Fabulous Friday in San Francisco / America’s Cup

ORACLE TEAM USA took to San Francisco Bay for a day of practice with its two AC72s. Also on the Bay were Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa. The conditions were moderate, with winds in the 10- to 14-knot range under abundant sunshine and a dash of fog.

ORACLE TEAM USA had first access to the racecourse followed by the Kiwis and Italians, who are now training partners. The two teams can sail together but they’re not allowed to share performance data, similar to the arrangement they had during training in New Zealand last year.

The 34th Match for the America’s Cup is nine days away, but tomorrow the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup swings into action. All racing will be held off the America’s Cup Village, at Marina Green, and spectators will have free access to the bleachers.

Tomorrow sees the 10 crews from eight nations participating in speed trials, from 12:15 to 12:30 pm PT. Races 1 and 2 are scheduled for Sunday and racing continues through Wednesday with two races planned per day, beginning at 11:10 am PT and 11:55 am PT.