There is bustling activity along San Francisco’s waterfront today, where preliminary races for the America’s Cup regatta are about to take place.
The sailing races start Wednesday, but the America’s Cup Race Village opens at Marina Green today, and boats will be out on the Bay practicing, according to race officials.
The races, which run through Sunday, will involve 45-foot vessels, while the America’s Cup Finals in September 2013 will feature larger 72-foot boats.
Bleacher seating at the Marina Green will be free during today’s practice, but will require tickets during the races. Bleacher tickets have sold out for the races on Friday through Sunday but are still available for Wednesday’s and Thursday’s events at $25 per seat.
The race village at Marina Green will feature a large screen broadcasting the action, as well as a public stage for pre- and post-race presentations involving the sailors.
It will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except on Saturday, when it will stay open until 8 p.m. A free concert by the band Dr. Dog is planned for 5 p.m. Saturday at the race village.
Races will start each day at 2:05 p.m. except for Sunday, when they will begin at 11:45 a.m.
The America’s Cup World Series will return to San Francisco again from Oct. 2-7 before heading to Italy in April and May 2013.
The regatta will then return to San Francisco for the Louis Vuitton Cup between July 4 and Sept. 1, 2013, followed by the America’s Cup Finals from Sept. 7-22, 2013.
More information about the races is available at www.americascup.com.
Dan McMenamin, Bay City News
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