International sailing competition comes to SF Bay, bringing economic boost

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — 1000’s of individuals are converging on San Francisco this weekend to observe large high-tech sailboats from around the globe race on the bay at tremendous excessive speeds. The US Sail Grand Prix is returning to the Bay Space for its third 12 months at a time when native tourism officers say it is wanted most.

When you have a necessity for pace, take a look at the adrenaline pumping sailboat race on the bay, generally known as SailGP. It is the place 50-foot catamarans or ‘F50s’ virtually fly throughout the water, so near shore.

“It wonderful to observe these hydro foiling rocket ships, which hit 60 mph,” mentioned SailGP’s Laura Muma.

This weekend, the SailGP season three grand last is matching 9 crusing groups from around the globe.

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“It is the Tremendous Bowl of our league. Stakes are excessive and competitors on the highest degree,” mentioned Mac Agnese from Crew USA.

“This is among the most educated cities for crusing and racing. All groups love coming again, particularly those that have been right here for America’s Cup. In some ways, it is a homecoming,” Muma mentioned.

1000’s of crusing fanatics are coming to the Marina Inexperienced to observe.

“The commentary is superb. The vibe is superb. We’re entering into crusing. It is an thrilling time for the game,” mentioned Erwin Naido from Toronto.

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The occasion comes at a vital time — when SF is making an attempt to revive tourism — post-pandemic.

“San Francisco remains to be struggling to get well from pre-pandemic ranges of tourism, is off 25% of the variety of guests who come right here. Enterprise journey is down. Persons are not working of their places of work, so occasions like this actually make a distinction, as a result of they create individuals into city,” mentioned Joe D’Allesandro, SF Journey president and CEO. .

The financial increase is welcome, similar to robust winds for the competing sailors.

The ultimate race occurs on Sunday. The profitable staff will get bragging rights and $1 Million {dollars}.

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