America’s Cup Returns to New York Harbor

For the first time in almost 100 years the America’s Cup made its way back to NY Harbor.  Though the wind was dead on the races first day the crowd was lively.  Thousands gathered on both sides of the Hudson to observe and 250 plus boats surrounded the race course for the same purpose.

After the races were called off two hours into the first day the wind picked up and the racers put on a show.  All the boats made hard tacks upwind as the boats lifted onto their hydrafoils and careened down the wall past spectators at Manhattan’s North Cove.

New York yacht broker Patrick Hopkins shared his excitement: “The following day I was out on a 50 foot powerboat with the wind blowing 20 knots steadily from the NorthWest.  What ensued that Sunday was incredible.  Strong currents along with strong winds made for a spectacular day of racing in which the teams who won were making decisions based on instinct not skill.

Team USA finished each race in a scoring position but never first.  The Hudson River and the buildings that shadow her waters made for a day with no homefield advantage.  It was truly a spectacle to behold in one of the most recognizable harbors in the world.”