Photos: AC Racing Postponed, Ladies Day Held

May 31, 2017

[Updated with video] Mother Nature interrupted today’s [May 31] America’s Cup racing plans, with racing postponed due to the light winds, however the ‘Ladies Day’ events went ahead as scheduled on land.

The America’s Cup Event Authority [ACEA] and America’s Cup Race Management [ACRM] confirmed that the four scheduled Round Robin 2 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers races planned for today were postponed until Thursday, June 1st, due to winds below the minimum six knot limit America’s Cup Class boats can compete in.

Speaking about the decision, Iain Murray, America’s Cup Race Management Regatta Director, said, “It is obviously not ideal that we have to postpone races, but that is precisely why we have spare race days in the schedule.

“Mother Nature is fickle, it is as simple as that, and since time immemorial sailors have had to contend with light and strong winds.

“After four fabulous days of perfect conditions, today was our turn to deal with the light winds, I am, though, confident we will be back racing tomorrow.”

Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of the America’s Cup, said, “While we would all like to keep on track with the race schedule, we have to deal with what is in front of us.

“For me, it’s incredibly positive to see people in their droves having a great time at the America’s Cup Village, even when we have to postpone a day of racing, and that is because the America’s Cup Village is a truly world-class experience.”

On the Main Stage the acts that performed on Ladies Day included Gita Blakeney, Cindy Smith and Liv Mislu backed by One SOULution Band. Away from the Main Stage there was plenty of champagne and wine flowing, cocktail promotions and a fashion showcase.

In addition, Exhale Spa from the Hamilton Princess provided complimentary mini manicures and massage therapies throughout the day, so guests enjoyed being pampered.

“The America’s Cup itself made a surprise appearance in the Grandstand, the Longtail Lounge and the Gosling’s Dark ‘n Stormy Island Bar to the delight of many, whilst six lucky winners enjoyed an Insetta chase boat ride around the Great Sound,” the organisers said.

“For anyone with tickets to Ladies Day, spectators with Grandstand tickets today [Wednesday May 31st] will be eligible for a refund of their ticket price, minus the cost of general admission to the America’s Cup Village. All other tickets remain valid but are not eligible for refunds as the America’s Cup Village opened.”

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