What’s Up with A Cup Tickets?

Release of the revised Louis Vuitton racing schedule July 7, forced many would-be spectators to re-examine their viewing plans. Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that the new schedule still includes Artemis Racing in six early July races, despite the fact that team spokesmen have clearly stated that they don’t expect to be ready to compete until late July. 

Can they do that? Yes, because with so few boats competing for the Louis Vuitton Cup, the early ’round robin’ races were only going to determine the seeding order for the LV Semi-Finals. So, every time Artemis fails to compete in a scheduled race, their opponent will win by default. And if Artemis’ predicted timetable proves true, they will simply enter the LV Semi-Final as the third seed (behind Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge or LRC and ETNZ).

What about all those eager fans who bought tickets for the early rounds? All round-robin and also Semi-Finals tickets are now being refunded by the SF Giants organization (which is handling all shoreside ticketing). For the time being, anyway, you cannot buy tickets for any event prior to August 17 (start of the LV Cup finals). Also, the much-anticipated fleet race, originally scheduled for July 5, has apparently been shelved.

Tickets for the LV finals and the actual America’s Cup (which begins September 7) are definitely on sale, however, with pricing starting at $25. Ticketed venues include Race Course Bleachers (on the spit near the Golden Gate YC); The Deck and East and West Grandstands, all on the Marina Green; aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien; at the Pier 39 (garage) Rooftop; and at America’s Cup Park, at Piers 27 & 29 (finish line viewing). As reported earlier, you will also be able to view some races on TV, with awesome LiveLine graphics overlays, as well as online. (Check the event site closer to the race dates for updated listings.)

A small number of large-capacity charter boats have secured special status for on-the-water viewing just outside the course boundaries. However, these boats may not know until the actual race day where, exactly, they will be allowed to moor or idle on any given day. 

Beyond this privileged zone, any and all boaters are welcome to try their luck at seeing part of the action. Look for more on AC viewing info and tips in the July edition of Latitude 38 magazine.