In just 5 days, the Red Bull Youth America's Cup wings into town. Featuring ten national teams of 19-24 year old sailors, the Red Bull Youth AC will pit some of the world's rising stars against each other as they go for the inaugural win.
Part of the America's Cup's Summer of Racing, the Youth Cup was developed to give young sailors the chance to compete on the world stage as a professional sailor, giving them a glimpse into their prospective futures as AC athletes. But what it also promises is some of the most exciting sailing of the summer, with ten boats on the course at the same time, competing on the AC45 wing-sailed catamaran. If you caught some of the AC World Series last August or October, you will know that these boats are a thrill-a-minute on the windy San Francisco Bay, and now powered by some real young guns, the racing is expected to be tight with lots of place changes.
Unlike the Cup events in July and September where the course goes south of Alcatraz, the Red Bull Youth AC course will be closer to the Golden Gate Bridge, so best viewing will be from Marina Green. Go early (and with a windbreaker) to grab one of the free bleachers offered near the St. Francis YC or just watch from Marina Green where you will also find a range of concessions.
For more on the American Team USA45 Racing and their relationship with the Town of Tiburon, see our article from our August edition. The Red Bull Youth America's Cup runs September 1 – 4, with two races planned for each day beginning at 11:10 each day. Also join the teams for a speed trial on August 31 at 11:30. Teams include two US teams – Team USA45 Racing and the American Youth Sailing Force – France, Australia, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden and two teams from New Zealand. The racing will also be broadcast live on ESPN3, with replays available on the America's Cup You Tube channel at the conclusion of the race day.
