Nearly 30 years have passed since the competitors of the legendary America’s Cup have hoisted their sails in Newport and we could not be more excited that the legacy is returning to our shores. Beginning Saturday, June 23rd, spectators will be able to see skilled sailors from all around the world compete in the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) in their cutting-edge AC45 wing-sailed catamarans in Narragansett Bay. There is no doubt that this will be an event to remember. The ACWS Village located at Fort Adams State Park is a prime choice for anybody who wants front-row seating for the races.
Although watching the race is an exciting activity, the ACWS has many other events and attractions to offer spectators and their families. This coming Friday evening (6/22), Newport welcomes the ACWS with a city-wide celebration of FREE events including live music in Washington Square from the renowned thet Navy Band Northeast, a live comedy improv performance at IYRS, and an
outdoor movie screening of “America’s Cup Then & Now” in Queen Anne Square. The next day, the ACWS Village opens to the public, unveiling the Official ACWS Exploration Zone funded by Fidelity Investments, which is sure to give spectators an interactive inside look into the ocean environment, exploration, and Newport’s work with recreational boating. In addition to the Exploration Zone, there will also be a variety of vendors at the village providing delicious food, refreshing drinks (including a Napa Valley Wine Lounge, Stella Beer Garden and a Moet & Chandon Champagne Lounge).
You can also enjoy a free sailboat ride compliments of Sail Newport between 10 AM and noon each day! Also sponsored by Sail Newport is the Sail Newport Youth Challenge, in which you can watch the best young sailors New England has to offer race between Rose and Goat Island on the 23rd and 24th of June.
As you can see, the America’s Cup World Series has a lot to offer, both on and off the water. You may not be able to skipper a racing boat, but you can still be a part of all of the excitement.
Tickets are available online HERE and at the Newport Gateway Visitor's Center. General admission tickets during race days (June 28 - July 1) are $10 per person per day, with children 12 and under free. No tickets are required from June 23 – 27; admission is FREE during these dates (parking is $10). For more details including lodging, schedules, water shuttles and more, click here: https://gonewport.com/americas-cup-world-series