LegacyIn Valencia, Spain they are still attributing the city’s resurgence to the hosting of the 32nd America’s Cup two years ago. So what will be the ongoing lift that Ras al Khaimah and the UAE might get from hosting the 33rd AC in February 2010?
Face Lift
A tourism web site says (14 September 2009) about Valencia:
“Valencia is a beautiful Mediterranean city which is often overlooked by tourists but that is fast becoming a popular holiday destination thanks to the money and energy that has been invested in the city over recent years. Much of the city’s face lift is thanks to the America’s Cup, the world’s most prestigious yacht race which was held in Valencia in 2007. You can still visit the America’s Cup port and installations in Valencia if you are a fan.”
The scale of the competition in 2007 was much greater and a longer regatta than will be the case in the UAE and Valencia, in contrast to RAK, had a significantly more substantial face that could be lifted.
Profile
The new lagoon and facilities will no doubt be an ongoing boon for RAK’s marine activities and the formerly unknown emirate will now have a profile that is associated with the historic race.
Sailors
Spokespeople have recently said that the holding of the America’s Cup in the UAE will give to the sport of sailing and its sailors in this young nation a tremendous boost.
On Related Sites
Do You Know the Words and Tune of the UAE National Anthem? Experiencing the Emirates, 13 September 2009.
Fujairah for Blue Skies, Beaches and Diving, Fujairah in Focus, 11 September 2009.
Dr Geoff Pound
Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.
Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.
Image: The America’s Cup Building ‘Veles e Vents’ (Sails and Winds) and accompanying park were the social focal point for the 2007 America’s Cup – the most famous and prestigious regatta and match race in the sport of sailing. Staged in Europe for the first time in over 150 years, Veles e Vents was the centerpiece in the reorganization of Valencia’s industrial port.
The building was completed within 11 months and successfully opened in time for the preliminary regattas (e.g., the Luis Vuitton Cup), staged in May and June 2006. Veles e Vents provided a central base for all America’s Cup teams and sponsors, as well as being a venue for the public to view the racing. (Photo courtesy of Twisted Sifter)
