AMERICA’S CUP: A DAY AT THE RACES

America’s Cup is sailing’s premier event. Teams match technological wits as well as sailing skills in a competition that dates back almost 150 years. The San Diego competition is the first America’s Cup event ever held on the West Coast. The U.S. defender, America 3, will sail against the Italian challenger, Il Moro de Venezia.

VIEWING THE RACES 1. Course locations: The primary course, Course A, is located off Point Loma, approximately three nautical miles from shore. A secondary venue, Course B, is located a few miles north of Course A. 2. Cabrillo National Monument Park: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive. Information: (619) 557-5450.

3. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: Near the corner of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Point Loma Boulevard. 4. Ocean Beach Pier: At the foot of Niagara Street. View is extremely limited, and is best suited when racing is on Course B. 5. Charter spectator boat: $150 to $175 per day. Boats depart from three locations at 10 a.m., return at 4:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Information: (800) 862-6652. Media boat: $500 per day to watch from within course boundaries. Information: (800) 862-6652.

PLACES TO GO 6. Rail: The Amtrak station is on Broadway, centrally located near the America’s Cup International Center. 7. America’s Cup Museum: 1150 N. Harbor Drive, displays and artifacts illustrating the history of the race. Information: (619) 685-1413. 8. America’s Cup International Center: Located on Pacific Highway between Broadway and Ash streets. T-shirts and souvenirs may be purchased here. Located here is a TGI Friday’s Restaurant where you can dine while watching the action on big-screen television. 9. International Visitors Information Center: Located inside Horton Plaza at 1st and G streets in downtown San Diego. America’s Cup Services Travel Desk: Can be reached at (619) 685-1324.

Crew Positions

1. Bowman--Keeps a lookout on the bow at the start; in charge of forward sail changes.

2. Foredeck--Assists bowman.

3. Sewerman--Maintains and lifts sails from below deck.

4. Mastman--Hoists sails up the mast.

5. Pitman--Controls halyards and mast winches.

6-10. Grinders--Turn handles that power coffee-grinder winches used to hoist and trim sails.

11-12. Headsail Trimmers--Control the jib and spinnaker sheets and winches.

13. Mainsheet Trimmer--Shapes the mainsail.

14. Helmsman--Steers the boat, usually also the skipper.

15. Tactician--Plots strategy, course, sail selection.

16. Navigator--Determines boat’s location and progress relative to the course and the opposing yacht.