After nearly 100 years, America’s Cup racing is back in New York City.
This weekend, Lower Manhattan played host to the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series racing event. The spectacle was a sight to behold, and we partnered with Sperry to get a front row seat to all the action. The Americans, French, Japanese, Swedes, Brits, and Kiwis all competed for a win at the NY regatta, where the points count towards the big event in Bermuda in 2017.
The best sailors in the world flew down the Hudson River on state-of-the-art AC45F catamarans. These advanced boats are the main reason the event was able to return to New York City after 96 years. Faster and lighter, they’re prime for maneuvering the shallow waters of New York harbor.
Sperry, along with other luxury brands like Bremont and Moet & Chandon, partnered with Louis Vuitton to host the event here in NYC. The fun started on Thursday, when Oracle Team USA members Cooper Dressler and Rome Kirby hung out at the Sperry Flatiron store, alongside the cup itself. The Auld Mug, as is affectionately called, is nearly 160 years old and had two very serious looking guys guarding it while on display.
Saturday and Sunday, the promenade outside Brookfield Place in Battery Park City turned into Event Village, with loads of food and entertainment for spectators to enjoy. At the Sperry hospitality tent, spectators could purchase their iconic shoes and mark the momentous event by getting their shoes branded with official logos.
The race course itself ran along the Hudson River, from Battery Park all the way north to Pier 25. On Saturday, Mother Nature toyed with both sailors and spectators alike. There were two start attempts, but ultimately, the race was abandoned due to lack of wind.
On Sunday, the clouds parted and blue skies, combined with consistent wind, led to ideal racing conditions. Despite the hometown cheers, Oracle Team USA came in 2nd, and it was Emirates Team New Zealand that ultimately won the NY regatta.
Compass + Twine is proud partner with Sperry in covering the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series racing event in New York City. A big thanks for such a fun weekend!
