Valencia 2007 hands over Port America's Cup

Consorcio Valencia 2007 hands over Port America's Cup

Valencia, 23rd March 2007 - Today marked the official hand over of Port America's Cup from the Consorcio Valencia 2007. This was a symbolic act that marks the end of construction works that began in the Port of Valencia in 2004. Port America's Cup is now ready to host the decisive season of sailing's greatest competition, with racing beginning on April 3rd.

The official 'ribbon cutting' ceremony began 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days after the selection of Valencia as host city of the 32nd America's Cup.

Representatives of the three levels of government that constitute Consorcio Valencia 2007, along with the CEO of the organising body of the 32nd America's Cup, Michel Bonnefous, toured the Port from a race official's boat.

The Minister of Public Administration, Jordi Sevilla, the Education, Culture and Sports Councillor for the Generalitat Valenciana, Alejandro Font de Mora, and the Mayoress of Valencia, Rita Barberá, toured the venue, beginning from the North Marina, along the canal, through the entrance to the Port and disembarked at the Superyacht Pier at the centre of Port America's Cup.

At the end of the Superyacht Pier, the guests cut a symbolic ribbon, to mark the completion of the work and the official opening of Port America's Cup.

Speaking at the new Press Conference Room, beside the Media Centre, Michel Bonnefous said, "Today is very special. Valencia and Spain have fulfilled their commitment and we now have three marinas, 12 team bases, an International Broadcast Centre, a Media Centre, along with the AC Park, and a landmark building - the Veles e Vents.It is all very impressive and today I invite the world to come to Valencia and enjoy it with us."

At over 900 000 square metres, Port America's Cup is the greatest 'sailing stadium' in the world. The 12 team bases line the perimeter of the inner harbour, divided by the Superyacht Pier and the impressive Veles e Vents building towers over the Port.

Lining both sides of the Canal are AC Park North and AC Park South with public entertainment areas, restaurants, bars, cafés and exhibitions. Close to the sea entrance of the canal is the Port America's Cup Marina, offering 636 berths for yachts up to 30 metres.

With racing just over one week away, Port America's Cup is ready to welcome millions of visitors from Spain and around the world to experience the passion and spirit of the 32nd America's Cup.

32nd America's Cup
Edificio Varadero Port America's Cup
46011 Valencia, Spain
Email: media@americascup.com
Web: www.americascup.com or http://media.americascup.com

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