posted 05-28-2012 07:56 PM ET (US)        

Normally, we don't kick this off until January, but I suspect
that some long-term strategizing might pay off because of the
America's Cup. I can see ramps taking reservations and such.

1. Is there a whaler brother or sister out there who is really
into the Cup and tracking what's going on and can fill us in?

2. Would it make sense to do a couple of days, a weekday for
those of us how can get off easily, and a weekend for those
who can't?

3. Any ideas for a base of operations?

Any other ideas?

posted 05-29-2012 10:20 AM ET (US)            

I keep a 31-ft sloop in a slip at Gashouse Cove/SF Marina, which might make for a decent part-time rendezvous base. I foresee incredible parking problems, however, both for cars and boats. We have two parking places right by the Marina Green as part of our slip rental, but that's the exact middle of the proposed race venue, and I suspect parking will be severely limited or prohibited altogether --early plans are to build huge viewing bleachers on the Green for the expected tens of thousands of race viewers.
Anyway, we'll know much more about access as race time approaches.

Probably the best way to get onto the Bay to view the race, and undoubtedly one of the few places that might have hotel accommodations available at a reasonable price, is, once again, the Petaluma Marina. This is one reason I'm glad you've initiated this discussion at this early date. We should decide some basics as early as possible, so folks can begin making plans, including reservations, many months in advance.

I'll be following America's Cup developments closely, especially as regards Gashouse Cove access and regulations regarding the viewing fleet, and will keep this thread going as more information becomes available.

posted 05-29-2012 12:19 PM ET (US)            

I can tell you having attended the America's Cup World Series in San Diego, where I think it is fair to say, there is less of a sailing community, and many different areas of the bay to view from, this was the experience:

1) Parking was at a premium and any restaurant/marina with a view was booked early
2) Many restaurants had 1-1.5 hour limits, so you could not stay for the entire event, even if you were still willing to buy food and drinks
3) The course itself was posted online, along with maps of where on the water viewing was going to be permitted. There were areas on the margins of the course, where boats could anchor. Once you were in, you were in, basically for the day. They did have escort boats out and entries and exits were permitted, but there were so many boats and the allowed time periods for the escorts were short, that many could not get in or out at all. Water viewers should be prepared to have food, clothing and shelter for at least 6 hours, if it is anything like the setup here.

These boats are fast, much faster than 12 meter racing, near collisions all day long. You will want sporting scopes and tripods. For camera buffs- we were quite close on the 2nd day we attended and a 300 mm lens was inadequate.

posted 05-29-2012 03:15 PM ET (US)            

http://www.cupinfo.com/en/americas-cup-2013-dates-and-schedule-01.php

Until July 4 events are in Naples, Italy

Louis Vitton series starts July 4 in SF

Cup defense starts Sept 7 in SF..

posted 06-06-2012 09:01 AM ET (US)            

Jeff, hope you noticed that those America's Cup dates are 2013.