Americas Cup - Valencia

[swagman]

Went down to Valencia over New Year to eyeball the facilities they are creating for the event.

It is some set up and looks like those lucky enough to visit for the Cup have a great venue.

There was some chat earlier about where one may park up in a cruising yacht as the rumoured costs for mooring at the new facility are rather expensive. But it seems, unless they lay in some anchoring prohibitions, the northern breakwater off the entrance now appears to create a somewhat protected anchoring area off the nothern beach.

It's completely open to the west and north, but guess as it stands, there is room for maybe as many as 100 yachts to anchor fairly close in to the beach and get shelter from the south and east.

Hope this may be helpful for any planning to stop by to watch the races!

Cheers
JOHN

[swagman]

Oops. Maybe wrong advice.
Have spoken with pals working in Valencia and they say they've never yet seen anyone anchoring where I've indicated. They say there is quite a current moves down the coast and with opposing winds, this area gets quite bumpy.
Maybe when the Cup gets underway and berthing costs force people to try it we'll learn more about it's suitability..........
JOHN

[Euro Cruiser]

John, given the gaggle of boats in the Med at that time of year - and how cheek-by-jowl anchorages can be in even remote calas - the thought of being anchored immediately adjacent to the America's Cup venue gives me the willies.

Jack

[swagman]

Ah yes Jack,
But some (like me) would put up with that to be able to view the racing at relatively close quarters:-)
JOHN

[swagman]

Hi All,
For those interested, the the berthing prices in the marina are on the portamericascup website.
I've found out that in 2006 they were offering day rates.(145€'s a day inc. VAT).
This year, unless they relent, then it's only time "packages" you can buy. The package price is on the web - basically they are really trying to milk it; pricing the average visiting yachtsman out.
A local pal has been trying to "deal" with them and their unbelievable charter contract for the last few months; not only a hefty upfront fee but they also want 20% of his turnover (not profit!!!) on charter business during the Cup. He's now seriously thinking of not doing it.

Basically for me with a 15x5 metre berth for one of the 3 package periods will be about 8000€'s - remember, no day rate!!!. Far too rich for little old me..........

Cheers
JOHN