Jeddah set to host second preliminary regatta of 37th America’s Cup

JEDDAH: Jeddah is preparing to host one of the most anticipated regattas in the sailing world as the America’s Cup comes to town between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2.

The regatta is taking place at Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, one of the most modern in the Red Sea.

Emirates Team New Zealand will be defending their title against teams from the UK, Switzerland, France, Italy, and the US.

Participating teams alongside the defending champions include INEOS Britannia, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, NYYC American Magic, and Orient Express Racing Team.

The race schedule will include three days of fleet races. The racing area is immediately offshore from the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, and races will be broadcast live on the America’s Cup YouTube channel.

The schedule is: Nov. 28, official practice; Nov. 29, official practice; Nov. 30, race day one — three fleet races; Dec. 1, race day two — three fleet races; Dec. 2, race day three — two fleet races, match race final (one race).

The event is backed by the Saudi Sailing Federation and the Ministry of Sport, in conjunction with Neom.

Both bodies are working in partnership with the America’s Cup to ensure that the event will be a “catalyst” to inspire local people, as well as helping to broaden access to the Red Sea, according to Samia Bagdady, CEO of the Saudi Sailing Federation.

The federation also plans to use the event to launch new initiatives to help as a key driver for the region’s top sailors of tomorrow to get the support and training they need to compete on the global stage.

Jeddah spectators and America’s Cup fans are eager to get a glimpse of the world’s finest foiling sailors as they engage for the first time in such a race on the Red Sea.

Hatt