked.
The Ben Ainslie Racing team practicing for the America’s Cup
Everyone wants to witness the home team of Ben Ainslie Racing and the other world-class teams racing their flying (foiling) their AC45 race boats across the Solent, and if you want to join in here are some details:
Where to Watch the 2015 America’s Cup World Series
On land, there are two areas where you’ll find entertainment as well as catching the thrills of the racing.
Waterfront Festival Arena
This area is free, but if you want tickets they need to be pre-booked as there is a limit to places. There are promises of fun and entertainment for the whole family, the chance to see the sailors close up, food and drink, shopping and activities for all the family, displays and action on and off the water, and a great day out for everyone. Tickets available via Ticketmaster here
Fanzone Arena
With a grandstand and promises that you will get under the skin of America’s Cup World Series and be as close as possible to the skippers and sailors, the Fanzone is the place for you. There will be expert commentary about each team, food and drink and entertainment for all – this is the area for sailing fans and tickets have to be purchased. Find out more here
On the Water
Good news for sailors, people will be allowed to watch from the water. In the image below you can see the designated viewing area’s for boats whilst the event is taking place.
Where boats will be able to anchor to watch the America’s Cup World Series
"The area of water racing will take place in is amazingly close to shore but is within a commercial shipping channel and an area managed by the Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth (QHM). An exclusion zone will be created around the race course to ensure perfect racing conditions are delivered to the world class sailing teams, but also to ensure the safety of both the racing teams and the spectators – the teams will race in AC45s, foiling catamarans capable of speeds of up to 40 mph!"
You can see the full statement here and FCS will have an update about our on water plans closer to the event. If you are interested in viewing the race from one of our ships please get in contact and we’ll add you to the list.
AC45 at full Speed in the SolentAmerica’s Cup World Series Day Planner
Here is a brief summary of the events surrounding this historic occasion for the Solent region.
Thursday 23rd July
Opening of the main public race village opens. It will also show the official skippers presentation and press conference. There will be the parade of sail. In the evening, the official opening ceremony and entertainment will follow to mark the beginning of the America’s Cup World Series.
Friday 24th July
The participants of the cup will be out on the waters, familiarising themselves with the water conditions and the course. In the Historic Dockyard, a dock out show will take place. Race boats will parade out to the race course area. A special performance from the Red Arrows will also appear.
- 2:00pm – 3:30pm : All teams compete in two preview races before parading back to the team base area.
- 8:00pm – 10:00pm : The evening entertainment programme.
Saturday 25th July
- 11:00am – 12:30pm : There will be a docking out show, alongside water and onshore entertainment.
- 1:30pm- 3:00pm : The first race when all teams compete in two full races.
- 3:30pm – 4:00pm : Race boats parade back to Team Base area, race village closes.
- 8:00pm – 10:00pm : Evening entertainment.
Sunday 26th July: Super Sunday Race Day
- 1:00pm : Race boats parade out to race.
- 1:30pm – 3:00pm : Super Sunday race day – all teams compete in two high points counting full races.
- 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Race boats parade back to team base area.
- 5:00pm – 6:00pm : Main stage public prizegiving event and aerobatics display.
- 7:00pm : Village closes.
- 8:00pm – 10:00pm : Sunday evening gala reception event.
