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11 October 2004, 10:25 am
Racing Cancelled On Big Sunday
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America's Cup Act Two
Valencia

After a fantastic day of racing on Saturday, race crews were prepared for another heavy load day as the forecast again called for strong winds on Sunday.
Unfortunately, in the event, the West wind was simply too strong to allow racing to start, and before the scheduled start time of 12:40, Principal Race Officer Peter REGGIO was forced to shut down competition for the day.

"It's not right for these boats to sail in these conditions. We've been in touch with each of the teams and unfortunately, we have to make this decision," Reggio said. "I have had an average of 24 knots of wind blowing measured at 6-metres above the water on the Committee Boat, with long gusts of over 30 knots. The masts on these boats are over 30-metres high and it's a lot windier up there!"

Although there are no hard wind limits in the 32nd America's Cup that would pre vent racing, the teams and the Race Committee are very conscious of the fact that these boats have been built to a rule where racing in these conditions would have been prohibited. Serious equipment damage is a very real possibility when the wind is so strong.

"We have a long way to go, and we don't need to damage the fleet unnecessarily," Reggio concluded.

Despite the lack of racing on Sunday, this has been a very successful first weekend for the America's Cup in its new Host City of Valencia, Spain. Saturday was a regional holiday in Valencia, 'San Donis', a day of celebration in the city and region of Valencia. Roughly equivalent to Valentine's Day, the day was capped with an impressive fireworks display, and this year, many took the opportunity to come to the Darsena Interior and visit the America's Cup.

The public in Valencia have embraced the event, with over 31 000 visitors to the America's Cup Park on Saturday alone. Tuesday the 12th of October is National holiday, known as 'El Pilar', and with many people taking the Monday off work as well, this is wonderful opportunity for the America's Cup and the people of Valencia to get acquainted.

Racing in the second Round Robin continues on Monday with Peter REGGIO and his crew on the Race Committee scheduling Flights 2, 3 and 4, with the first start at 11:40.
AC Media (As Amended By ISAF News Editor)
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