International Waters

The Golden Gate Bridge will be the backdrop of the 2013 America's Cup next summer

   
I love sport of all kind, especially events that combine best in class competition with great spectacle for fans. And that's exactly what happened a couple weeks ago when the America's Cup World Series jibed into town----the first time this internationally ranked event has taken place in the USA in decades. And what a back drop....the beautiful San Francisco Bay. What a thrill to see eight teams from Korea to Sweden take to the Big Blue in these wing-sailed catamarans flying beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, sometimes hauling at over 30 mph (it's not NASCAR but that's really fast in the boat world). Many of the racers interviewed after each event declared San Francisco one of the best venues in the world (natch), as much for the setting as the proximity to the fans who lined the city's northern waterfront. But it's not over yet.

Come October the America's Cup World Series meets a San Francisco tradition----Fleet Week!  Nearly 1 million visitors each year head to the Marina Green (just a few minute's walk from my house, lucky me) and the water front to watch a parade of naval ships and an aerial show from the Blue Angels. But this year the added bonus of America's Cup racing (October 3-7) is the cherry on top. All this in preparation for next summer's main event— The 34th America's Cup, the oldest trophy in sport.

There are ticketed seats for purchase, but no need. Bring a blanket and a camera. The Marina Green offers plenty of viewing spots along the water and the atmosphere is energizing.

Hope to see you out there.  Go team USA!

Italian Team Luna Rossa celebrates in style

Oracle Team USA with the mayor of San Francisco Ed Lee