Valencia Eventos Náuticos

Publicado el 08 diciembre 2011

Although racing doesn't resume until April, that doesn't mean the regatta organizers are on holiday. Reps from ACRM and ACEA have been on a reconnaissance trip through Italy to check out the Naples and Venice venues.

Grant Davidson, Technical Area Manager for ACRM sent in this report:

Arrived in Naples after a night flight from Boston and a five hour layover in Munich airport followed by a scary taxi ride to the Hotel Serius near Bagnoli which is on the other side of the hill from Naples.

Arriving in the dark is a good thing as in the morning you wake to find yourself in the middle of a bustling environment similar to Thailand. Naples is one of, if not the, most densely populated cities in Europe. Small cars, taxis, and motor bikes create mayhem on unmarked roads, while pedestrians take their lives in their hands to cross the streets. I thought I might enjoy driving in this town but I may need a bit more practice before I go up against the locals.

We were taken to meet with several authorities, including the head of Customs, and then the Admiral of the Port of Naples and finally with the General Manager and Head of Operations for the Port. These guys had a great understanding of what we asking for (quick discharge at low cost) and we are encouraged by their attitude with regard to what we can do in the unloading of the vessel.

Next we went down to the venue area. The base area will be the largest we have ever had with new concrete, and a breakwater pontoon will be placed to eliminate the wave pattern. Pontoons will be placed by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the crane for lifting the boats in and out of the water will be set up on the south pier. Club 45 will be at end of pier with great views of sailing area.

Next it was on to Venice - a cool city. Being picked up by a boat directly from the airport and delivered to the restaurant in the middle of Venice was a nice touch.  Dinner was with the LOC for Venice - a great meal which extended the day and minimized our sleep time!

We were up at 0600 for a reconnaissance trip to the race course areas with Race Officer Harold Bennett taking charge. "Nup, we won't be racing here," was the call from the back of the boat from Harold after seeing the outside course. "Take us in and let's see what the Grand Canal looks like."

You could see some of the members of the LOC having small heart attacks at the thought. But Harold worked his magic with them and the Coast Guard and had the local authorities on side within an hour.

A view of the Arsenale will be spectacular when the yachts are moored at night. We also looked over what will be the Media Center and press conference room and they were given approval by Isabel Genis, the media center manager.

There are some really nice spaces in the Arsenale for all kinds of activity. We will be spoiled for choices. The dry dock area is adequate although there may be some construction projects which are scheduled to continue during the event around this site. The base area will be tight but there will be just enough room and the launching area should work fine.

Our fact-finding tour continues...

Comunicado: americascup.com