America's Cup 33 News - Day One, Race One........ almost!

At 0700 this morning, the two giant multihulls prepared to leave their berths; Alinghi 5 from the Puerto America’s Cup, BMW Oracle (or USA, as the boat is named) from their berth in the commercial port, the only place where they could find sufficient room to store their 68m (223 foot) wing mast.

It had already been announced that owner Larry Ellison would not be aboard USA because of critical weight restrictions but it came as quite a shock to learn that Russell Coutts, winner of three America’s Cups and still considered by many to be the best match race sailor in the world, would not be on board either! Alinghi 5 carried a crew of 14, while USA had only 10, a clear indication that they expected a light-weather race, where weight-reduction is considered more important than the skills of those crewmen left behind.

The two boats reached the course area 26 NM off the coast in good time for the 10.06 start; then spent the next four hours waiting whilst race director Harold Bennett tried to lay a fair course. Trouble was, as the morning went by the southerly breeze in the start area was countered by a westerly breeze at the planned windward mark, just 2 miles off El Saler beach.

At two o’clock, Bennett decided to abandon the start, reasoning that, if the wind died during the race, the 7 hour time limit could have the 2 huge multihulls racing in the dark; not a comfortable scenario...... The race will now be started on Wednesday, when the weather looks like clearing.
Mike O’Neill

America's Cup 33 - It all Starts today!

Yesterday the AC Park at Port America's Cup was buzzing for the Official Opening Cermony of the America's Cup accompanied by one of the most spectacular Mascletàs (daytime firework displays) the city has ever seen. Today sees the first race with BMW Oracle Racing winning the toss to start the race from the starboard tack - Follow the races live on americascup.com and follow our tweets twitter.com/gooruvlc for latest through the day.

America's Cup 33 - OWNERS PRESS CONFERENCE SATURDAY 06 FEB- ELLISON IS A NO-SHOW

Ernesto Bertarelli, the President of the Swiss syndicate Alinghi yesterday stated that he was saddened by the fact that his rival Larry Ellison of BMWOracle Racing had failed to show up for a joint owners press conference organised by the Americas Cup Consortium, he went on to say that he was very surprised by the absence of Mr Ellison, who had previously stated that he would not attend as his executive director Russell Coutts had not been invited to attend.
Communications Director for the Consortium, Francisco Tormo, said that it had been made very plain by the AC33 organisers that the event was a press conference of the owners and that no one else amongst the teams had been invited, or would be qualified to attend, and not that Mr Coutts would not be welcomed, but he is not the owner of the team. Mr Bertarelli, When asked why his relationship with Mr Ellison had deteriorated so much, stated that 'what happened today says it all.'
Alinghi founder Ernesto Bertarelli highlight that safety and reliability need to be key issues to be borne in mind during what promises to be an enthralling 33rd America’s Cup, scheduled to start on Monday. He asked that anyone trying to watch the matches from their own craft take special care as these are immense craft capable of huge speeds...

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AMERICA'S CUP 33

Q1- How do I get there?
Metro TO NEPTUNO, tramvia TO DR LLUCH or bus TO AVENIDA DEL PUERTO
Q2 - What time and what day and is admission free.
The Port opens each day at 9am and admission is free
Q3 - What are the Teams/Countries and how many boats? how long will a race last?
The America's Cup 33 is a Deed of Gift match (read Mike O'Neill's explanation here. It is a best of three races, two boat race between Alinghi, the defender , and BMWOracle, though some would say it is a battle between owners Bertarelli and Ellison. Each race can last up to 7 hours.
Q4 - Can you watch from boats in the sea? Can I watch from home?
The organisers are strongly advising not to try and watch from sea, the course is between 20 and 40 miles out (it is a long way out - think Dover to Calais - which is around 20 miles and takes an hour and a half on a fast ferry!) It is also jolly cold out there at this time of year - the wind chill is around 5 degrees lower than on shore. Not least is the shear size and speed of these multihulls - keep away from them. You can easily watch from the shore on giant screens or from home, for the first time the races are being broadcast live on the internet on americascup.com site and there are daily broadcasts on both alinghi.com and bmworacleracing.com - we'll be blogging on thisisvalencia.blogspot.com and tweeting twitter.com/gooruvlc
Q5 - Can you see from the beach/port?
Great to see them leave and return - the atmosphere promises to be electric - and then watch with the crowds on the big screens.
Q6 - What's Happening in the Marina?
All sorts of activities, food, souvenir shops, children's activities, concerts (free) each evening
Q7 - Is there Catering - Can I eat and drink?
There is the cuisine of Switzerland, The USA and Spain. On the opening day there will be Raclette, Paella and Burgers with all proceeds going to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti
Q8 - Is there shopping/souvenirs.
But of course! Sail gear, and all kinds of AC33 souvenirs.

