2013 America's Cup Links: Main Page | Results | Basic Facts | Teams | Schedule | Rules | The Boats

America's Cup World Series San Francisco: Race Area

America's Cup World Series San Francisco (October):
San Francisco Main Page | Regatta Schedule | Results | Race Area

Approximate Primary Race Area. Click image to browse chart 18650 at NOAA. Image:2012 NOAA.  This chart is not for navigation, of course.  Also see NOAA Chart 1849 for broader view of San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate approaches.

Approximate Race Area for ACWS San Francisco.

The Principal Race Officer (PRO) will set a course approximating these boundaries depending on wind conditions and other factors.  Best viewing locations will vary with the race courses and wind directions.  In unusual situations, it is still possible that the location could substantially vary from that shown above.  The exclusion zone extends outward from the race area depending on conditions.

For Fleet Week, from Thursday to Sunday, the race area will be shifted further offshore to allow for a safety zone below the aerial performers.  The finish line will remain near the breakwater point as feasible.

Generally the start-finish line will be located near the center of the race area, with Windward and Leeward gates at each end.  Little Marina Green at the west end of the basin is the "America's Cup Village", the main gathering location for the general public, and the intention is to stage races to optimize viewing for the crowds.

Viewing On the Water:
The race area will be patrolled to keep non-privileged traffic from interfering with the racing.  Spectator craft are permitted outside the race area and safety zones provided they safely comply with Course Marshal instructions, including maneuvering at speeds under 5 knots near the course, among other requirements.  Mariners who viewed previous ACWS racing on the water reported that polite cooperation with the Course Marshals and Coast Guard/Harbor Patrol let them enjoy great viewing locations. 

The October regatta will be complicated however by the presence of the airshow box, and the extremely narrow timeframe required to share the water while meeting television demands.  On Sunday, ACRM's own fleet of boats, used to establish the race area, the marks, gates, and the start and finish lines, will not be able to occupy the course until 5 minutes before the start sequence begins, and must clear the immediately afterwards.

General Guidlines:

• Please be familiar with NOAA Nautical Chart #18650 which includes the racing area.
   

• Spectators are asked to stay outside of the lines delineated by "Stake Boats" flying large red America's Cup flags from their rigs.  Course Marshals will actively patrol these lines and will fly a green official flag.
   

• Boats shall NOT enter the racing area at any time without permission from the USCG Patrol Commander on VHF-23.
   

• Refusal to adhere to any request from ACWS Officials may result in action from USCG and/or local marine authorities.

Some areas outside the illustrated Race Area, particularly near Marina Green, will be exclusion zones prohibited to the general public during racing.  Monitor VHF-20 for race related commentary.

Pending any updates for October, for reference: See August Water Spectator Guide (pdf 572K)
 

Where to Watch the Racing:

Sunday October 7 Only:
America's Cup national broadcast Live on NBC.  Read more about ACWS TV/Online Broadcasts

On other Race Days:
America's Cup YouTube Channel

Animated Virtual Coverage: VirtualEye

Also: Live Webcam

San Francisco Race Schedule:

 

Additional Links and Info:

Visit Official America's Cup website