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Split For The Cup
Make Plans Now To Watch The 2017 America’s Cup In Person by Craig Ligibel
B
ay sailors who have not yet made arrangements to view the America’s Cup action “live” can still do so. But the longer you wait, the fewer options will be available. Here’s the 411, with links to resources at spinsheet.com/americas-cup-2017:
Getting there. Decide what part of the America’s Cup you want to enjoy. Finals are scheduled from June 17-June 27; Qualifiers start May 26. Go to americascup.com for the schedule. Then, decide how you want to get to Bermuda. The easiest way is via air: American Airlines offers non-stops from Washington’s Reagan airport. Jet Blue and a number of other airlines offer onestop service from BWI. Imagine watching the races from the comfort of your own cruise ship balcony. Two operators, Celebrity and Norwegian, have planned voyages that give passengers the best chance to experience some part of the Finals. A twin-share, ocean-view cabin runs between $1200 and $2000 per person. For the more adventurous, you could always sail over. We’re sailors, right? Look into Offshore Passage Opportunity’s Rally to the Cup packages. Rally organizer Hank Schmitt says that around 50 boats will be rallying from various ports on the East Coast. Thus far, 12 boats have committed to make the trip from the Annapolis area. Chesapeake Bay sailor 58-year-old Jorge Bermudez is planning on making the voyage aboard his Pacific Seacraft ##Photo courtesy of the America’s Cup
37-foot yawl Skalliwag. Jorge, with more than 25,000 offshore miles under his belt, “yearned for a chance to see what [his] Crealock would do on the passage. “The cost to sign up your boat is $195 and $150 per crew member. If you just want to go along for the ride, Captain Schmitt is offering slots on one of several Swans for around $1650 for the leg out and $1500 for the leg back. You can email him at offshorepassage@sprintmail.com. Where to stay: The easiest way to enjoy the Cup is to purchase one of the all-inclusive tour packages offered by America’s Cup official package provider Travel Places. Annapolis’ own Tucker Thompson, the America’s Cup public host, has been busy acquainting area sailors with the specifics of the packages. Be sure to mention him when you book. Packages start at $1747 for both the Qualifier and Challenger Playoffs Series. Travel Places offers two Finals packages, with prices starting at $1982. There is also an “Ultimate” package that covers all projected Finals dates starting at $4995. All packages cover accommodations at a variety of hotels, on-water viewing, airport transfers… and a free hat! If you’re more a “do it yourselfer,” there are a couple of options to look into: Some rental houses are still available with costs ranging from $200 per night to upwards of $1000 per night. For the more nautically-inclined, Helm Events is renting spots on a fleet of Lagoon 450s and 52s catamarans for twin-share prices starting at $2399.
##Gilles Martin-Raget / americascup.com
Plus, the Moorings will bring a fleet of 4800s and 5800s for a fully-crewed option. Five-night packages start at $20,000 and go up to $30,000-plus depending on size of yacht chartered. You can always try calling Bermuda hotels, but many are booked, and those not fully occupied are expensive. Tickets, please: Tickets went on sale at americascup.com in early December. According to America’s Cup CEO Sir Russell Coutts, sales have been brisk, with some venues selling out this far in advance. There are a number of ticket options, starting at a $20 daily ticket which gets you into the America’s Cup Village up to a $150 price tag for entry into the Dark and Stormy Bar area or for a spot on a spectator boat. Advice from the experts is to buy your tickets in advance. Thompson sums it up this way: “Bermuda is a great venue. Plan enough time to enjoy the island. One never knows when the Cup will be this close to Annapolis again!” See you in Bermuda. For links, visit: spinsheet.com/americas-cup-2017 #
If you call any of the places listed here, please mention that you read about them in SpinSheet! 98 April 2017 spinsheet.com