Two days to the start.......

A ‘Battle of the Titans between the giant catamaran of Team Alinghi and the huge BMW Oracle trimaran is due to start at 10 am on Monday morning.

Rumours were circulating last night that the ‘grudge’ match between these two monsters will be decided by wind strength; the reason being that Alinghi was designed to perform best in winds up to 15 knots ( around 27km/h), whilst BMW Oracle is at her best in 10 to 25 knots (18 to 46 km/h). Mondays forecast of up to 12km winds would seem to favour Alinghi. But the nature of match racing is that many other factors come into play, such as who wins the start, who chooses the ‘right’ side of the course and which team performs best on the day. Nothing is certain until the leading boat crosses the line without incurring penalties.

One thing is certain: since each of these multihulls is capable of speeds up to 3 times that of the wind (technology has advanced that fast), we are certain to see some very exciting racing over the next few days.

In what will surely set the seal on the manner in which these races will be contested, Larry Ellison (owner of BMW Oracle) was asked if he will be going to the Owners Press Conference, due to take place at 4pm today (Saturday 6 February). He replied that Team Alinghi had requested that Russell Coutts, BMW Oracle’s CEO (and helmsman of Alinghi when they first won the America’s Cup in 2003) should not be there. “As a result of them asking Russell not to go, I am not going...” The ‘grudge’ match element was further underlined by Mr Ellison, who likened the contest to that: “....between two heavyweights who don’t much like each other”.

The opening ceremony will start at the America’s Cup port on Sunday morning and is rumoured to include some spectacular displays. More as the story unfolds....

Mike O’Neill

America's Cup 33 News - Here is the Full Agenda

Saturday 6 February
10 am-6 pm AC Park open each day from today(America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Food and drink outlets specialising in Swiss, American, Spanish and Valencian items. Official merchandise
outlets. Information points. Giant screen. Chill-out zone.
Sunday 7 February
10 am-6 pm AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Programme of children’s activities in the children’s playground. Selection of shows for all ages. Special team show with fans for the audience.
1 pm
Opening Ceremony for the 33rd America’s Cup (America’s Cup Port)
Including a spectacular Mascletá firecracker display.
2 pm
“A Grain for Haiti” (America’s Cup Port)
Sales of Valencian paella, Swiss raclette and American hamburgers,
with the proceeds going to help earthquake victims in Haiti.
Monday 8 February
FIRST RACE
9 am-8 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Food and drink outlets specialising in Swiss, American, Spanish and Valencian items. Official merchandise
outlets. Information points. Programme of children’s activities in the children’s playground. Giant screen. Chill-out zone.
Selection of shows for all ages. Special team show with fans for the audience.
9:30 am-12:30 pm
Children’s Day (School visits)
Neptune’s Welcome, learning about the regatta, training games and drinking chocolate.
9:45 am
Race shown live (AC Park Giant screen)
10 am
Starting pistol for Race 1 (Regatta Course)
7 pm
Free Concert (AC Park Stage)
Sedajazz (Soul and Jazz)
Tuesday 9 February
10 am-6 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Food and drink outlets specialising in Swiss, American, Spanish and Valencian items. Official merchandise
outlets. Information points. Giant screen showing the 33rd America’s Cup. Chill-out zone. Programme of children’s activities in the children’s playground. Selection
of shows for all ages.
Wednesday 10 February
SECOND RACE
9 am-8 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
9:45am
Race shown live (AC Park Giant screen)
10 am
Starting pistol for Race 2 (Regatta Course)
7 pm
Free Concert (AC Park Stage)
Zenttric (Spanish/Valencian pop)
Thursday 11 February
10 am-6 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Friday 12 February
THIRD RACE (if necessary)
9 am-8 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
9:45am
Race shown live (AC Park Giant screen)
10 am
Race 3 (Regatta Course)
7 pm
Free Concert (AC Park Stage)
Polock (Spanish/Valencian pop & rock)
Saturday 13 and Sunday
14 February
10 am-6 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)

