Where to Watch the America’s Cup World Series in NYC

By Linda DiProperzio May 5, 2016

New Yorkers are in for a treat when the America’s Cup sailing race returns to New York City, for the first time since 1920, on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8, according to The New York Times.

The event—called the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series—is actually a preliminary competition among the six countries (the United States, Britain, France, Japan, New Zealand and Sweden) competing in the 35^th America’s Cup, held in Bermuda next June.

“Watching these vessels speed through the water is quite a spectacle,” said Harvey Schiller, America’s Cup commercial commissioner.

No tickets are necessary to view the races, which take place rain or shine and will be held from 2:00-3:30pm on the Hudson River. Some of the places to watch the race include:

The Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza in downtown Manhattan, which is the heart of the race festivities. The plaza will also host a free outdoor event village on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm. Highlights include five stores selling team gear and sailing accessories, a Moet Champagne bar, a bar from the liquor brand Gosling’s and a booth from the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

On the New York City side of the Hudson River, the races will be viewable as far south as Pier A and as far north as Pier 25, both on Manhattan’s West Side.

On the New Jersey side, the races can be seen from Liberty State Park up to the Jersey City waterfront.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are also good viewing points, according to Mr. Schiller. There will also be several large screens along the waterfront, including a few in parks yet to be determined.

Of course, racegoers can watch from their own boats on the Hudson River. For more details and to register, visit americascup.com. Hundreds of boats have already registered and there is no fee to do so.

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