The news that Valencia had been chosen as the venue for the 32nd America's Cup yacht race, was greeted with euphoria; with celebrations throughout the region.

The excitement, not just within the yachting community, is clear. It is anticipated that around 10,000 jobs will be created in the run up to the event and the economic impact on the whole area is expected to be dramatic. Towns and villages up and down the coastline are in line to benefit from what will be a major event.

With public and private investment, along with European grants, and the facilities to match those of Barcelona's Olympic offering. A massive programme of remodelling and renovation is being undertaken to provide superb berthing for competing boats, as well as commercial, leisure, additional watersport facilities and other tourist attractions. Plans are in hand for moorings up and down the coast to be updated and increased and a number of new marinas are planned to cope with the expected influx of boats from all over the world.

Heritage

The first race, called The 100 Guinea Cup (which was the then value of the trophy), took place around the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England in 1851. It was won by the New York Yacht Club in a vessel named "America" and the race then became known by its current title "The America's Cup". The New Yorkers managed to beat off all challenges and the cup remained the other side of the Atlantic until 1983 when the Royal Perth Yacht Club made a successful challenge and The America's Cup was taken to Australia, on the other side of the world.

However, it soon returned to America and remained there until the year 1995 when it was taken back to the southern hemisphere, this time to New Zealand,who managed to hold onto it until 2003 when they were beaten by the challengers, Switzerland. The holders of the cup then became responsible for organising defence of the title, with events normally taking place every 3 to 4 years. Naturally, events usually take place in the waters of the defending homeland. However, in the case of Switzerland, which only has access to inland waters, it was down to them to choose a suitable venue.

Land locked Switzerland's loss was certainly Spain's gain, and in particular the Valencian Community, stretching from Castellón to the North right down to beyond Alicante to the South, taking in the Costa Azahar and the Costa Blanca. Valencia's successful bid against other Mediterranean ports, was attributed to its deep harbour and favourably consistent sea breezes.