America's Cup 33 - it all started today with the press conferences.

Both Alinghi and BMWOracle held their Press conferences tonight - Bertorelli and Ellison - It's a head to head! More her soon!

Valencia Football and the Leagues

The people behind Valencia Club de Fútbol are starting a new campaign to cheer on the team and ensure their success with backing from all the fans as they build up to the national League, Champions League, and the European League, encouraging fans to jump on board different initiatives with every match played at home, in Mestalla.
This Saturday the ball gets rolling with the first step of the campaign with the match against Valladolid - all attendees are asked to wear their black and white shirts and orange scarves in true Champions League spirit, to fill the stalls with colour and give big support to the team. The club is even offering a 50% discount on said scarves at the VCF stores- from €12 the price is now down to €6
Keep an eye on thisisvalencia.com for updates as we keep you posted on future campaign news!!

Barbara is back! CHICKENS DON’T CARE

CHICKENS DON’T CARE
This, I recall, is to do with a conversation I had with our builder, Hector, about putting an extractor fan in the bathroom. Hector always tells me I can’t have what I want solely because, I strongly suspect, I’m a woman. Every job completed in our apartment has ‘contention’ written all over it.
‘Can you please put an extractor fan here in this wall, please?’
‘No, not there’
'Why not?’
‘Because ….’
Because ….?’
‘Because people can walk past the outlet and if you make a smell it will embarrass you.’
‘No it won’t’, I say, followed by, ‘What people, there’s only me and my husband?’ and, finally, ‘English people don’t make smells.’
Figuring I’ve covered all bases, we glare at each other for several moments until he says: ‘The chickens’.
My neighbour keeps chickens. Our bathroom, separated by a footpath and dividing wall, backs onto his hen house. The outlet, naturally, will extract air straight at them.
‘They don’t care’, I say.

read more by clicking on the headline!

The Dogones are Simply a Myth - A Debate at the Instituto Frances in Valencia

The Valencian philosopher and anthropologist Nicolas Sanchez (co-curator, among other things, the Dakar-Djibouti exhibition held at the MuVIM last year) meets with French photographer Daniel Michel(who photographed the image here and those in an exhibition at Salon Rouge debate The Dogones are Simply a Myth tomorrow night at the Instituto Frances In the Barrio del Carmen Valencia at 8pm

A view at sunset of Marina Juan Carlos 1 in Valencia, setting for the 33rd America's Cup

photo ©2010 Diana Birch/thisisvalencia.com

America's Cup 33 News - Official Timetable and Opening events

33rd America's Cup Official Program
Sunday 7 February from 10 am: Opening Event
Monday 8 February from 10 am: First Race
Wednesday 10 February from 10 am: Second Race
Friday 12 February: Third Race (if required)
14 - 25 February: Reserve days

05 February
Estrella Dam AC 33 Opening Party
doors open 1900h
Tinglado 2, Marina Juan Carlos I. Entry is free
Los Planetas
Nacho Vegas
La Habitiacion Roja

Photos
Alinghi
©2010 George Johns/Alinghi
BMWOracle
©2010 Gilles Martin-Raget

the 33rd America's Cup - Let me try to explain.........

The 33rd America’s Cup match has been delayed so many times, it is hard for the serious players, let alone the spectator to understand the latest reasons. So let me try to explain:

A. Alinghi 5 has sails which were produced on a mould in America, then shipped to Switzerland to be glued together and finished.

