The America's Cup race seems to be heading to San Francisco, CA and not Newport, RI as many locals had hoped. It has not been confirmed as to where the race will be held, but the announcement made today by BMW Oracle Racing, indicates that San Francisco is the only American city that will be a potential host for the Cup competition.
Back in the winter, an America’s Cup committee has been formed in Rhode Island amidst rumors and hopes that the next America's Cup race will be hosted in Newport, Rhode Island in 2013.
Last week, the Cup was displayed in Newportfor all to see ... and for those who were hoping that it was a good sign that the America's Cup would come to Newport.
The last America's Cup was held in Newport in 1983. Locals here in RI were hoping for the Cup races in Rhode Island not just for the excitement, but for the economic benefits.
Bringing the 2013 America's Cup back to Newport, Rhode Island would have been great news for the ailing state, struggling with a large budget deficit and close to a 13% unemployment rate. Thousands of jobs and millions of dollars could be pumped into Rhode Island's economy.
The good news? The Providence Journal reports that the multiple trials to select the cup defender may be held in RI. Russell Coutts, CEO of the BMW-Oracle syndicate, told him as recently as this morning that Newport is definitely in the running for hosting the trial races what might begin are soon as next year.
However, there may be good news for Rhoed Island. The director of the EDC told the Providence Journal that Russell Coutts, CEO of the BMW-Oracle syndicate, told him as recently as this morning that Newport is definitely in the running for hosting the trial races what might begin are soon as next year.
America's Cup trophy on display in Newport Rhode Island
Read BMW Oracle Statement here
Photo: Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, right, and Alinghi's owner Ernesto Bertarelli pose with the trophy of the America's Cup trophy at Valencia's port, Spain, on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, ahead of the start of the 33rd Americas Cup race. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
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