Community Corner

America's Cup World Series Coming Up

We've put together everything you need to know about the America's Cup World Series, going on from June 26 to July 1 at Fort Adams.

In less than a week, thousands of sailing enthusiasts will flock to the America's Cup Village at to watch nine teams compete in the last stop of the America's Cup World Series races. The circuit of regattas is the culmination of a year's worth of work from Newport and the entire state of Rhode Island.

“It's a team effort, but we have been working with literally hundreds of people to prepare for various festivities,” Discover Newport CEO Evan Smith said. “One of the real wow factors here is seeing the transformation of Fort Adams. I'm really jazzed for everyone to see it.”

For several months, crews have turned Fort Adams into a state-of-the-art home base for the teams and spectators.

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This year, nine crews from seven countries will be competing, including Artemis Racing (Sweden), China Team, Emirates Team New Zealand, Energy Team (France), two boats from Luna Rossa Challenge (Italy), two boats from Oracle Team USA and Team Korea.

Racing begins daily at 2 p.m. and ends around 5 p.m. from June 29 through July 1. Racing begins at noon on June 28.

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Unofficial training and practice days will be held from June 23 to June 27, which will be free to the public.

The Sail Newport Youth Challenge Regatta will precede the ACWS with racing between Rose Island and Goat Island on June 23 and 24.

Narragansett Bay will not be shut down during the World Series, however, an Official Safety Zone will be created by 1:30 p.m. during each race day. Boaters on the west and north sides of the race will be directed by “Follow Me” boats during and between races.

Smith encouraged not only tourists to come out and watch the races, but for locals to enjoy the event as well.

“If you miss this, you really missed something special. One of the great advantages of living here is that world class events come right to your door step.”

Where to watch the races

Racing will take place inside Narragansett, in direct view from Fort Adams and the ACWS Village. Spectators are recommended to watch the races from Fort Adams, not only for optimal racing views, but to also enjoy the public entertainment and activities.

The East Passage of Narragansett Bay will remain open to recreational boaters wishing to enter or exit the bay via a small corridor. Spectator boats are allowed, but the host committee recommends that due to fast speeds and the layout of the course, Fort Adams is the best place to watch the races.

Parking and Admission

Parking will be $10 from Saturday, June 22, to Wednesday, June 27. From Thursday, June 28, to Monday, July 1, parking will be $20.

Newport police will direct traffic to remote parking lots once off the bridge and into city designated parking locations. Lots will be $20. Shuttle services will be available from remote lots during official race days (June 28 to July 1) only. Shuttles will drop passengers off in downtown Newport near water shuttle service sites. There will be no land shuttle to Fort Adams.

Water shuttle service will be available from Perotti Park Ferry/Harbor Shuttle Docks and Oldport Marina at Bowen's Wharf and will be $10 round trip. Conanicut Marine in Jamestown will also offer a shuttle service for $18 roundtrip.

Admission will be free from June 23 to 27. Admission will be $10 from June 28-July 31. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Newport Gateway Visitor's Center, or at the gate. Children under 12 are free.

Non-Race Day Activities – June 23 through June 27

  • Food courts, entertainment and Exploration Zone showcasing ocean exploration, marine trades, education and recreational boating

  • Visit the Moët & Chandon Champagne Tent.

  • Check out the Official ACWS Merchandise Tent featuring caps, t-shirts, fleece, thermal jackets, novelty items.

  • Stop by the Louis Vuitton Exhibit.

  • Visit the Napa Valley Vintners Wine Tent.

  • Tour of historic Fort Adams, including the restored casemates and listening tunnels are extremely interesting (tickets are available for purchase at the Fort Adams Visitors Center and the Newport Gateway Visitor’s Center).

  • Dos and Don'ts for Fort Adams

    Don't

    Pack a cooler. Food will be available at the Fort.

    Bring alcoholic beverages. These will also be for sale.

    Bring your pets.

    Do

    Bring a chair or blanket.

    Do explore and take a tour of the Fort.

    Do enjoy the races and entertainment!

    Welcoming the ACWS this Friday

    On Friday, June 22, Newport will host several events in celebration of the America's Cup World Series commencing the next day. All events are free and open to the public.

    Navy Band Northeast at Washington Square, 6 to 7 p.m.

    The Bit Players at the International Yacht Restoration School, 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.

    Outdoor screening of America’s Cup Then and Now with live narration and commentary by Gary Jobson, Queen Anne Square, dusk/8:45 to 10 p.m.


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