Cup Could Cost Up to $60 Million

In an affidavit filed Friday as part of the San Diego Yacht Club and Sail America’s petition to throw out the challenge lodged by Michael Fay of New Zealand, Mayor Maureen O’Connor states that it will cost $40 million to $60 million to provide facilities and services to host a Cup regatta.

The figure is the closest anyone has come to publicly estimating the cost of putting on the America’s Cup races. The lead agency--and the one that has been looked upon to provide the bulk of the public sailing facilities--is the San Diego Unified Port District. Its plans, though, also envision participation on the part of private boatyards to provide services and facilities.

The following is an excerpt from O’Connor’s affidavit:

“The City of San Diego has received estimates that to build the necessary facilities, to provide the necessary services, and to add the necessary additional infrastructure, all in support of hosting an America’s Cup competition commensurate with the great tradition of that prestigious event, will require expenditures on the order of $40 (million)-$60 million. I am informed and believe that those estimates are valid and accurate.”