Crowds, Sailing & Entertainment At Opening Day
[Written by Marisa Whitecross]
The first day of America’s Cup was a complete success. There was a great turnout of a crowd and the atmosphere was incredible between the intense racing of the boats, the Wyclef concert and the spectacular Opening Ceremony uniting everyone in Bermuda at the America’s Cup Village.
All the celebrations began at 11:30, the Wyclef concert started at 5:15pm, an incredible skydivers show began at 7:30pm followed by the opening ceremony at 8:30pm. Bermuda did a fantastic job of holding the America’s Cup and it was only day one.
Slideshow of the attendees at the opening day
.
Bike parking is close to the entrance of the Dockyard and signs direct bikes to a large parking space. Shuttles are available for any people getting into the village, including a shuttle to take people from the car parking spaces which are a little further away. Both the regular ferries and the America’s Cup ferries are taking people across the island.
When entering the village, an organized procedure of a security station and scanning of tickets are conducted.
Many America Cup stores are within the village, a different store for each of the different teams, allowing visitors to purchase any souvenirs for this amazing event and clothing wear.
Slideshow of the Opening Ceremony held in the evening
.
Many food stations are set up including Rosa’s, Smokin Barrel, Bermuda Pie, Devil’s Isle and free popcorn at one of the event stations. There are many drink stations including a Docksider’s set-up.
Numerous screens are around the Village allowing everyone to see a live, close screening of what is happening on the water during the races and creating an outdoor theatre effect.
The footage of the boats had the crowds reacting, especially the close viewing of two boats having a collision during one of the races causing slight visible damage and carbon fiber coming off the boats.
There were helicopters flying overhead and commentators keeping everyone so intrigued into what is occurring on the water and successful at keeping visitors on edge and feeling involved. The overall atmosphere was really incredible and one local, Ryan Bull sad, “It is awesome, one of the best experiences of the year.”
Slideshow of the first day of racing
.
The Opening Ceremony, which was postponed from Friday, was an absolute hit. Local performers, Gombeys, the different teams coming on stage and footage of the America’s Cup development was all an event that made for a truly special moment.
You can view our ongoing live updates of the America’s Cup here, and all our coverage of the America’s Cup here.
Read More About
Category: All, Entertainment, Sports