B. GGYC says the whole boat, including sails, must be ‘constructed’ in the country of origin, eg Switzerland, and has taken the matter to court.

C. SNG say that, if Alinghi 5’s sails are banned, Alinghi will forfeit the series rather than race and then find they are disqualified.

"We have been clear: If BMW Oracle succeeds in disqualifying the Defender's sails then there will be no Match," Meyer said. "Russell Coutts [BMW Oracle skipper] will have won the America's Cup for Larry Ellison without sailing."

D. Everything else is just ‘smoke and mirrors’. No other legal issues are involved.

So why have BMW Oracle raised the question of sails when they know that American-made sails were used by almost all teams in the 32nd AC event without any complaint or protest. Why has it become such an issue now?

Tom Ehman of GGYC says: ....... the 33rd Match is not a normal regatta. It is not even a normal America’s Cup. It is a “Deed of Gift match” in which the clear wording of the Cup’s ruling document must be adhered to by both teams.

This statement suggests that, in previous Cup events, the use of American sails was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between all the teams involved. Given the bad blood that exists between these two teams, it is clear that agreement or compromise is simply not possible at this late stage. It is also nearly certain that the Supreme Court will not rule on this case until after the series has begun.

Unless someone ‘blinks first’, racing will go ahead on February 8th, weather permitting. What happens after the ‘grudge match’ has been settled, and one team has ‘won’ the America’s Cup? It seems quite likely that the whole show will end up back in court. Why?, because the two teams have failed to reach agreement on so many points up to now, it seems very probable that one or the other will find a reason (genuine or spurious, depending upon your viewpoint) to protest the whole event. The fact is, they have to go racing on February 8th just to satisfy the New York Supreme Court that they were acting in accordance with the Court’s ruling; that is: if you are going to race, the race must start no later than 10 months after the Court ruled that you should!

It will still be a thrilling spectacle and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a true ‘Battle of the Giants’. We will be there on Monday, February 8 (not the12th as previously reported) and we hope to see you there.
Mike O’Neill

KASABIAN; PiL, The Specials, Ian Brown, The Prodigy are set to appear at FIB Benicassim 2010

FIB organisers have announced first confirmations of the line up for FIB Benicassim 2010 and it's all Brit so far; The Prodigy , Dizzee Rascal , Ian Brown (ex Stone Roses) , Kasabian, The Specials, and PiL (Public Image Limited, Sex Pistols' John Lydon's Band) are all set to play the spanish festival on the weekend of 15th -18th July 2010. More as we get it.
Read Anita Darling and Lolita Devine's report on Last year's Fest here

Formula One official 2010 Trials - part of proceeds to go to Haiti

Formula One official 2010 Trials
Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste
01-01 February
A great weekend's entertainment and an absolute must for any petrolhead. 25€ gets you a grandstand seat for the whole three day event but as little as 5€ will get you into the circuit and there are VIP box offers too!
Seven of F1's 13 teams - namely Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Renault, Sauber, Williams and Toro Rosso - have confirmed their participation in the opening group test of the 2010 pre-season.

The good news is also that part of the proceeds of the day will go to help the victims of Haiti. "Fans who buy a ticket for the tests in Valencia will also perform a humanitarian act to help after a tragedy," Garcia said.

Love Indie music? Tanned Tin is just up your alley!

The very curiously named Tanned Tin Festival takes place at the Teatro Principal and the Sala Opal in Castellón from tomorrow 28 January until the 31st - It features no less than 34 rising stars of the indie scene in concerts both during the day at Sala Opal and the night at Teatro Principal. The Line up is as follows:
Thursday 28 - Teatre Principal
McEnroe 20:00h
Lacrosse 20:40h
David Thomas Broughton 21:20h
Arborea 21:55h
Dean & Britta 22:40h
The Wave Pictures 23:40h
Giant Sand 0:40h
Aidan Moffat & The Best Ofs 1:50h

