The show comes home

Details of Alinghi's UBS Trophy regatta in Newport RI

For the first time since 1983, Newport, Rhode Island is preparing for an onslaught of America's Cup style match racing with the UBS Trophy regatta, to be held over 19-26 June.. Organised by Team Alinghi, winner of the America's Cup 2003, and sponsored by UBS, the regatta promises to celebrate the spirit of the 153 year-old trophy in the historic home of the America's Cup during a week of world class yacht racing and festivities.

The opening press conference on Friday June 18 will initiate the event, and racing will begin the following day, weather permitting. Two races will be sailed daily. The course will be short and will be sailed close to the shore in order to offer the best possible access to the public. Tuesday 22 June is scheduled as a lay day. To date, Oracle BMW Racing has confirmed its participation in the event. There will be a pro driver series, as well as an owner-driver series.

The Newport Shipyard will serve as the base for the yachts competing. Located close to the racing course, from here the public will be able to easily see the boats and experience the surrounding activity. Other locations that will provide excellent viewing of the racing include Fort Adams and Goat Island, as well as some sites in Jamestown.

The UBS Trophy regatta plays an important role in the new era of the America's Cup, providing an occasion to keep America's Cup racing alive between Cup events. The continuation of sailing between events helps teams continue to test themselves, promotes an ongoing connection with the public and creates momentum for sponsors. To date, Oracle BMW Racing has confirmed its participation in the event.

"Newport is such an historical place for the America's Cup," says Alinghi's Grant Simmer, who last raced there as part of the Australia II team who prized the America's Cup off the New York Yacht Club. "Our goal is to have good racing, exciting for the public and exciting for TV. It'll give people a better chance to see these boats up close and for Alinghi, it's great to be able to provide the opportunity to do some good racing."

Chris Dickson, CEO of Oracle BMW Racing adds: "The Moet Cup in San Francisco last September was a huge success and the Oracle BMW Racing team looks forward to more of the same close racing in Newport. It will be great to compete in Newport, a town steeped in America's Cup history and tradition. The UBS Trophy adds to the momentum for Valencia in 2007, providing exciting competition in the lead-up to the America's Cup."