NCCVB and Mayor Waluk Paint a Picture of the America's Cup Experience

High-energy, engaging, and high-tech. That's the experience Aquidneck Island residents can look forward to during the America's Cup event next summer, Newport city officials say. 

Those were the words used by both Mayor Stephen Waluk and Evan Smith, President of Newport Convention and Visitors Bureau, to describe their visit to the series held in Plymouth, England a few weeks ago.

“It was a highlight to understand the mechanics of how they prepared at every level for the whole event,” Smith said.  “So we were students, studying, really every aspect of that.”  Waluk said he believes the event will attract both ardent sailing fans and non-sailors alike.   

“I think people are going to be struck by how contemporary it all is,” said Smith.  “These boats are very fast. They are lightening speed.  It’s a different style than your one-design regatta type racing, that you are used to seeing."

Although he is not an experienced sailor, Waluk was provided the opportunity to get a personal account of just how fast the boats could really race.

“They were so enthusiastic that the Mayor was there, that they extended an invitation to him to be a guest racer,” Smith said.  “Mayor Waluk accepted the invitation thinking he was going out on a casual, leisure sail.”

When he showed up, he was surprised with an actual race on the New Zealand boat.

“They want excitement,” said Smith. “They want near crashes.”

Waluk’s lesson in that excitement was felt hard the next day.  Smith said his legs were covered in bruises, but Waluk was relieved the boat did not capsize during his race.

“Of all the things I saw, the most exciting thing was when a boat tipped over,” said Smith. Nine boats raced in the series through one-on-one match races as well as fleet races.

Oracle set up large screens and announcers on-shore that provided streaming coverage and impressive close-up shots from both the sea and the air, Smith explained.

“The technology and the TV presentation are phenomenal,” said Smith.

Oracle provides what Smith referred to as a “tent city,”  which are portable structures for concessions, shops, spectator viewing, a VIP and media center and a stage for music.

“This is going to all be on the north lawn of Fort Adams, facing the bridge,” he said.

Waluk said the logistical challenge specific to Newport is the issue of parking. He said that although satellite parking can work, the goal is to encourage attendees of the event to go downtown and support local businesses.

Waluk said they will encourage parking at the Gateway Center through marketing and signage as well make efficient use of the harbor shuttle.

All levels of the syndicates will arrive the second week of June to set-up the tent city and other ground preparations.  

When asked if he would consider a modification to the city’s short term rental policy in order to accommodate the increased demand for lodging, Waluk said he did not see a benefit to relaxing the policy.   

Smith said the expenses for both Waluk and himself were less than $2,000 to cover airfare and trains. Their lodging was provided by host families in Plymouth.