Southsea more than ready to host America's Cup sailing spectacle says association leader

COMMUNITY leaders say Southsea is ready to show its pride for the America's Cup World Series as the clock ticks down to the start of the Portsmouth sailing spectacle.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jul 2016, 06:02 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:37 BST
America's Cup racing off Southsea last yearAmerica's Cup racing off Southsea last year
America's Cup racing off Southsea last year

Tony Brown, chairman of the Southsea Association, said the area was more than ready to stage the international attraction.

And he was confident it would be a bumper occasion for businesses eager to cash in as thousands of extra visitors arrive.

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British sailing challengers Land Rover BAR, led by Olympic sailing hero Sir Ben Ainslie, hope to come out on top in the elite Solent race and cruise through to the America’s Cup finals in Bermuda in 2017.

Should Sir Ben and his team win the trophy, the 2021 finals could be staged back in Portsmouth, which city leaders have said is a mouth-watering prospect.

Talking about the benefits the event will bring, Mr Brown said: ‘It’s the extra publicity, it brings people in and will draw a lot of 
people to Southsea, people who haven’t been here before, and that’s always a great thing.

‘Southsea is capable of hosting big attractions.

‘And the more often these events are put on, the better they get.

‘We are certainly hoping for great weather.

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He added: ‘This is an international event. We are not just a seaside resort, we put on international events of this sort, and we are not afraid to do so.’

The event’s ticketed race village promises close-up action and opportunities to hear from the teams, a tech-zone, skate park demonstrations and a range of food and drink concessions.

Visitors will need a ticket to get into the area around the bandstand, Castle Field and the Skate Park.

The promenade between Blue Reef and Pyramids is also within the ticketed race village and will be closed 8am until 8pm from Friday until Sunday.

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Southsea Common will be unrestricted and residents can turn up for free. Picnics are welcome.

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The Ladival range includes lotions and sprays at SPF 15, 30 and 50+. Available at Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, Asda and Well Pharmacy.

For just £1.50, you can get a bag containing The News, The i newspaper, a bottle of water, a spiral hat and the Ladival sun-cream.

Related topics:SouthseaPortsmouthTony Brown