PROGRESS: Putting the pieces together for success

The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup is a new event under the umbrella of the America’s Cup Event Authority, to be held in San Francisco during the break between the start of the 2013 America’s Cup Finals and the conclusion of the Louis Vuitton Cup (Sept. 1-4, 2013).

Among the ten international teams that will be participating, Scuttlebutt intends to provide a monthly update for the two North American teams selected to compete. Here’s what they are up to in April:

American Youth Sailing Force (USA) –
After training on the AC45s in March, the team has launched a new website in April to share their experiences. Included are crew and shore team bios, news updates, video interviews with the crew, a revamped media link and a sponsorship page detailing how individuals and businesses can support their efforts.

The team will be active at Strictly Sail Pacific boat show (Apr 11-14) in Oakland, with team members showcasing the SL33 Bridge Runner catamaran they are using as a training platform for the AC45. On Friday, April 12, the team will be giving a talk on The Force in AC45’s, and will be providing information on their upcoming fundraising party at the Richmond Yacht Club May 16.

During the show, the team will be sailing two of Sunsail’s charter boats with inner-city kids aboard, a program that the team hopes will expose more people to the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. They will be out sailing with some of the kids from the Afterguard and Osprey programs based in Oakland and exploring the central bay with them.

Team website: http://americanyouthsailingforce.com

USA45 Racing (USA) –
After the team’s first AC45 practice session on San Francisco Bay March 15-17, the team better understands the large task ahead of us. Working with Oracle Team USA coach Darren Bundock, the team improved greatly and tested themselves in good breeze on the San Francisco Bay, reaching a top speed of 27kts downwind!

The team’s first fundraiser on March 12th at the San Diego Yacht Club was a huge success as well, with over 250 people in attendance to meet the team and listen to keynote speaker and Oracle Team USA skipper Jim Spithill. Two more fundraisers are scheduled, back-to-back in Florida, at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, and the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, home waters of John Wallace and Matthew Whitehead.

April is a busy month for the collegiate sailing circuit, but the team will have access to the AC45 again for training on May 10-12. This will also mark the first time having coach Charlie Ogletree onsite, past AC World Series skipper for the China Team. Practice and quality time on the water will be the key to success going forward.

Team website: http://www.usa45racing.com

Note: All information is provided by each team. Further details here.