By Jamie White – Head of Communications
The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series UK kicks off in Portsmouth this Thursday (July 23rd), with four days of sporting action and spectacle.
Six international teams are set to take to the water to compete for the very first event in the 35th America’s Cup, the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, in Portsmouth – the home of mystery shopping and performance improvement company Douglas Stafford.
With a fleet of the world’s best sailors, including Olympic gold medallists, round the world veterans and speed record holders competing in ‘flying’ foiling AC45 catamarans at high speed, the on-the-water action is sure to be gripping.
Meanwhile, on shore there is a memorable programme of aerial displays, live music performances, and star-studded appearances.
Fans can enjoy the incredible atmosphere and watch all the action live at the shoreside spectator village on Southsea Common. Due to unprecedented demand, organisers have expanded capacity of the Waterfront Festival Arena ticket, and freeE day passes are now available on all four days. The Waterfront Festival Arena also features a host of family-friendly activities, including hands-on sailing simulators, the America’s Cup cinema experience, the Big Wheel, and much more.
Sport fans wanting the extra special experience can book their place at the Fanzone Arena, with superb views of the AC45F catamarans flying neck-and-neck just metres from the shore, and a host of features on the teams, their sailors, and the amazing technology that goes into an America’s Cup.
The America’s Cup World Series is the first stage of competition in the 35th America’s Cup and begins in the summer of 2015, culminating in the America’s Cup (Finals) in 2017 in Bermuda.
Four to six events are expected in 2016, including a second event in Portsmouth in July and a regatta in Chicago during the summer.
All the races from the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series UK will be screened live on BT Sport, while on Saturday and Sunday, the BBC will be hosting a half-hour evening highlights show, as well as a special hour-long programme on Monday featuring all the highlights from the entire event.
