America's Cup Timeline Remains the Same in Newport

The chairman of Newport's America’s Cup Host Committee said Wednesday that although the first few days of the local events have been modified into unstructured practice days, the overall timeline has not changed.

Brad Read, who also serves as Executive Director of Sail Newport, said the Event Village, complete with champagne gardens, educational centers, shopping, spectator viewing and food concessions, will still open at Fort Adams on Saturday, June 23, per the original plan.

Still, he said of the changes to the first few days: "it's not secret the committee is watching expenses."

This news comes a few weeks after the announcement of a significant scale-back of the final America's Cup events in San Francisco, including the layoff of 28 employees. 

Updated Newport Schedule:

June 23 - June 27: Unstructured Practice Days
June 27: Official practice day for all boats and race committee
June 28: Match Racing (Quarterfinals)
June 29: Match Racing (Semifinals)
June 30: Match Racing (Finals and Petit Finals)
July 1: Fleeting Racing (One to two races)

Each regatta is a combination of practice and championship racing. 

Depending on the wind, the race area will take place in one of two areas, either the east or west passage of the bay. The east passage of Narragansett Bay will remain open to recreational boaters who wish to enter or exit the bay via a small waterway corridor. While spectator boats will be allowed, the host committee says due to the nature of the fast speeds and layout of the course, the best viewing will be on shore at Fort Adams.

Check back for updates on the renovations that are underway at Fort Adams to prepare for the America's Cup Event Village.