QUOTABLE: On how Americans will respond to the America’s Cup

“I don’t think there is that much difference actually in the U.S.,” assessed Russell Coutts, Oracle Team USA CEO, regarding the response for the America’s Cup compared to other countries. “Let’s wait and see after this America’s Cup and after the national broadcasting.

“If you’re comparing the America’s Cup in San Diego to some of the other America’s Cups, it was hard to get interested in San Diego when there was no real event village and the racing was miles out to sea, where no one could see it. You’d have to be an extreme optimist to think that was going to be a great series.

“Now we have a proper event village, a festival of activities, and racing will be right on shore for people to see it. Just as they started to at the World Series events, Americans are going to think this will be a fun thing to come along and be part of.

“In Newport, R.I., the town itself almost because an America’s Cup village. Imagine if they had opened up racing inside Newport Harbor what it would have been like. As it was, it was pretty good.

“Moving it into a major city is another jump again. I say let’s wait and see how Americans respond this time.” – Sailing World, full interview