Travel & Undersail

America’s Cup Sails Triumphantly Back Into Newport Harbor

Editor's note: Newport has learned that the America's Cup races will not return to Newport, and that only San Francisco is still in competition as a U..S.A. location.

Straight from The White House and the “Today” Show, the imposing America’s Cup paid an historic visit to Newport.

On display under a canopy at Bannister’s Wharf, along with the Pell Cup, an engraved silver bowl, the imposing Cup brought out interested and respectful viewers, including Newport Seen. The trophy then sailed on to a "Cup Victory Luncheon" at historic Fort Adams benefiting Sail Newport, Rhode Island’s non-profit, public sailing center. A highlight of the day was BMW Oracle (headed by new Newport resident and American's Cup 2010 winner Larry Ellison) Racing’s presentation to Rhode Island-area junior sailors at Fort Adams immediately following the luncheon.

Planners, enthusiasts, and Cup return hopefuls wished for this chance to showcase the state’s enthusiasm for bringing the Cup back to our city. Their hopes were realized. Other celebrations were planned by various sailing groups.

The magnificent America' s Cup trophy arrives

at Fort Adams

At Bannister's Wharf, Dyer Jones, former Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, Sheldon Whitehouse aide Vivian Spencer, Keith Stokes, head of the RIEDC, and State Representative Peter Martin regarded the Cup, and talked about its chances for returning to America, and Newport. Seen were Angela Moore and Cynthia OMalley, while WPRO Radio interviewed a former America's Cup competitor about the coveted Cup’s return.

A parade of 12-meter yachts, many former competitors and winners of the American’s Cup, formed the flotilla across the harbor, including Columbia (1958 winner) and Intrepid (1967 and l970 winner), American Eagle, Heritage, and Weatherly. It was a spectacular site,

Tom Ehman, BMW Oracle Racing, Michael Muessel,

Commodore, Ida Lewis Yacht Club,& Toby Pell

At the luncheon at Fort Adams, served under a tent with the Cup on display, were Mohamad Farzan, President, of SailNewport, Linda Gordon, Richard A. Baker M.D., and Dorienne Farzan.

The presentations were emceed by Tom Ehman of the U.S.A., Racing External Affairs and former Newport resident, and included design coordinator Ian Burns of Australia,, sailing team member Brad Webb of New Zealand, and design team member and Newport-area native Scott Ferguson.