SF ousted for Americas cup

[savoir]

The funny thing is that Chicago is already broke . . . . . . . and remains on the short list. Determined to be even broker perhaps ?

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by BandB

Seems to me there are at least three very distinctive boating environments on the West Coast. The PNW is a world unto itself from Oregon to Alaska. Then there is the San Francisco area. Then there is southern California. Very different boats in each area.

Oh so true. Though I was just talking about the SF area. Far too many happy folks in the LA to SD areas. The PNW is a lovely area if somewhat moist. Summer weather in the central coast varies from 60's/70's on the bay, sometimes 40's-50's with that 25 knot wind chill and 55 degree ocean temperature, to sunny 100's in the California delta. I love the delta as its hot (80's-100's) combined with low humidity. The central bay weather is nicer in September/ October, least wise to this southern girl.

[David M]

Too bad politics and court battles always gets in the way of the America's Cup. The downside to this race.

[colemj]

We were in SF for the last AC and there were even bigger events going on simultaneously with it! And the city seemed to just absorb all of it with hardly a blink. I have been to SF many times, and aside from seeing different banners about ongoing events, I never see any difference in impact to the city itself.

I don't think that traffic/displacement/etc argument works for SF. Particularly for an event as small as the AC.

I think the real problem was that the events leading up to the final races were a washout for the city. It was a big experiment that didn't quite work as planned because of many reasons. I'm sure the return to the city was poorer because of it. However, it looks like the next AC has already lined up events and competitors, and this time it will work as planned.

I think SF is being short-sighted here. It is too bad - that was the most perfect venue for the AC I can possibly think of. I don't know what they are thinking with the Bermuda bid. Kiss spectators and a city full of high-tech craftsmen, technicians, researchers, materials science, etc goodbye in Bermuda.

Mark

Mark

[savoir]

Traffic issues were minor because hardly anyone showed up to watch. The stands in The Marina by the start were never even half full. Every grade of private box had vacancies for every race. The finish area was crowded.

[markpierce]

Views were much better on television.

[savoir]

Only to a point but putting a beer in your hand fixes all that.

I had a great view from the bar of Zeldas in Newport.

[Blue Stocking]

Coutts is in Bermuda now. Apparently we are short-listed. No tax Haven jokes please.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by savoir

Traffic issues were minor because hardly anyone showed up to watch. The stands in The Marina by the start were never even half full. Every grade of private box had vacancies for every race. The finish area was crowded.

That wasn't my point. My point was that SF is always hosting large events, festivals, etc - larger than the AC races. Often simultaneously. It doesn't seem to have a problem with that, so I'm confused why the AC races would be singled out as causing these problems.

However, I don't live there, so maybe it would be better for everyone who did if the city stopped hosting festivals, concerts, conventions, etc.

Mark

[colemj]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Views were much better on television.

Since the live viewing stands also had giant screens projecting multiple camera views and boat data, you are actually wrong that the best view was on television!

However, it will in general be true that TV has the best views for any venue. Particularly with the technology that was developed for the past AC event.

Can you suggest a venue for the race that is better than SF? If there is one, I want the race to be held there.

Mark

[DoubleWhisky]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

How about the benefit to the sport, culture and to society. Not everything is measured in dollars and cents. The AC can hardly be compared to the Olympics.

Just being curious...
What benefit to the culture and to society can You find in the event like AC?

[colemj]

Originally Posted by DoubleWhisky

Just being curious...
What benefit to the culture and to society can You find in the event like AC?

That is a very slippery slope question to ask about any event.

Mark

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by colemj

That wasn't my point. My point was that SF is always hosting large events, festivals, etc - larger than the AC races ...

Fleetweek at San Francisco:

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by colemj

I think SF is being short-sighted here. It is too bad - that was the most perfect venue for the AC I can possibly think of. I don't know what they are thinking with the Bermuda bid. Kiss spectators and a city full of high-tech craftsmen, technicians, researchers, materials science, etc goodbye in Bermuda.

Mark

Mark

My guess is that this may be a typical AC decoy to get SF to come around and host the event. I would not be surprised if they kissed and made up. Wind wise, SF has it over most other locations. Bermuda does not seem like a very accessible venue. Not by (general) boaters anyways.

Originally Posted by markpierce

Views were much better on television.

Yup...since Stan Honey got involved, TV coverage has been spectacular.

Originally Posted by markpierce

Fleetweek at San Francisco:

...and I wonder if this little event put the city back a few bucks?


Another thing which Latitude 38 points out is the good the event does to the reputation of SF. as a maritime city. Events like this take time for momentum to build. I would imagine that the city saves since most of the logistics and infrastructure is already in place.

http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/...2#.U5uoxHZA40U

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by colemj

...I'm confused why the AC races would be singled out as causing these problems.

The AC didn't cause any problems in SF and the people arguing that it did were not here and are speculating.