America’s Cup World Series Viewer’s Guide

“This racing is awesome. It’s the best I’ve ever done in any boat." That’s how Olympic medalitst Santiago Lange of Artemis Racing summed up yesterday’s America’s Cup World Series action off the San Francisco Cityfront. Competition continues today with match racing quarterfinals at 2:05 p.m. and 2:22 p.m., followed by fleet races at 2:50 and 3:25.

Much to the pleasure of hometown fans, the two S.F.-based Oracle Team USA boats placed first and second in the first race yesterday after Russell Coutts pulled off a phenomenal start. Team USA’s Jimmy Spitthill won the second race, with Coutts’ sixth place finish strong enough to put both S.F. boats at the top of the fleet race rankings, followed by the two Artemis cats. See the Series’ website for a full recap.

Three cheers for the folks who put together the America’s Cup World Series — which lasts through Sunday — because they’ve created a great viewer experience. The sailing is up close and personal from the Golden Gate YC to Fort Mason, and it’s been exciting, particularly in the fleet races, where boat bumping hasn’t been unusual. The only downside is that the wind hasn’t really blown over 20 knots yet. But that may change today, as the forecast is for up to 25 this afternoon.

Viewer central is right there on the Marina Green, where they have live — and often humorous — commentary, all the AC45s moored right out front, an AC45 on dry land for your inspection, all kinds of things to see and do, and when the racing is over the competitors are brought right through the crowd to the stage area. It’s all been really nicely set up and managed.

There are food and beverage concessions, which were able to handle the crowd on Wednesday and Thursday. The only store overwhelmed was the logowear store. But we’ve got an idea all concessions will be taxed to the maximum during the weekend.

There was a good crowd on Wednesday, a much bigger crowd yesterday, and we can only expect they are going to be much, much bigger crowds today, tomorrow and Sunday. That being the case, some might think that watching from their boats is the way to go. Maybe, but we’ve had reports that it’s hard to get a front row position, and you’ve constantly got to monitor all the other boats around you. We think viewing from land — and being part of the crowd — is going to be the most fun, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. But parking and getting to Marina Green are going to take some effort. (Check out 511.org for San Francisco’s transportation options.)

Bottom line? You really don’t want to miss this, as it’s great sailing fun. And if you go once, we think you’ll be going for a second or third day. Hope to see you there!

Today and Saturday racing starts at 2 p.m.; Sunday at 11:30 a.m. All will be broadcast live around the world on the America’s Cup YouTube channel. In the Bay Area, TV coverage Friday and Saturday can be seen on NBC Bay Area 11.2 and on Comcast Sportsnet California. The Super Sunday finale will be broadcast live, coast to coast, on NBC from 11:30 am PDT.