Louis Vuitton, Prada, BMW, international sailors, yachts, champagne and celebrities -- these are a few of the things that make The America's Cup one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world. But here in San Francisco, the focus has been on city politics, the bird population and the disappointing news about pier 29.
The Louis Vuitton official timer
Would all this be happening if the fine citizens and businesses of San Francisco understood what an honor it is to have the races here in the Bay? With past locations such as Valencia Spain; Auckland, New Zealand; Fremantle, Australia and currently Naples, Italy, San Franciscans should be honored and excited about hosting the America's Cup in 2013.
The shores of Naples, Italy for the America's Cup
What San Francisco should be doing is focusing on how we can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime international event and set politics and fears aside. True, due to the current economical situation in Europe, many of the great countries that once participated in the races are not able to do so this time.
But, there are quite a few great yacht clubs that will be participating in the America's Cup races. Those include: Italy's Prada's Luna Rossa; The Royal Swedish Yacht Club sponsored by Artemis; The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club sponsored by three-time Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie (BAR); The China Team; Emirates Team New Zealand; Energy Team France; Green Comm Racing team representing Real Club Nautico de Valencia, Spain and Team Korea.
Yes, that is a Prada yacht
It is time for San Francisco to step up and start getting ready to welcome the world to our shores -- and stop the bickering. We failed in our attempts to win the Olympic bid. Now Larry Ellison has given us a great opportunity to bring the world of international yachting to our doorsteps. So here's our chance San Francisco, to showcase our beautiful city and sparkling bay. But to do so, we need to take pride in this event and stop worrying so much.
America's team training in the Bay
As a San Francisco resident and avid America's Cup fan, I am disappointed and embarrassed by our city's lack of commitment and organization for this event. Headlines like: "America's Cup: Great For SF Or One Big Mess?" and "America's Cup Plans: San Francisco Waterfront Proposal Dramatically Scales Back" are sad.
Perhaps if this city had a bit more style and joie de vivre we would not be muddling in this mess. We would be focused on the Louis Vuitton Cup and thrilled about a yacht sponsored by Prada. We'd strap on our Christian Laboutins and greet the Swedish sailing team with Chanel-clad arms. But, we're not sexy or stylish. Like the weather here, we can be chilly and unwelcoming. Don't you think it's time to end our dismal display of petty politics and let the sunshine in?
Detail about America's Cup
America's Cup World Series
Naples, Italy
April 11-15, 2012
Each regatta is a combination of practice and championship racing, with additional practice sailing on-site ahead of each event.
America's Cup World Series
Venice, Italy
May 15-20, 2012
The Event Village opens to the public from May 12.
America's Cup World Series
Newport, Rhode Island, USA
June 26 - July 1, 2012
The Event Village opens to the public from June 23.
Louis Vuitton Cup
San Francisco, CA, USA
July 4 - September 1, 2013
America's Cup Match (Finals)
San Francisco, CA, USA
September 7-22, 2013
*** All photos used with permission from Gilles Martin-Raget www.martin-raget.com
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.