Kiddies day

Alinghi - contining to take the America's Cup to the masses

The Alinghi open day for the Real Club Nautico de Valencia members and families was a roaring success, with nearly 500 people turning up to visit SUI64 and the boatshed on Saturday 28 May. There was music, Horchata (local drink) on tap, Alinghi caps, Alinghi footage and on-board explanations to the children of Valencia by Alinghi Navigator Juan Vila.

The highlight of the day was yet to come: 15 children aged between eight and 15 followed the America’s Cup winning yacht SUI64 out into open water and boarded it to go racing with the team. This was the first time children have sailed on the ACC yacht SUI64: “It was amazing,” said one elated nine year old from the yacht club, still grinning from cheek to cheek: “we were grinders, we went up to the front of the boat and we even steered!”

Alinghi also supported a dinghy regatta for the yacht club, and a record fleet turned out for the show with 60 Optimists buzzing about the 24m America’s Cup Class Yacht. General Manager Grant Simmer presented signed framed pictures of the Alinghi yacht at the regatta prize-giving.

All in all the day was a lot of fun - and not just for the kids - the Alinghi sailing team had grins on their faces to match the yacht club children’s!