San Francisco's Louis Vuitton Cup: The Race To The America’s Cup Finals

[Nicholas Kontis]

Being a native of America’s favorite city of San Francisco, we are blessed with world class restaurants, museums, theatre, winning sports teams, a tolerant city, in a mild climate where outdoor activities are possible year long.

In the summer of 2013, I was able to witness the grand dame of yacht racing, the America’s Cup. San Francisco played host to some of the most skilled sailors and yachtsmen in the world. A sailing regatta like no other in a world class city, like no other. From July 7 to September 21,  the world of sailing would converge on the “City by the Bay” to crown a world champion of the much coveted, America’s Cup.

From July 7 to August 30, two teams from Italy and New Zealand would fight it out in the Louis Vuitton Cup. In the best of 13 races, or the first to reach 7 victories, Emirates Team New Zealand would battle it out with Prada Luna Rossa Team Italy, to move on the finals.

One of the few moments that the Italians, Luna Rossa boat would be neck and neck with Emirates Team New Zealand

The stunning Luna Rossa sponsored by Prada. One could only expect a boat this gorgeous from the Italians

The back drop of Alcatraz Island proved many a breathtaking moments during the Louis Vuitton Cup

Spectators marveled at the boats so close to the Golden Gate Bridge

The Louis Vuitton Cup would be all about Emirates Team New Zealand

The America’s Cup is an elusive trophy and has rarely changed hands in the last 150 years. In the world of Yachting this is a most prestigious honor to win the cup.

As Sir Peter Blake so eloquently says, ”This is not a sport for the faint hearted. It is not a quest to take lightly or on a whim. It is a fight between sailors from yacht clubs all over the world that desperately want the same thing: get their hands on the Cup.”

Capturing the Kiwis en route to another victory – Spectators marveled at the monuments of San Francisco

Here on a Monday, fewer spectators were present to witness the races when held midweek

Team Emirates New Zealand with beautiful Marin County in the background

With Prada Luna Rossa in the background the view from Hyde Street as a Cable Car descends upon Aquatic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf

Tourist from throughout the world converged on San Francisco for a  spectacular summer that just so happened to include the world’s most prestigious sailing regatta.

San Francisco played host to the Louis Vuitton Cup /America’s Cup in the Golden Gate as thousands of visitors flocked to San Francisco Bay to view the events that made up the 34th America’s Cup to enjoy this fascinating port city. Spectators all along the waterfront experienced the excitement of the races up close and the entire city welcomed the global sailing community who came to watch and participate in this world class event.

Before and after the races, visitors enjoyed activities and entertainment at the America’s Cup Village while experiencing San Francisco’s scenic beauty, diverse neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural attractions. A special concert venue was erected for summer music events. Steely Dan, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Journey and other music acts performed at this special venue.

With breathtaking San Francisco as a backdrop – Spectators were in awe of the races and San Francisco’s beauty (Photo by Chris Cameron/ETNZ)

In the end the Kiwis stood alone in best of 13 races, winning 7-1 over the Italians and Luna Rossa, capturing the Louis Vuitton Cup and advancing to the finals of the America’s Cup to face Larry Ellison’s Oracle Team USA.

The America’s Cup Finals will be held on San Francisco Bay – September 7-21. The perfect culmination to a wonderful summer in the city by the bay.

If Team Oracle USA

happens to come out victorious, the America’s Cup will be back in San Francisco in 2017.

Lean more about the America’s Cup   www.americascup.com

For more information about the city of San Francisco visit   www.sanfrancisco.travel

All photos copyright by the photographer and author except where otherwise mentioned - Nicholas C. Kontis

About the Author: Nick Kontis – Travel Expert and Founder of World Travel List

Born on the one of the most beautiful Islands in the world, Santorini, Greece and raised in America’s culture capital of San Francisco. Nick Kontis started out as a world traveler at an early age traveling back and forth between California and Greece every summer. But it was a backpacking trip around the world at age 24 that proved to be a life changing experience. After traveling by car, train, plane, bike and, boat around the world, it would be this trip of a lifetime that would lead to a life as a travel entrepreneur and world traveler. Nick has been on both radio and television. Featured on Arthur Frommer’s television show, and referred by Lonely Planet writers as a leader in discount airfares. Frequently mentioned as the “father of around the world airfares.” Arthur Frommer once said, “If Jules Verne were alive today he would use Nick to go around the world in 80 days.” Nick and his various travel companies and agents have sent over 10,000 people around the world. Now, Nick promotes travel through his World Travel List and ‘Trip Rambler’ by World Travel List. Having traveled to over 80 countries Nick hopes to inspire others to travel the world.

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