Firstly, the good news: there's a great choice of tickets for the 2017 America's Cup! From easy access to the America's Cup Race Village with a view of the race course and finish line, a seat in the main grandstand or access to the chic "Goslings Dark'n Stormy Island Bar" to VIP support in the elegant Longtail Lounge and regatta escorts, there is a lot on offer in the ticket pre-sale that has now started. Fans should get their money's worth depending on their budget and preferences. However, the organisers in particular are likely to get their money's worth, as the prices set by the America's Cup Event Authority (ACEA) are steep.
Anyone planning a trip to the Cup should first know the days of the event, because on the official ticket sales pages only dates without reference to the respective status (qualification, playoffs, cup duel) of the cup regatta lasting a total of one month are to be clicked on. So it's better to have an overview yourself when choosing your favourite days. Here is the official schedule:
- Louis Vuitton America's Cup qualification: 26 May to 3 June 2017
- Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs: 4 to 12 June 2017
- Red Bull Youth America's Cup: 13 to 23 June
- 35th duel for the America's Cup: 17 to 27 June
The organisers make a distinction between locals and visitors. The cheapest adult ticket, which gives access to the America's Cup Race Village with stands, children's zone, dock-out ceremonies and a view of the regatta area, costs 10 US dollars for Bermudians and 20 US dollars for foreign fans. Children up to the age of 13 pay half price. Children under five are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. A family of four from Bermuda will pay 24 euros for a family ticket at the start of the regatta. Tickets for the main grandstand cost between 70 and 75 US dollars. These tickets include access to the Race Village. However, the seats directly on the water are not numbered. If you want to be well seated, you should arrive early.
The regatta escort trips on yachts and boats between 40 and 75 feet in length are comparatively very expensive. The three-hour trips cost between 150 and 200 US dollars. Drinks and catering on board are also extra. Younger guests also pay between 45 and 145 US dollars for this fun on the water.
In the trailer, which is already a year old, Bermuda introduces itself as the host for the 35th America's Cup and whets the appetite for a visit to the dream destination
See and be seen is the motto for guests in "Gosling's Dark'n Stormy Island Bar", from where the view of the race course is admittedly magnificent. The daily rates of between 150 and 200 US dollars include access to the Race Village and lunch, but not drinks. And it gets even more luxurious: guests are treated like VIPs in the "Longtail Lounge". Located on the waterfront, the lounge has a bar, a lunch buffet, service staff and a private terrace from which the Cup catamarans can be ideally observed as they approach the finish line. The organisers will provide prices on request.
An even bigger problem for foreign visitors than the ticket prices is the limited and expensive accommodation in Bermuda. Even for bed & breakfast you have to shell out around 200 US dollars a night. Hotel rooms can easily cost fans 500 US dollars and - depending on the house and location - significantly more. Flights to Bermuda via London or New York cost around 1000 euros. The island location of the venue for the 35th America's Cup duel is one of the main reasons for the high price level in Bermuda, where life is not really cheap.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
