Bayfest Debut to Coincide With First Cup Race

A waterfront festival for September’s America’s Cup race has been rescheduled to begin closer to the race between the San Diego Yacht Club and its New Zealand challenger.

Bayfest, originally planned for the week before the race for The Cup, has been rescheduled to begin on the first day of the race, Patti Krebs, assistant director of the San Diego America’s Cup Task Force, said. Planners hope to allow the public to take part in race-related festivities, she said.

“The festival itself has not been canceled,” Krebs said. “We are just moving activities that would have happened to dates that coincide with the America’s Cup race.”

Last week’s court ruling guaranteed that there will be a match off Point Loma and set the dates for the races, Sept. 7, 9 and 11.

Activities could include a parade of tall ships, an American Cancer Society yacht race, concerts, fireworks and a Navy ship display. The task force wants the activities to be held at Seaport Village, but a previously scheduled event at that location might prevent it, Krebs said.

Activities will begin the day of the first race and conclude with the last race.

The Unified Port District has allocated $50,000 for the celebration. Krebs said more sponsors are being sought for the festival.