JEDDAH: The 37th America’s Cup yacht race started in Jeddah for the first time on Wednesday with the participation of six teams. The second preliminary sailboat race continues until Dec. 2 at the Jeddah Yacht Club, under the organization of the Saudi Sailing Federation and in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, a media statement said. In this first-of-its-kind round outside Spain, the teams will compete to reach the podium and win the qualification round for the final, which will feature only two teams. American Magic team won the round in Vilanova, northern Spain, in September with a slight lead over the other teams. Samia Baghdadi, CEO of the SSF, said: “This comes as a continuation of a series of major sporting events hosted by the Kingdom during the past period, confirming its status as the preferred destination for sports and athletes from all over the world.