Wightlink Ferries will be in the heart of the action during this year’s Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in the Solent this weekend (22nd-24th July).
All of the cross-Solent operator’s ferries and catamarans serving Portsmouth will pass close to the racing area between Southsea Common and Spitbank Fort as Sir Ben Ainslie aims to beat the world’s best yacht racers for a place in the final of the prestigious event in Bermuda in 2017.
Captain Tom Vincent says:
“We think the best view of this year’s racing might just be from the outside deck of Wightlink’s flagship St Clare, timetables permitting.
“No guarantees, but if you sail with us this weekend, you will have a very good chance of getting close to the action on the water.”
In 2015, Captain Vincent was on duty on the bridge during Saturday’s America’s Cup racing in the first year of the competition, as professional and amateur photographers alike enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the event while relaxing on onboard the ferry.
This year, Captain Tom won’t be at the helm of St Clare during the event. Instead he will be stationed on the panorama deck aft as the ferry sails between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, giving holidaymakers and Islanders his unique insight into what’s going on.
It will be an epic international battle between the high speed state-of-the-art foiling boats. Racing will take place between 13:00-15:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but there will be plenty to see on the water from 11:00 onwards.
Wightlink expects all sailings this weekend to be busy, as the school summer holidays get underway. Anyone who wants to see the event from the water while crossing the Solent should book a ticket online as soon as possible to be sure of a place on board a ship or catamaran.
