NEWPORT — Splendor returned to Newport Thursday with Fleet and Match Racing in the America’s Cup World Series. What’s just as grand for those viewing at Fort Adams, or on the water, is how close up the racing is for all to enjoy.
It’s a new day for America’s Cup and it is breathtaking how fast the sails carry the catamarans across Narragansett Bay, the Pell Bridge in the background.
Much has changed in the almost three decades since the last America’s Cup was on these shores. The proximity of the boats to spectators is nothing short of amazing. They fly by in competition and if the two helicopters equipped with cameras aren’t hovering directly overhead, you can hear the sails whip.
When the Emirates New Zealand boat capsized, it was right in front of those sitting at Fort Adams. The medical boat hovered nearby while one sailor got in the water to work on the downed wing as the boat floated almost to the bridge. Other boats watched every move to see it righted with the help of its two chase boats, but only after one failed attempt. Even wounded, it sailed back to shore at a speedy clip. By the time some of the crowd headed home by filing out by the team bases, any of them could see one crew working on the broken sail, another one working on the hull.
Up close and personal is impressive, and it makes it more fun for both competitors and sailors.
After winning one of the match races, Oracle Coutt’s boat took what looked like a victory lap — gliding at high speed through the small open spaces around all the viewing boats, giving them a thrill.
The viewing is no doubt even closer for those watching on YouTube this week or on network television this weekend. The television boat is right in the middle of the action, capturing every move while it makes no waves.
Stephane Detaille, the international sponsoring manager for Nestle Nespresso, said the boat is a catamaran with a platform on top added for stability. While watching the races is fun, “you don’t want to interfere with the racing.”
Another theme in play on the water is pleasure boats that move ever closer to the racing lanes. One racing boat seemed to fly over a small sailboat. After the capsize, official boats and the Coast Guard moved them, and sponsored chase boats, away from the action.
The presence of team sponsors is new to the scene this year.
Frederic Levy, president of Nespresso USA.
Before you notice the flags of the nations represented on the boats, you see the names in enormous letters for Prada, Oracle, Energy, Fly Emirates, all adorning the sails. Only Korea has its name rather than a sponsor.
For the companies, it offers an international opportunity to have their names seen in a race where there is no second place. Winner takes all in the America’s Cup. It’s a powerful message, said Frederic Levy, president of Nespresso USA, a coffee company that sponsors the New Zealand team.
America’s Cup teams also reflect innovation (think of the dramatic design changes from the 12-meter boats that competed in Newport in 1983) and attention to detail (one misstep by a member of the crew and the narrow line of balance can be crossed). These are two concepts companies such as Levy’s want as part of their brand association.
Louis Vuitton is on the official timing boat; Moet has a small sailboat on the water to remind their champagne is in the America’s Cup Village. Here, all advertising is on the water because when the sailing begins, all eyes are turned to the sea.
