| Firstly - A Piece of Valencian History | | | | Valencia, on the picturesque Southeastcoast of Spain, |
| Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, and has a rich | | | | is the perfect choice for the historic debut of the |
| history dating back wellbefore the Romans conquered | | | | America's Cup in |
| the Iberian Peninsula in the 2nd century BC. The | | | | Europe. |
| townof Valencia was founded in AD 138 when a | | | | Consistent, reliable, weather conditions, were the most |
| group of Roman legionnaires weregranted land. At | | | | important consideration inmaking the selection, and |
| various times, Valencia has been ruled by Romans, | | | | Valencia is nearly perfect in this respect. This part of |
| Visigoths, and | | | | the |
| Arab Muslims, among others. The region of Valencia | | | | Spanish coast enjoys a summer sea-breeze regime, |
| enjoyed its golden age, or siglode oro, in the 15th | | | | with a steady, moderate, |
| century, when it was among the Mediterranean's great | | | | Southeasterly wind building late in the morning and |
| tradingpowers, exchanging olive oil, rice, saffron, wool, | | | | holding through early evening. |
| and wine with much of Europe | | | | In this respect it can be considered the Fremantle (the |
| In 1936 General Franco led the army in an uprising | | | | reliably windy Host City of the |
| against the Republicangovernment. Valencia sided with | | | | 26th America's Cup) of the Mediterranean, although |
| the Republicans and was even the seat ofgovernment | | | | the wind is not as strong. |
| for a time when Franco's Nationalists held a | | | | Historically, this sea-breeze is so regular during the |
| stranglehold on Madrid. | | | | summer racing months thatone could reasonably |
| When Franco claimed power in 1939, Valencia was | | | | expect suitable racing conditions more than 90% of |
| caught having backed the losingside, and suffered | | | | the time. |
| greatly under the early years of his rule. With the | | | | But Valencia promises far more than just excellent |
| death of Francoin 1975, Spain's politics and economy | | | | sailing. An America's Cup villagein the Port is planned, |
| began to open up and tourism, along withagriculture, | | | | where all the team bases will be built, with public |
| breathed new life into the Valencia economy. | | | | access toallow fans close to all the action. Two |
| Today, the most striking sight in Valencia is the number | | | | race-courses will be within just a 15-minutetow of the |
| of construction cranes thattower over the city. | | | | bases, and racing could take place just metres from |
| Valencia is a city on the move, and the presence of | | | | the shoreline,making the action accessible to crowds |
| the 32nd | | | | on the beach and breakwater. |
| America's Cup will only enhance what is already | | | | Facts and Figures about Valencia |
| happening. | | | | Port of Valencia location 39º 29' North / 0º |
| About Valencia | | | | 18' West |
| The Host City for the 32nd America's Cup is Valencia, | | | | City Population, 760 000 |
| on the Spanish Mediterraneancoast. Boasting excellent | | | | Average annual temperature, 17º C |
| racing conditions, a dedicated race village, a long | | | | 90% sunny days each year |
| maritimetradition and a motivated host population, | | | | Full government support. |