Our British hopefuls, Land Rover BAR, skippered by Hampshire’s Ben Ainslie are currently in third position with just two races left before the America’s Cup in 2017. Head to Portsmouth for the penultimate World Series to show your support
The spectacular Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series returns to British waters again this month when the teams sail in to Portsmouth on July 22-24.
The Series is a racing circuit featuring the best sailors in the world, competing on foiling, wing-sailed 45ft catamarans that ‘fly’ on foils at astonishing speeds of up to 40mph. It acts as the first stage of competition in the 35th America’s Cup, the oldest sporting competition, and every race will count with vital points being secured ahead of the America’s Cup in Bermuda 2017.
This is the second year in a row Portsmouth has held the event, with last year seeing close to a quarter of a million people visiting the city to watch the six America’s Cup teams battle it out on the water.
For 2016, there will be a new-look ‘Race Village’ located around the Southsea Castle area, locally known as ‘Bandstand Field’ and ‘Castle Field’. This improved site will offer close-up views of the racing as well as exciting, interactive areas including: The Tech Zone, which will give spectators the opportunity to meet America’s Cup experts, including the sailors, delivering insider information on how these state of the art speed machines fly on the water. And Land Rover BAR will also be bringing their AC45 race boat, and 3D sailing simulator, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the America’s Cup world and to see what it takes to be a sailor in the Series. Alongside this, there will also be a wide range of local Portsmouth traders including a market run by Love Southsea.
For those wanting to see further exhilarating action, world class BMX champions will be performing in Southsea skatepark with Red Bull bringing their DJ truck to entertain spectators.
Under 5s have free entry in to the Race Village and can enjoy the Kid’s Zone, which will include Longdown Activity Farm, Top Banana Circus training and face painting.
If the adults want to wind down after the racing, the Moet Champagne bar will be serving up glasses of fizz, or drink like the sailors in the Goslings Dark and Stormy Rum bar.
The high speed action won’t just be on the water. Across the weekend the event will also have air displays from the Red Arrows, The Red Bull Matadors and the Blades - three high adrenaline, spectacular shows to thrill the crowds.
This is also the last chance for British fans to support home team Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing on home waters before they head to Bermuda to compete in the America’s Cup 2017.
What’s going on
Friday is preview racing with a mix of fleet and one versus one match racing. Saturday and Sunday are the official race days with up to three races scheduled per day, all broadcast live on BT Sport. The Saturday races count for 10 points to the winner, 9 points for second, etc. And on ‘Super Sunday’ points are doubled, 20 points for the winner, 18 points for second, etc.
The team with the most points across the 2015-2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series is declared the overall winner. The winner is then given a two point advantage in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup qualifiers in Bermuda during 2017.
The racing this summer in Portsmouth gives the winner a significant advantage in getting through to the next round.
The story so far
Last year Portsmouth, Gothenburg and Bermuda played host to the series. Events in Oman, New York and Chicago followed in early 2016 and now only two events remain before the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda next year: Portsmouth, and finally Toulon from September 10 - 11. Home team Land Rover BAR are currently in 3rd positon and they will looking to use the Portsmouth crowd to drive them to victory and lift them up the leaderboard.
How to watch
• Race Village - Day ticket price: £25.00 (Adult) / £12.50 (Junior) / FREE (Under 5yrs old)
Family friendly features and exciting interactive live content focused on the sport of sailing. Watch the spectacular racing action as the best sailors in the world race on the fastest boats.
• Premier Grandstand - Day ticket price: £60.00 (Adult) / £47.50 (Junior)
Upgrade your ‘Race Village’ ticket with a dedicated grandstand seat located in an elevated position offering unparalleled panoramic views over the Race Course.
• Sailors Lounge - Day ticket price: £120 (Adult)
Watch the racing in an area dedicated to those who want the full sporting experience. Includes Race Village entrance, Premier Grandstand seat, access to a private bar with special guest speakers and lunch and drinks voucher.
To book or for further information visit: www.lvacwsportsmouth.com/ticket
Free to view area
Southsea Common, outside of the Race Village, will be unrestricted for public to access during the event with views of the racing from the shoreline.
On the water: For those wishing to experience the racing from the water, there are two options:
1. Preferred charter partners: Using one of the event’s preferred charter partners to gain access into the marshalled “Official Sponsor boat” zones. Find out more at www.lvacwsportsmouth.com
2. Private Boat owner; registering your details with watchonwater@teamorigin.com to be sent the official on water viewing pack guide