Friday 29 - Teatre Principal
Ecstatic Sunshine 20:00h
Thee, Stranded Horse 20:35h
Picastro 21:20h
Callers 22:10h
Luke Haines 22:55h
Robin Guthrie 23:50h
The Third Eye Foundation 0:50h
Sleep Whale 2:05h

Saturday 30 - Teatre Principal
Kristofer Aström 20:00h
Sea of Bees 20:40h
Richard Buckner 21:20h
The Wowz 22:15h
L'Altra 23:10h
Dean Wareham plays Galaxie 500 0:10h
Savage Republic 1:15h
DD/MM/YYYY 2:15h

Wednesday 27 - Veneno Stereo
Fiesta presentación. Entrada: 6 € (fuera de abono)
Betunizer

Thursday 29 - Sala Opal
Jozef Van Wissem 13:00h
Jason Urick 13:35h
Sir Richard Bishop 14:15h
Homenaje a Jack Rose 15:05h

Saturday 30 - Sala Opal
Ching Chong Song 13:00h
Jamie Stewart 13:35h
Joe Pernice 14:25h

Sunday 31 - Sala Opal
Mi and L'au 13:00h
Castanets 13:40h
The Clientele 14:25h
The Joe K-Plan 15:15h

Formula One Trials at Cheste

Great news for all you petrolheads out there! The official trials for Formula One 2010 take place the weeknd of the 01-03 February at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit at Cheste. Three days of Formula One thrills for a very low price - 25€ get you grandstand seats for the whole weekend. Get on down! If you need a hotel click here for great rates!
If you want more information on what's on and what's great in Valencia visit our site by clicking on the title above!

Arctic Monkeys Headline MTV Winter in Valencia

The third MTV Winter to be held and televised to millions of MTV viewers around the world takes place on 13 February in the wonderful City of Arts & Sciences in Valencia, Spain. It is usually a spectacular night and this year looks like it will be no exception with a great line up headed by the Arctic Monkeys, who are supported by the Mystery Jets, Lightspeed Champion and Fuzzy White Casters. Get there early as the event is free and people come from miles to see it.

America's Cup 33 News - It is going to be broadcast live - and free on the web!

photo©2010 David Inwood
The Société Nautique du Genève (SNG), trustee of the America’s Cup, has delegated the responsibility for organising the media and event activities for the 33rd America’s Cup to Consorcio Valencia 2007. The 33rd America’s Cup promises to be a regatta unlike everything which has been seen so far.

The two fastest boats in history will fight for the America’s Cup over race courses that are up to six times bigger than the ones used in the 32nd America’s Cup. For this reason, the TV coverage of the racing will be key. For the first time in history, the races will be broadcast live and free of charge through www.americascup.com to reach the biggest, widest possible audience, including all the fans who will not be able to be in Valencia to witness live this historic competition

The on-shore action will be concentrated at the Veles e Vents, the landmark building central to Port America’s Cup. A giant screen will be installed for fans and spectators to follow the races live as well as enjoying a host of complementary activities around the Port area. The International media centre with capacity for 150 journalists will be in close proximity to the Veles e Vents.

Jorge Gisbert, General Director of Consorcio Valencia 2007: « We are very grateful to have the event back at Port America’s Cup, in the short term we have available we will do our utmost to set the stage for an unforgettable event here in Valencia. »

To organise this event in a short time Gisbert has surrounded himself with an international team involved in the execution of the 32nd America’s Cup. This team led by Michel Hodara (SUI, 48) consists of seasoned professionals in the field of television, media, public entertainment and hospitality.

Alinghi's Marquee flies on Valencia's High winds!

David Inwood is our man on the spot at the port in the lead up to the 33rd America's Cup here in Valencia. David and his wife are overwintering on their yacht in the Marina Juan Carlos 1 and have already experienced more extreme weather conditions in their few months here than most of us have seen in ten years!
Today was no exception ...
We've had a wild and wonderful morning in winds gusting up to 59kts. Apart from minor damage to boats around us, the main event was seeing the new Alinghi marquee at the end of the marina blown to smithereerns!

read Mike O'Neill's excellent columns on the recent events leading up to this latest America's Cup