The Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation will host an event at AYC Thursday, October 1, featuring the America’s Cup trophy and fundraising activities that will directly benefit Chesapeake Bay sailors. The event will also honor two AYC members who have won the America’s Cup, as well as highlight the America’s Cup Tour, presented by Tucker Thompson, former America’s Cup sailor and active AYC member.
When Thompson was recently chosen to be the television and public host of the 35th America’s Cup, he thought “…being able to begin right here at AYC would be an immensely proud moment for me to kick off the world tour.” The tour includes a full multimedia presentation about the 35th America’s Cup and covers all aspects of its history, the future of the series, and what to expect in Bermuda. Tucker has arranged to bring the actual America’s Cup, the prized trophy of this 164-year-old sporting event, to the club. Known as “Auld Mug” to many generations of racing sailors, it is the oldest sporting trophy in international competition. Its presence in Annapolis is a rare and unique opportunity to see a piece of history.
The public may purchase a maximum of four tickets per reservation. Tickets cost $135 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, and two-hour open bar ($35 of the ticket price will be tax deductible). Proceeds will support the efforts of the AYC Foundation. Non-AYC members can make a reservation request at aycfoundation.org/americas_cup_event.php
The America’s Cup trophy also will be on display at the U.S. Sailboat Show (October 8 and 9 only) at VIP Preview Day, that evening at the Premiere Launch Party, and again at the show the next day. “We are thrilled to offer our guests the opportunity to see the America’s Cup trophy as part of the festivities planned for the 2015 United States Sailboat Show,” says Paul Jacobs, general manager and president of the Annapolis Boat Shows. Visit annapolisboatshows.com for more.
