America’s Cup World Series
Imagine being a world-class athlete but never hearing the cheers of fans as you cross the finish line! All that has changed with the new America’s Cup World Series, as each venue has provided countless spectators the opportunity to watch – and cheer on – the world’s top sailors as they race high performance AC45s close to shore. Most notably, the recent series in San Diego, raced within the confines of San Diego Harbor, provided a front-row seat to thousands of spectators who crammed the shoreline and piers to watch the teams in exhilarating fleet races, tension-filled match races, and the flat-out drag racing of the new speed trials event.

At this last America’s Cup event of 2011, the Oracle Racing Team was in fine form. Oracle Team Spithill became the first team to win both the Fleet and Match Racing Championships at a single World Series event, and Oracle Team Coutts won the Speed Trials Championship.

The series heads to Naples and Venice, Italy next, with Emirates Team New Zealand in the overall lead. But the teams will be coming to San Francisco Bay for two series later in 2012: from Aug. 11–19 and again from Aug. 27–Sept. 2. To catch a look at all the action, go to www.americascup.com where there are news clips and updates along with recaps and exciting video highlights of all the races.

America’s Cup EIR Released
In the meantime, plans continue to grow for the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series and the America’s Cup Match on San Francisco Bay in 2013, although the months ahead are critical to making the regatta a reality. The final environmental impact report (EIR) was released on Dec. 1 and is scheduled to be heard at the S.F. Planning Commission on Thursday, Dec 15. Interested parties can view a copy of the EIR by going to www.sfgov.org and visiting the Planning Commission homepage. There are dozens of projects and plans related to hosting the America’s Cup, and none of those permits can move forward until the EIR has been certified by the Planning Commission.

Holiday Lights and Sights Boat Parade
If you aren’t full of the holiday spirit by now, the annual Holiday Lights Boat Parade will take place along our waterfront from Pier 39 to the Marina Green and back on Friday Dec. 16 from 6–7:30 pm. The Fisherman’s Wharf Community and the St. Francis Yacht Club host this parade, the biggest decorated-boat parade on the Bay each year. Bring your family and a hot drink down to the Marina Green and enjoy this fun, free and festive event.

To watch for upcoming local regattas, you can check the schedules at the Yacht Racing Association of San Francisco Bay at www.yra.org, and of course our own neighborhood yacht clubs at www.stfyc.org or www.ggyc.org