Americas Cup in Valencia
Valencia Port and Marina is now regarded as the biggest sporting marina in Europe with its 600 berths thanks to the regeneration programme put into place for the Americas Cup back in 2007. Situated right along side the “Malvarrosa” beach with its beautiful promenade, restaurants, bars and clubs it offers locals and tourist alike the perfect leisure experience.
The 32nd Americas Cup was heralded as the largest, most open and widely accessible Americas Cup in 156 years of history, with over 6 million people having visited its venues and television coverage reaching 4 billion viewers.
“I think all of us can be proud of what has been achieved here in Valencia over the last four years,” said Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of AC Management, the event organiser.
And to top it all the result was the closest America’s Cup in recent history, the best example of which was the America’s Cup Match itself, numerous lead changes and a final race decided by just one second.
The purpose built venue in Valencia –
Port America’s Cup – meant the public had a closer relationship with the America’s Cup than ever before and has attracted top tier, international sponsors, both to the event and to the teams.
The selection process which saw Valencia elected as the best venue for the first America’s Cup in Europe saw the creation of Port America’s Cup – the biggest and most modern sailing venue in Europe. But its not all on the water, an award-winning landmark building in the Veles e Vents facility and the Americas Cup Park including 23 restaurants, bars, cafés and a concert arena, plus over 30 interactive areas, three historical exhibitions and three ‘giant screen’ areas were put into place during the event in 2007.
The holders
Alinghi won, retaining the cup for a 2nd year, so what next for the 33rd Americas Cup?
Well without getting my blood boiled and entering into too much politics… the American team –
BMW Oracle, following their inability to win on the water have been dragging the competition through the New York courts and into dispute, somehow managing to win the right to race a 1 on 1 against Alinghi in Catamarans. The race has been scheduled for 2009 (the exact date of which is still being “discussed” via the courts) at a venue to be chosen by Alinghi (as current holders) who, due to their relationship with Valencia and the set up of the Port America´s Cup are determined to keep it in Valencia. So we all look forward to welcoming the 33rd Americas Cup back onto the waters of Valencia in 2009, in what, I am sure will be a very “heated” and spectacular event.
Article - The Americas Cup in Valencia 
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