A visit from the PM

José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero tours the America's Cup Port in Valencia

The Prime Minister of Spain, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, spent this morning at the Port America's Cup in Valencia, touring the facility, meeting the event organisers, the teams, and the board members of the Consorcio Valencia 2007. The Consorcio is the organisation responsible for providing the infrastructure and services for the 32nd America's Cup.

Following the meeting, Mr. Zapatero said he was pleased with progress at the Port.

"The America's Cup will be a showcase for Spain to the world," said the Prime Minister. Mr. Zapatero confirmed that all necessary financing for the venue is secure and is an asset which will benefit the country for years to come.

"The Prime Minister was impressed with the transformation of the Port into a home for the America's Cup," said Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of the event organisers. "Mr. Zapatero told us he wants the America's Cup to be something the whole country can enjoy, participate in, and benefit from."

Over the next several months the remaining team bases will be completed, a canal linking the Port to the North race course area will be opened up, and the public areas will be more developed as well. The result will be a tremendous facility for the America's Cup.

The commitment of the Spanish government to the 32nd America's Cup is an integral part of the support that Spain and Valencia is providing to the event.

Four opening regattas, Louis Vuitton Acts, have already taken place in Valencia, with four more scheduled in 2006 and 2007, before the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger selection series and America's Cup Match are contested in 2007.