Americas Cup - Portsmouth

Oscarguitar · 23 July 2015, 09:35

Is anyone going out to watch the racing?
I'm planning to head up to Cowes tomorrow, (have a B&B booked for 2 nights and a berth at Shepherds) and will head out to see what I can see from the spectator zone.
Might get a bit soggy going to Cowes tomorrow, but the rest of the weekend looks ok.

Oscarguitar · 23 July 2015, 20:12

Not looking quite so good now! May have to try another route.

busybee · 24 July 2015, 20:00

I was out yesterday on Rib but the race exclusion zone for spectator boats is so large that viewing is not really possible, I went into the seafront event today and it was dire I know the weather was foul but even yesterday very little attendance with nothing much to see. Tickets were originally £40 each but now can't even give them away and when you try to get in they will not allow you to take food in and people are getting body searched as well just in case they have food for a picnic!
but surprise surprise you can buy fast food in there at very high prices, I took a few pics on my phone to give you a feel of the show area!

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Budgie1 · 24 July 2015, 20:07

Hummmm thanks busybee you've help make my mind up!! ....thought about taking the RIB down but wondered if it it would be worthwhile and weather considerations, so thought of beach spectating but don't think I will bother!

buddy · 24 July 2015, 20:16

I am going in the morning from Hamble hope to see something if not water skiing then a beer on the iow

busybee · 24 July 2015, 20:16

it is nearly all bar tents all massive which you can't go inside at all the tents are for the staff to serve from no cover from rain at all.
No clothing or chandlery stalls at all just a massive waste of money fencing off a huge area, go to the New Forest show instead, not boats but lots to see

lakelandterrier · 24 July 2015, 20:18

We were meant to be down there today - but saw the forecast and thought it would a total waste of time & money so headed to Dartmouth a day early instead.

Glad we did but even so to wake up on first day of holiday to no visibility and driving rain - which hasn't really stopped hasn't really put me in the mood - apart from thinking we could have been at Southsea (somewhat cheering). Better forecast for tomorrow though

buddy · 24 July 2015, 20:19

Such a shame a saw this event in San Francisco and you could get real close with big crowds and great atmosphere

Dry Run · 24 July 2015, 20:49

OK, so the weather today put a real downer on things - Red Arrows cancelled, evening concert cancelled, low spectator attendance, etc.

To be fair, I think this is probably a 3-day event spread over 4 days? However, I think this is a genuine attempt to popularise sailing events and certainly plenty of money has been spent. Personally, I think Saturday will be much better, certainly I'll go and have a look.

Spectating from the water is not really a good option as 'elf & safety' dictate that everyone is kept well clear. Try driving up to the edge of a Grand Prix circuit and you'll see what I mean.

Not allowing food and drink into the venue is pretty common these days so I don't have an issue there.

This is early days and no doubt lessons will be learned. They are trying to emulate the F1 experience, but are still some way from that. However don't forget that this event (TheAmericas Cup) has only really moved into the media spotlight since 2013. Now TV rights are involved, progress will be swift.

I would be confident that the next Portsmouth event in2016 will be an awfull lot more complete as a visual \ punter package.

whisper · 24 July 2015, 21:50

I might be out tomorrow

Bucksribster · 25 July 2015, 23:41

Had a great day out watching the racing today. A shame they won't let you closer, but actually found a good place on the Hasler side.

There were sooooo many boats out! Not to mention the helicopter, the Marines in a landing craft etc etc

ribber · 26 July 2015, 00:01

Plenty of boats out today, but I was disappointed with what you could see. My picture says it all, as that was as close as they got. Too far away to create any excitement I'm afraid. The helicopter flying over filming was giving the best show and kept me amused.

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Still, good day out on friends old fairey huntsman, twin engine beast.

ribber · 26 July 2015, 00:07

america's challenge 026.mp4

whisper · 26 July 2015, 09:16

It's raining really hard here today

Oscarguitar · 26 July 2015, 09:42

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Went yesterday but stayed ashore (long story). Good atmosphere once the racing began.

Organisation was a bit poor, huge queues to get in, security lost control of the crowd in the fanzone, and there were no way near enough outlets there either. The free Southsea common area looked really good with lots of bars, eateries, coffee places and hundreds of toilets!

Still on IOW, but peeing down so off home on the ferry shortly. Was supposed to blowing a gale as well, which is why I didn't come by boat, the wind is starting to get up a bit so hopefully the AC 45 will get going a bit today.

buddy · 26 July 2015, 11:33

Went yesterday on the RIB out of the Hamble got half way to Portsmouth only to see the oil light on, so after a quick check went slowly back to Hamble point just to discover it was a service due light ( I should I
Have known that) so back to Portsmouth at speed to join the flotilla which was great but very over zealous marshals and to be honest to see the race you needed a telescope!
Great to see so many RIBs out and finished the day with a beer in Cowes.

ribber · 26 July 2015, 11:43

Pictures that didn't come through before.

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Fender · 26 July 2015, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by ribber

Plenty of boats out today, but I was disappointed with what you could see. My picture says it all, as that was as close as they got. Too far away to create any excitement I'm afraid. The helicopter flying over filming was giving the best show and kept me amused.

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Still, good day out on friends old fairey huntsman, twin engine beast.

Your a brave man mentioning twins in this forum

Unfortunately the racings been canceled due to appalling weather

ShinyShoe · 26 July 2015, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fender

Your a brave man mentioning twins in this forum

I don't think this fora thinks twins are 100% evil. Just that they often don't solve the problems their owners hope they will and cost more. So when it's someone else's fuel, and someone else's servicing costs that's fine ;-)

Fender · 26 July 2015, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

I don't think this fora thinks twins are 100% evil. Just that they often don't solve the problems their owners hope they will and cost more. So when it's someone else's fuel, and someone else's servicing costs that's fine ;-)

I love twins, like anything in life, u pays yer money