UBS Trophy Regatta Celebrates Mug"s Historic Home

UBS Trophy Regatta Celebrates Historic Home of America's Cup

For the first time since 1983, Newport, Rhode Island is preparing for an onslaught of America's Cup style match racing with the UBS Trophy regatta, to be held June 19 to June 26. Organized by Team Alinghi, winner of the America's Cup 2003, and sponsored by UBS, the regatta promises to celebrate the spirit of the 153 year-old trophy in the historic home of the America's Cup during a week of world class yacht racing and festivities.

The opening press conference on Friday June 18 will initiate the event, and racing will begin the following day, weather permitting. Two races will be sailed daily. The course will be short and will be sailed close to the shore in order to offer the best possible access to the public. Tuesday June 22 is scheduled as a lay day. To date, Oracle BMW Racing has confirmed its participation in the event. There will be a pro driver series, as well as an owner-driver series.

The Newport Shipyard will serve as the base for the yachts competing. Located close to the racing course, from here the public will be able to easily see the boats and experience the surrounding activity. Other locations that will provide excellent viewing of the racing include Fort Adams and Goat Island, as well as some sites in Jamestown.

Specific details regarding event festivities and media accreditation will be made available in the near future. A new website, www.ubstrophy.com, will be launched in April as a source of information on the UBS Trophy regatta.

The UBS Trophy regatta plays an important role in the new era of the America's Cup, providing an occasion to keep America's Cup racing alive between Cup events. The continuation of sailing between events helps teams continue to test themselves, promotes an ongoing connection with the public and creates momentum for sponsors. To date, Oracle BMW Racing has confirmed its participation in the event. QUOTES: Grant Simmer, Team Alinghi general manager : "Newport is such an historical place for the America's Cup. Our goal is to have good racing, exciting for the public and exciting for TV. It'll give people a better chance to see these boats up close and for Alinghi, it's great to be able to provide the opportunity to do some good racing."

Chris Dickson, CEO, ORACLE BMW Racing: "The Moet Cup in San Francisco last September was a huge success and the ORACLE BMW Racing team looks forward to more of the same close racing in Newport. It will be great to compete in Newport, a town steeped in America's Cup history and tradition. The UBS Trophy adds to the momentum for Valencia in 2007, providing exciting competition in the lead-up to the America's Cup."

John Costas, Chairman and Chief Executive of UBS Investment Bank. "UBS is delighted to be sponsoring Team Alinghi in this new and exciting addition to the U.S. sailing calendar. And there is no more better venue for the UBS Trophy than Newport - a city synonymous with the grand tradition of sailing competition."

Donald L. Carcieri, Governor: "Rhode Island eagerly awaits the return of America's Cup racing to Narragansett Bay. Our America's Cup heritage remains strong, not just in the marine industry that continues to build and equip world class racing yachts, but also in the many people and organizations that continue to support the Cup as it evolves into a mainstream global sporting event. We look forward to welcoming the Cup sailors back to our waters for what promises to be a great occasion."

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