The America’s Cup has the power to bring together people from many countries, puts a city on the world map attracting visitors - long after the event, and has been the impetuous for renewal and revitalisation of a waterfront leaving a long-term legacy for a host city. The extent of the benefits depends on the willingness of the host to fully embrace the Cup and on the competitors doing everything possible to help establish an exciting and vibrant event for visitors and locals.

One thing is certain, all past venues having experienced the benefits of hosting the Cup dream to see the return of America’s Cup competition to their shores, but thus far, only one venue has ever realised that dream – Auckland.  There are two Challengers who are now working hard to follow suit and return the 37th America's Cup to an earlier Cup venue; the Royal Yacht Squadron (Team INEOS) to Cowes, England and the New York Yacht Club (American Magic) to Newport, Rhode Island.

Let’s look at the past venues:

San Francisco (2010-2017)

After Oracle Team USA won the 33rd America’s Cup having beaten Alinghi in a memorable Deed of Gift match, the American team took the 34th edition of the America’s Cup in 2013 back to one of the worlds most iconic sailing venues- San Francisco. Coincidentally the home of Larry Ellison and headquarters of his Oracle corporation. 

Renown for its clockwork reliable sea breezes, any San Francisco Bay sailor would tell you, “The wind doesn’t blow here, the valley sucks.” Each afternoon in summer the sun bakes the inland areas heating them up creating low pressure which sucks the cool pacific ocean air in causing a strong 20+ knot breeze and a glory of sparkling white caps across the bay and along the famous San Francisco city waterfront.

True to form, San Francisco Bay delivered one of the longest and most exciting America’s Cup matches in history between Oracle Team USA and Emirates Team New Zealand amongst the iconic landmarks of the Golden gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the San Francisco waterfront and the Bay Bridge.

It was the first time foiling was introduced into the America’s Cup after Emirates Team New Zealand exploited a loophole in the rules that would allow them to innovate and race the massive AC72’s above the water. 

The 2013 match will always be remembered for the exciting (or painful, if you are a New Zealander) chase of the Defender to win the match after being 8-1 down at one point and the cancellation of a race due to a time limit when the finish line was in sight of the New Zealand yacht.

Despite the venue being a celebrated racecourse, the 34th America’s Cup would be the only edition to be raced in San Francisco.