races

During a press conference, attendees acknowledged that the latest America’s Cup did much to enhance the sport of sailing and brought the event to a broad fan base. Lauding boss Larry Ellison, skipper James Spithill said the success of the event had “silenced the critics,” adding, “There’s no turning back.”

It was, with a nod to Red Sox fans, the sports comeback of all time. Emirates Team New Zealand, the clear leader early in the America’s Cup, was unable to stave off a late charge by Larry Ellison’s Oracle Team USA that suddenly found legs to sweep the final eight races and win the Auld Mug. In each race, the Kiwis were on match point and, for eight races, they lost to a steadily improving Oracle.

The 2013 Bucket marked the first time in 76 years that five J-Class yachts were in the same place at the same time to compete with one another. The J’s on hand were Hanuman, Lionheart, Ranger, Velsheda and Rainbow. And it is a true testament to a handful of owners’ love of tradition, coupled with insanity, that has led to a resurgence of the J-Class.

Taking place March 28 to 31, this year’s St. Barths Bucket is fast approaching. The fantastic yachts, the glorious sailing, the unparalleled venue, the raucous parties, the perfect weather, the cast of characters…you simply can’t beat the Bucket.

Plan on stopping in St. Maarten next weekend? Consider spending a day with IYC (in association with Acrew) and the crew of Lazy Z. They are hosting the first annual Limitless Marathon in Isle De Sol Marina on February 2nd to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Planes, yachts and automobiles—the Cavallino Classic taking place in Palm Beach on January 22 to 27, 2013 has them all. Ferrari, of course, but also Rolls Royce are among the sponsors of this year’s six-day event.

It was the classic boats, including the restored presidential yacht Honey Fitz that attracted us to the 2012 Ocean Reef Club Vintage Weekend. But Classic Weekend is also about planes and cars and they contribute their fair share to this exciting event, which takes visitors back in time.

The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, cable cars, Lombard Street, Alcatraz—San Francisco is unquestionably one of the world’s most iconic cities. Soon San Francisco will also be able to add the 34th America’s Cup finals to its pedigree.

British solo sailor Alex Thomson smashed the single-handed monohull trans-Atlantic record by more than 24 hours crossing the finish line July 26 at Lizard Point, off Falmouth in Cornwall, England, reports Soundings Trade Only. The 38-year-old crossed the line at 18:17 British Standard Time, setting the new time at 8 days, 22 hours, 8 minutes.

It’s been almost 30 years since an America’s Cup race has taken place in Narragansett Bay, but for four days—June 28th to July lst, 2012—the community rolled out the red carpet and welcomed home its beloved Cup. In this internationally recognized sailing community, Newport will always be home for the America’s Cup.

The International SeaKeepers Society (ISKS), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the world’s oceans, was in Newport, R.I., in June. The organization held its summer gala at the New York Yacht Club at Harbour Court to coincide with the America’s Cup 45 series.

Speed, money, politics, powerful people and engines—from its beginning at the turn of the century, powerboat racing has careened on a rollercoaster ride of international prominence. Today, the sport continues under the direction of the Union Internationale Motonautique. From its seat in Monaco, the governing body intends to play a significant role in racing’s future.

The breathtaking 42-meter (138-foot) schooner Mariette of 1915 seized the top prize at the 2012 Pendennis Cup regatta, sailed July 2-7 in Falmouth Bay on England’s extreme southwest coast. Mariette bested the fleet of 13 yachts that competed in the third biennial edition of the event. The regatta is organized by Pendennis Shipyard.

The International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) and the Museum of Yachting will host an America’s Cup exhibition this summer at the school’s Newport campus, which looks at this historic event from a unique vantage point.

The Bucket started 25 years ago in Nantucket as a low-key gentleman’s race with a mere seven boats. Since, the phenomenon of the Bucket has transcended racing. It is a giant commotion and celebration of all things yachting—wind, water, elegance, luxury, freedom and unadulterated fun.

The Bucket has morphed from its casual origin 25 years ago in Nantucket when there were a mere seven boats and it was a low-key gentleman’s race. This year the Bucket organizers decided to cap the event at 47 boats, the largest number ever, and there were at least a half-dozen on the waiting list. Competition is keen, but the Bucket’s mantra has always been, “Win the party.”