America's Cup in Valencia

Firstly - A Piece of Valencian History

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, and has a rich history dating back well before the Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the 2nd century BC. The town of Valencia was founded in AD 138 when a group of Roman legionnaires were granted land. At various times, Valencia has been ruled by Romans, Visigoths, and Arab Muslims, among others. The region of Valencia enjoyed its golden age, or siglo de oro, in the 15th century, when it was among the Mediterranean's great trading powers, exchanging olive oil, rice, saffron, wool, and wine with much of Europe

In 1936 General Franco led the army in an uprising against the Republican government. Valencia sided with the Republicans and was even the seat of government for a time when Franco's Nationalists held a stranglehold on Madrid. When Franco claimed power in 1939, Valencia was caught having backed the losing side, and suffered greatly under the early years of his rule. With the death of Franco in 1975, Spain's politics and economy began to open up and tourism, along with agriculture, breathed new life into the Valencia economy.

Today, the most striking sight in Valencia is the number of construction cranes that tower over the city. Valencia is a city on the move, and the presence of the 32nd America's Cup will only enhance what is already happening.

About Valencia

The Host City for the 32nd America's Cup is Valencia, on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Boasting excellent racing conditions, a dedicated race village, a long maritime tradition and a motivated host population, Valencia, on the picturesque Southeast coast of Spain, is the perfect choice for the historic debut of the America's Cup in Europe.

Consistent, reliable, weather conditions, were the most important consideration in making the selection, and Valencia is nearly perfect in this respect. This part of the Spanish coast enjoys a summer sea-breeze regime, with a steady, moderate, Southeasterly wind building late in the morning and holding through early evening. In this respect it can be considered the Fremantle (the reliably windy Host City of the 26th America's Cup) of the Mediterranean, although the wind is not as strong. Historically, this sea-breeze is so regular during the summer racing months that one could reasonably expect suitable racing conditions more than 90% of the time.

But Valencia promises far more than just excellent sailing. An America's Cup village in the Port is planned, where all the team bases will be built, with public access to allow fans close to all the action. Two race-courses will be within just a 15-minute tow of the bases, and racing could take place just metres from the shoreline, making the action accessible to crowds on the beach and breakwater.

Facts and Figures about Valencia

Port of Valencia location 39º 29' North / 0º 18' West

City Population, 760 000

Average annual temperature, 17º C

90% sunny days each year

Full government support. The City of Valencia has formed VALENCIA 2007 with the regional and Spanish government to administer the Host City duties

Inner harbour venue for Team Bases and America's Cup Village

Spectator viewing of the races with a capacity for over 1-million from the beach and breakwater

A leading Spanish tourist destination with over 4-million visitors to the region annually

The region of Valencia has nearly 500km of coastline and 38 yacht clubs

An historic and cultural city with 42 museums, 13 art galleries, and 12 theatre 30 gardens and municipal parks

International schools for America's Cup families, based on UK, US and European curriculum

If you would like more information about the region and are thinking of investing in property in the area visit Villa Angels.

Karen Milacic is a graphic and web designer living as a British expat on the Costa Blanca for the past five years. Visit her other web sites at: http://www.costablancaworld.com; http://www.thedesignbusiness.co.uk; http://www.costablanca-webhosting.com