America's Cup VIPs

[rwoofer]

Rather a lot of boats watching the AC had the VIP flag flying. Who were they?

Smelt of corporate money making, only reinforced by a couple pompous ones we came across. Supposedly they were allowed closer to the course than anyone else, but thank god the marshalls didn't even try to enforce the separation.

The other 99% of the VIPs seem to just join in with the crowds which I thought made the on the water experience far better for everyone, so good on them.

In other sports (Formula 1, Wimbledon etc) I have also been on the supposedly corporate VIP side and my general impression is that the real fans get pushed out by people who are barely interested in the sport, but just want a free p1ss up.

Let's just hope sailing can keep things open for everyone.

 

[henryf]

A little unfair.

Not everyone owns a boat but wants to get as close to the action as possible. There were some fairly modest sized "VIP" boats.

Technically the North Western course boundary was supposed to be reserved for VIP boats. This wasn't enforced. If you'd paid the organisers for the privilege of using that area you'd be a bit miffed to be jostled around by a load of gate crashers.

I thought the event was extremely accommodating towards non paying spectators. Well marshalled, live commentary on the radio etc.

Henry

 

[southseaian]

Due to the wind on the day and the subsequent course there was a better view of much of the action from Southsea Seafront than from the VIP's grandstand.
We plebs on the beach with ice creams rather than gin or champers.

Second race. NZ leading GB around downwind mark.
My photo from seafront at a distance of around one mile.

 

[henryf]

Viewing from the beach was always designed to good. That's where the finish line was

Henry

 

[Topcat47]

I was out with the spectator boats. Keeping station was extremely difficult if you wanted to watch the action. Wish I'd been shoreside. I went down this morning to find it cancelled, not that I was greatly surprised. There are limitations to windsails and foils that "lesser" boats are not subject to. Not that it was nice out there.