The America's Cup is coming to Japan!
The Japan Sailing Federation and SoftBank Group held a press conference on June 2 at Bellesalle Shiodome in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, announcing that the qualifying event for the world's premier yacht race, the America's Cup—the America's Cup World Series—will be held at Jigyohama Beach in Fukuoka City from November 18 to 20, 2016. This marks the first time the race will be held in Asia. The venue is adjacent to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks' home stadium, Yafuoku Dome.
The America's Cup began as a yacht race held in 1851 as a commemorative event for the London World's Fair. It started when the American team won and brought home the trophy, establishing it as the world's premier yacht race. The America's Cup trophy is considered the oldest continuously used championship trophy in sports.
All participating teams compete in the two-year qualifying series, the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series (LVACWS), held around the world. The winner will face the defending champion, Team USA, in the final of the 35th America's Cup, held in Bermuda in June 2017.
Five LVACWS races have been completed so far. The Chicago, USA race will be held in June, the Portsmouth, UK race in July, and the Toulon, France race in September. Fukuoka will host the ninth race. The competing teams are: Groupama Team France, Land Rover BAR (UK), SoftBank Team Japan, Emirates Team New Zealand, Artemis Racing (Sweden), and Oracle Team USA.
The Japanese team has competed in the Cup before, but had not challenged since 2000. In 2015, SoftBank announced it would challenge for the Cup by establishing SoftBank Team Japan in partnership with the Kansai Yacht Club.
(Related article: "Dad" Cheering Too!? SoftBank Team Japan Challenges for the America's Cup[May 1, 2015] )
Japan Sailing Federation Chairman Hirofumi Kono expressed his delight, stating, "Alongside the participation of the Japanese team, the fact that the races will be held in Japan is the best news possible, on par with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics." Fukuoka City Mayor Soichiro Takashima remarked, "November, when the races take place, also sees the Grand Sumo Tournament and the Fukuoka Marathon. The city will be even more vibrant with the gathering of the world's most advanced yachts and outstanding athletes for this Cup. The city will also strive for the event's success."
Russell Coutts, CEO of the America's Cup Event Authority, who arrived in Japan with the trophy, stated, "Hosting the event in Japan for the first time in its 160-year history is extremely gratifying. Japan is a team with the potential to win, leveraging advanced technology. We look forward to your support."
Kazuhiko Hayafuku, General Manager of Team Japan, expressed his determination: "We are thrilled to compete in beautiful Hakata Bay, representing Japan. We will give our all to achieve a strong result."
Masayoshi Son, Representative Director, noted that only four nations have ever lifted the trophy in the long history of the competition, expressing his hope: "I sincerely wish for the Japanese team to win right here in my hometown of Fukuoka."
SoftBank Team Japan Special Page:
http://www.softbank.jp/corp/special/americascup/
SoftBank Team Japan Official Page:
http://softbank-team-japan.americascup.com/jp/home.html
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