America's Cup venue declared open

By http://www.yachtingworld.com/

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VALENCIA, Spain -- The handover ceremony to mark the official opening of the venue for 2007 America's Cup has taken place in Valencia.

Leading lights from the organizing committee cut a symbolic ribbon exactly three years, three months, three weeks and three days after the selection of the Spanish port city to stage the 32nd edition of yachting's blue riband event.

The ceremony marked the completion of the work on the Port America's Cup, which is considered the greatest 'sailing stadium' in the world.

The 12 team bases line the perimeter of the inner harbor, divided by the Superyacht Pier and the impressive Veles e Vents building towers over the Port.

Lining both sides of the canal are AC Park North and AC Park South with public entertainment areas, restaurants, bars, cafés and exhibitions.

Close to the sea entrance of the canal is the Port America's Cup Marina, offering 636 berths for yachts up to 30 meters.

Representatives of the three levels of government that constitute the Valencia 2007 consortium, along with the chief executive officer the organizing body of the 32nd America's Cup, Michel Bonnefous, toured the Port from a race official's boat.

The Minister of Public Administration, Jordi Sevilla, the Education, Culture and Sports Councillor for the Generalitat Valenciana, Alejandro Font de Mora, and the Mayoress of Valencia, Rita Barberá, toured the venue, beginning from the North Marina, along the canal, through the entrance to the Port and disembarked at the Superyacht Pier at the center of Port America's Cup.

At the end of the Superyacht Pier, the guests cut the symbolic ribbon.

Speaking at the new prress conference room, beside the media center, Bonnefous said: " Valencia and Spain have fulfilled their commitment and we now have three marinas, 12 team bases, an international broadcast center, a media center, along with the AC Park, and a landmark building - the Veles e Vents."

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