Jeddah prepares for second preliminary regatta of 37th America’s Cup

JEDDAH: Preparations are in full swing to welcome the six teams taking part in the second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup on the Red Sea in Jeddah.

Teams from New Zealand, the UK, Switzerland, France, Italy and the US will compete at the world’s oldest and most prestigious yachting event, being hosted by Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.

Saudi Arabia will be the only venue outside of Spain to host an America’s Cup regatta during the 37th AC cycle.

The fleet of AC40s will compete out of Jeddah Yacht Marina just a few hundred meters away from the racetrack that has hosted the Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix for the past three seasons.

The hosting of the regatta in Jeddah represents a milestone in the history of both the Cup and the Kingdom; a recognition of Saudi Arabia’s growing sports initiatives and a proud moment for Jeddah’s residents.

With 55 days to go, the organizing committee of the event has worked closely with local partners to ensure that the regatta runs smoothly.

The committee, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Sailing Federation, hosted a two-day workshop for local media in which they gave an overview of the history of America’s Cup.

Media officials also had the opportunity to sail with professionals on the Red Sea.

“As the pinnacle of sailing, I know the 37th America’s Cup and this preliminary regatta can be utilized as an event for positive influence on a number of fronts,” Grant Dalton, CEO of the 37th America’s Cup and head of the Emirates Team New Zealand, told Arab News.

“When standing back and looking at the opportunity for the growth of our sport that exists in the region, it is truly significant. Sixty-seven percent of the country’s