SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — America’s Cup organizers are seeking to drum up excitement among San Franciscans in anticipation of the high-profile regatta that will blow into town in 2013.
Members of the America’s Cup Event Authority joined city leaders and software mogul Larry Ellison on Wednesday to celebrate last week’s announcement that San Francisco will be the next host city.
Ellison, the most recent Cup champion, said San Francisco Bay offers the world’s “most spectacular natural amphitheater for sailing.”
San Francisco was considered the front-runner to host the event until early December, when contract negotiations hit a snag. America’s Cup officials briefly considered Newport, Rhode Island, as a backup.
City officials say the regatta could bring $1.4 billion in economic benefits and 8,000 jobs.
