The Oldest Trophy in the World of Sports is Back in Europe for 2010

For the first time in 150 years, the oldest trophy in the world of sports is back in Europe, Valencia to be exact, ready to be presented to the winner of the 32^nd America’s Cup this February.  The 2010 match is between BMW Oracle Racing and Alinghi and both have arrived in Valencia to debut their vessels to the public before the competition begins.

On Monday,  January 4, BMW Oracle’s BOR 90’ Trimaran arrived in Spain from San Diego on the Oceanlady cargo ship accompanied by the main element of the wing sail, four custom made boxes containing the wing flaps, spare masts, 19 shipping containers and 10 other boats.  Over the course of the day the ship waas unloaded at the base at Darsena, the inner harbor of Valencia.

Later that day Alinghi’s catamaran Alinghi 5 arrived after making a 14-day voyage from their previous base in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, transferring their masts and 20 support containers on the Cassandra B container ship. 

The BOR 90 will undergo a thorough work-up by the shore team and the sailing team has scheduled several days of multihull match-racing practice in the Extreme 40 catamarans beginning on Thursday. Alinghi plans to start sailing in Valencia mid-month and will focus on training for the 36 days until the America’s Cup Match.

 In speaking with Yachting World Grant Simmer, Alinghi design team coordinator said, “Since these new yachts are so fast and the racing will take place a long way offshore viewing the yachts from the water will be difficult for the fans, the sponsors and the media; that is why we think the Darsena will form an important arena for this event.”

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