Land Rover BAR to host RC44 Class

The RC44 Portsmouth Cup will run between July 13-17 and will be hosted at the home of British America’s Cup challenger Land Rover BAR.

The tour will bring some of the most influential America’s Cup and world-class sailors from past and present to Portsmouth – just one week ahead of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.

Chris Bake, helm of British-flagged Team Aqua in the RC44 Class and key supporter of Land Rover BAR, will be hoping to secure a victory for his team on home waters.

The Class’ unique format offers sailors both match and fleet racing, and allows some of the most influential businessmen in the world the chance to race head-to-head on these one design racing yachts.

‘It’s great to have such a prestigious and high-calibre event come to Portsmouth,’ said Land Rover BAR team principal, Sir Ben Ainslie.

‘We are delighted to be able to host the event from within our team headquarters. It allows us to share these outstanding facilities with like-minded individuals and we will enjoy having ringside seats to the action this RC44 event is sure to deliver.’

In total, 11 boats and teams will descend upon Gosport and Portsmouth over the next couple of weeks, with the teams’ technical bases being located at Endeavour Quay Premier Marina in Gosport.

It is one of the UK’s leading professional boat yards that has worked on an extensive list of world-class race boats.

Boat yard manager, Tim Newell, said: ‘A lot of work has been done to clear and prepare the yard for this event and, with the support of the technical services based onsite here, we are confident we can deliver a first-rate service and environment for the teams to carry out their regatta preparations.’

Berthed next to the iconic Emirates Spinnaker Tower, within Gunwharf Quays Marina, will be the RC44 fleet throughout the main race week.

Colin Wilding, general manager at Gunwharf Quays, added: ‘We are particularly excited our guests will have the opportunity to see these spectacular boats up close during the race weekend. It’s a unique opportunity and, in such close proximity, visitors will be able to take in the beautiful craftsmanship and design of each yacht.

‘We’re looking forward to welcoming the boats and teams to our marina, supporting the race and cheering on Great Britain’s Team Aqua; the event will be a truly special occasion for the south coast.’

The RC44 Portsmouth Cup will run between July 13-17. Keep up to date with all the latest news at rc44.com