RBYAC: Getting ready to raise the volume

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 an excerpt of what they are up to in May (click here for full report):

American Youth Sailing Force (USA) –
The American Youth Sailing Force (The Force) will be busy at work in the month of May. Among other things, we’ll be reaching out to youth, training on our SL33 catamaran, getting some time on the AC45, and fundraising.

There is some dramatic news ahead regarding our rugged SL33 catamaran. “We’ve developed a set of foils for her and we’ll be flying in no time soon. This is the best platform for matching the performance and high physical demands of the AC45s, and we’ll be flying at about the same speed with the foils,” says team member Evan Sjostedt. This will provide the team with very helpful handling and boat speed skills, come September.

Although the SL33 is a remarkable platform for training, there is nothing better than the real thing. In May, “We’ll actually get to train on the AC45 we’ll be racing in the Red Bull America’s Cup.” According to Andrewes. “Understanding our boat’s speed parameters will be useful throughout the course in September.”

Beyond all the training and sailing we’ll be doing, there’s probably nothing more important than raising money to support this remarkable campaign. Fundraising events are planned at the Richmond Yacht Club in May and the Golden Gate Yacht Club in June. Additionall , a new website in May will provide greater interaction for team supporters. Stay tuned.

Team website: http://americanyouthsailingforce.com

USA45 Racing (USA) –
USA45 Racing is getting closer and closer to the move out to San Francisco in early June.

The team is just wrapping up schoolwork and final exams so that focus can be devoted 100% to sailing. On May 10-12, the team will be sailing the AC 45’s in San Francisco for a final sailing session before full time training begins in June.

The team is excited to get back on the water as a group, but has been hard at work in other areas. On April 24, team members Nevin Snow, Jake La Dow, and John Wallace traveled to Tred Avon Yacht Club on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, to speak to the yacht club members about the excitement the summer will be bringing to USA45 Racing and to all sailing fans.

Another team fundraiser is planned for May 31 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida. Admission is free so we encourage any and all interested to show up ready for a fun and informative night. The following night, we are hosting another fundraiser at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, nearby in Florida, kicking off the team’s summer!

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

Note: All information is provided by each team.