America’s Cup Appeals To Local Boat Owners
America’s Cup Bermuda is enlisting the help of local boat owners who are willing for their boat to be used in the Course Marshal fleet.
“Locals who own power boats that meet required specifications and who are willing for their boat to be used in the Course Marshal fleet are asked to make contact with America’s Cup Bermuda. This comes as the preparations ramp up for a safe race course during the 35th America’s Cup,” the ACBDA said.
“The On Water Operations Committee is responsible for providing a safe racing area for the duration of the five-week race schedule. Having a fleet of local power boats will help Bermuda organisers to deliver that mandate.
“The committee requires 32 boats in good, working order from May 15, 2017 to June 28, 2017, which will be used as part of the Course Marshal fleet. The fleet with be tasked with creating order among spectator boats on the Great Sound during the races.”
Tom Miller, Chairman, On Water Operations Committee, says: “Creating a safe, uncompromised race course is of utmost importance in order to have successful racing on the Great Sound next year.
“We are asking local power boat owners to consider making their vessels available to help us achieve this goal. A safe race course is a critical element to showcasing Bermuda as a wonderful place to host sailing regattas.”
The specifications for eligible boats are as follows:
- 32 boats in good working order
- 18’ to 20’ in length
- Fuel efficient, 70 hp or less four-stroke engines in good condition
- 60 L fuel tank
- Hydraulic steering
- Safety gear [anchor, chain, rope, dock lines, self-bailing cockpit, etc.]
- Seating for two people
- Shade covering
- Hard-wired VHF radio
- Capabilities for towing marks
- Cooler for water
- Running lights
The ACBDA said, “Individuals who would like to consider this will be given further information when they respond. It is anticipated that not all boats will be required all of the days scheduled but we would like to hear from people who are willing to consider making their boats available for a majority of the AC scheduled days.
“Boat owners can register their interest by emailing Adam Barboza, ACBDA Project Manager on ab@acbda.bm, who will provide specific details around the opportunity.”
Just to be clear – are the boat owners themselves going to be allowed on the boat or is it just the boat, without anyone else, that the AC wants?
Good question and something that should have been made clear from the get go . People who might like to help but are too uncertain about other people operating their pride and joy could be weeded out early without having to go to any info sessions
Sadly , it appears that my Riva isn’t what they’re looking for and it’s going to be at the factory for re-fitting anyway .. LOL
Not sure how easy it will be to find boats in that narrow size band. Most will have engines 70 or more. Why specify 4 stroke? Why specify hydraulic steering?Not ccommon in smaller boats like that though hydraulic steering is nice to have even in a little one.