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Posted on Wednesday, 11 November 2009 |
 To some it was a surprise when Louis Vuitton announced it's split from Americas Cup at the 32nd world famous sailing regatta in Valencia, to others it was obvious that trouble had been brewing for quite some time but to all it was a poignant shift in the sport when this long standing relationship was brought to a close. Louis Vuitton had sponsored the event since 1983 and it's prestigious name had long since been associated with the highest echelon of the sailing world.
A mighty upheaval in the sport has since followed with many of the Americas Cup teams departing to join forces with the new WSTA (World Sailing Teams Association). The inaugural event is currently under way in Nice and it marks a new beginning not just for the series but also for the city of Nice.
Along this long stretch of famous French coastline that is dotted with marinas and pleasure boating ports it has been remarked that Nice has not had a view to the sea in quite the same way as the rest of the regions towns. It's port area has not enjoyed the same focus of attention as other port towns which is remarkable in the boat-centric part of the world.
In a move that is part of a general rejuvenation of Nice's port area the city fathers were delighted to win this prestigious sporting event. While the region has often been criticised in the sailing world for either too much or too little wind Frederic Allo, President of Club Nautique de Nice, points out that, "In fact, for these boats it is the ideal, force 2-3 or 15 knots."
Perhaps the sea conditions are subject to debate but there is no arguing that Nice is the perfect city. As a popular holiday destination it has a dazzling array of holiday accommodation that can more than handle the teams and spectators requirements.
The combination of Nice Cote d'Azur international airport, the city port and the natural stage that the yawning Baie des Anges creates for spectators it is seemingly the perfect location for such an event.
So Nice is a city that is slowly turning her head to the waves in recognition of the rise of popularity of sailing in the region and the dawning of a new era for her port side development.
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