The second America’s Cup World Series regatta in San Francisco was part of a weekend billed as “event-ageddon” and proved a strong draw for the many people who flocked to the city.
According to Mayor Ed Lee, who visited the America’s Cup World Series on “Super Sunday,” the America’s Cup showcased the city in an international setting.
“It’s fabulous for our city, and a million people came out to watch it,” said Mayor Lee. “They wanted to be near the waterfront so they could see the blend of sky and water, fast racing boats, the Blue Angels. The America’s Cup races next year will be the only international event we have in the U.S., if not North America.”
Similar to the August America’s Cup World Series, another gold medalist took a turn in the guest racer seat aboard an AC45. Three-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin rode with Emirates Team New Zealand and, like Michael Johnson (the gold medalist track and field star) before her, she came away with awe at the athleticism involved to race the AC45.
“It was quite fun, but there was a lot that went into it. I don’t know the terms, but those guys were working their butts off,” said Coughlin. “What was amazing was how closely the boats crossed one another.”