America’s Cup World Series boats hit the water in San Diego

The America’s Cup World Series got all wet Wednesday, when some of the AC45 catamarans were lowered into the water off the Broadway Pier.

The new international sailing circuit, features boats designed for speed and the close racing of the America’s Cup World Series tour. “The AC45 wing-sailed catamaran creates more on-the-water excitement for both the teams and the fans, and is capable of speeds of more than 30 mph,” according to a press release.

The series begins in San Diego this weekend with nine crews from seven countries matching up over the course of nine days. Races will be held on San Diego Bay with the start/finish line just off Broadway Pier. On Saturday and Sunday, crews will compete in the Port Cities Challenge, where they’ll get a chance to experience the course before match racing starts Nov. 16. There will also be fleet racing to wrap up the series.

The AC Village on the Broadway and Navy piers near the USS Midway Museum will serve as the hub for the event, with free admission and opportunities to see the team’s bases, to learn more about the sport. There will be food and entertainment as well as all kinds of goodies to buy. It will be open Nov. 12-15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 16-20 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The series is a prelude to the 34th America’s Cup in 2013 that begins with the Louis Vuitton Cup July 4- Sept. 1, followed by the America’s Cup Finals Sept. 7-22. For a complete San Diego event schedule, including racing and entertainment, and viewing areas visit