Sailing off Broadway (Pier)



photo by Fred Elliott

 The RC44's have come to San Diego this week, marking the first major international regatta for this sailing town since Coutts swept Conner in the America's Cup 16 years ago.

The event is the The Oracle RC44 Cup, and it is sailed in high-performance, 44-foot sloops co-designed by Coutts. Interestingly, Coutts is back in town for this one (since it is his own event) but the mood among locals is good and they seem glad to have him back this time around. Probably because of his current title with the USA's Oracle Racing and is active role in bringing the Auld Mug back to American shores. Local sources also say they are hoping to use this event as a precursor to attract an America's Cup World Series event building up the 34th AC in San Francisco.

San Diego is doing a nice job getting locals involved, staging the races right off Broadway Pier and offering great shoreside viewing all along, from the Maritime Museum to Shelter Island.

The competitor list includes Coutts (sailing with his boss, Larry Ellison) and Paul Cayard, but we're rooting for one of SailFast's favorite personalities - Olympic gold medalist Kevin Burnham.

The event runs 5 days and more info can be found on their website at http://www.rc44.com/

Go KB!!!