A-Class World Championships 2020 USA Proposal- St. Petersburg, Florida

A-Class World Championships 2020 USA Proposal- St. Petersburg, Florida

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club is pleased to submit a bid to host the 2020 ACAT World Championships. The SPYC is exceptionally qualified and meets the criteria stated in the request for bid. It would be an honor for us to be selected. Situated on the southwestern end of Tampa Bay, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club not only offers direct water access, it also is in close proximity to hotel accommodations, world class cuisine, medical facilities, airports, and entertainment venues. Hosted by The St. Petersburg Yacht Club

Founded in 1969, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is a private facility with amazing character. It is located in downtown St. Petersburg, surrounded by two parks, the municipal marina, an attached parking garage and several hotels. Sailors have represented the club in world events including the America s Cup and the Olympics. Hosted by The St. Petersburg Yacht Club St. Petersburg Sailing Center City-owned SPYC staffed and managed Secured access to the club and marina Facilities: There is a swimming pool on the upper deck of the clubhouse with an adjacent Tiki Bar. This deck overlooks the marina and is furnished with tables and chairs. It is an ideal place for an informal cookout. A second clubhouse, SPYC at Pass-A-Grille, is located a short distance away in a beach community on the Gulf of Mexico. There is an additional club-owned marina located three miles north of the main clubhouse on Snell Isle. The SPYC has plenty of room and accommodations for all of its guests. Catering: The SPYC is a large facility that includes two indoor dining rooms, an outdoor dining facility and waterfront dining facility. There s also a lounge with its own waterfront deck where food may also be served, and a number of private function rooms. The catering department can and has planned events for small, intimate groups and for gatherings of 1000 or more people. They offer an extensive banquet menu, which can serve any desire.

Prestigious, World Class competitions demand to be hosted at destinations of a fitting caliber. Since the new millennium, St. Petersburg has emerged as a top vacation destination, but also a beacon for the arts and technology. More than 900 events bring over 10 million people each year to the sunshine city to experience yacht races, triathlons, baseball, basketball, cycling, festivals, cultural exhibits, and music. The city boasts 7 museums, a state university, 10 marine institutes, more than two dozen galleries, and the All Children's Research Center which all highlight the city's commitment to education and health care. St. Petersburg, Florida

On Location: St. Petersburg, Florida The St. Petersburg Pier was a landmark and tourist destination extending into Tampa Bay from downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The Pier featured a five-story inverted pyramid-shaped building. Constructed in 1973, it was designed by St. Petersburg architect William B. Harvard, Sr. In August of 2015, the Pier was demolished due to age and structural issues. In 2015, a new pier design was finalized. This design, dubbed Pier Park is set for completion by the 4 th quarter of 2018. The new Pier will feature accommodations for several recreational activities including boating, fishing, musical events, art galleries, play areas for children, an educational center and restaurants.

White-sand Florida beaches with crystalclear water, a foodie and arts scene praised by Travel & Leisure, and glittering nightlife options that range from craft beer bars to New York-style dance clubs in the St. Petersburg area, the options are endless. Scheduled Activities for Spouses: Museum Tours Gallery Walks Social Events (Painting, Brewery Tours, Etc.) On Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

Race Event Schedule: Day 1- Friday, October 16 th : Registration, measurements Day 2- Saturday, October 17 th : Registration, measurements Races 1 and 2 of each qualification Fleet I + II Day 3- Sunday, October 18 th : Races 3 and 4 of each qualification Fleet I + II Formation of Gold- and Silver-fleet according to the classification of the qualification races (when 4 races have been completed, a participant may discard his worst result, a series is completed with a minimum of 2 races). The best 50% of the qualification will race in the Gold-fleet and the rest in the Silver-fleet. Day 4- Monday, October 19 th : Championship race 1 and 2 for Gold and Silver-fleet. Two races per fleet Remark: If for any reason day 2 and 3 did not allow a minimum of 3 races per qualification fleet, day 4 will be used for further qualification races, in this case day 5 will not be a reserve day but used for the first Championship races. Day 5- Tuesday, October 20 th : Reserve day Remark: The race committee together with the official I.A.C.A. delegate will have the competence to use the reserve days for racing in case of uncertain weather or wind conditions. Day 6- Wednesday, October 21 st : Championship race 3 and 4 for Gold and Silver-fleet. Two races per fleet Day 7- Thursday, October 22 nd : Championship race 5 and 6 for Gold and Silver-fleet. Two races per fleet For the final classification, the best 5 of 6 races count. In case of less races, all results count. A minimum of 4 Championship races counts for the validation of the Championship. Race Location: Located within 2nm of the St. Petersburg pier will be the ACAT 2020 race locations. The courses can hold from 75-100 boats and will be held simultaneously. Both races will have a 2 race committee and 10 safety boats on call. The SPYC is dedicated to delivering the best location and staff for the event. Race Details

Race Location

There will be four main locations at the race event: The Race Village Container Storage Launch Area St. Petersburg Yacht Club Race Village: This area will be for visitors to watch the race and interact with teams and sponsors. Throughout the village, big Screen TV s will feature live feeds of the race, so spectators won t miss a second of the action. During and after the races there will be live bands and entertainment to enjoy. Also available from the race village will be spectator boats that visitors can take out onto the water to get an up-close and personal view of the race. Race Location Container Storage: Teams and sailors will be able to store their equipment here and make final preparations for the race. There is plenty of room for 200+ teams and their equipment. Launch Area: Sailors will launch their boats from the location below and there is sufficient room for every sailor. From here there is great access to the water as well as easy access to the containers. Transportation: Shuttles will be running frequently from the hotel, race venue, and restaurant locations downtown. This service will be free to attendees and allow for easy access to and from the event.

Airport: There is one major airport serving the Tampa Bay area, which is Tampa International Airport. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located in Tampa, FL and is within 30 minutes of the SPYC by car or van. Most major airlines fly into TPA and the majority of auto rental companies are located within the airport. The airport is also served by a Super Shuttle service, which charges approximately $27 per person for the trip to the SPYC and neighboring hotels. Accommodations Available for Sailors

Hotels: The City of St. Petersburg has thousands of hotel rooms in all price categories. During the non-peak seasons, many rooms are available at bargain prices. However, one hotel will be chosen as a headquarters for the event and it will offer a discounted rate to the attendees. If you re looking for an alternative to a hotel, St. Petersburg offers some of the best camping available. Every type of accommodation you require has a presence in St. Petersburg. There are three major hotels within walking distance of the sailing center and SPYC The Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, The Hampton Inn, and The Renaissance Vinoy. Each hotel is located within 20-25 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the race site. Accommodations Available for Sailors The Renaissance Vinoy: One of St. Petersburg's most unique and historic hotels. Satisfy your appetite for culture at popular St. Petersburg attractions and after your day of excitement, retreat to our resort and spread out in stylish guest rooms. Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront: Our downtown waterfront district location puts you within walking distance to a majority of St. Petersburg's finest attractions. Enjoy great views of Tampa Bay and the city from your guest room. Hampton Inn & Suites: Discover the tropical paradise at our Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg/Downtown hotel. Located in the heart of St. Petersburg's best restaurants, shops, and museums, this downtown St. Petersburg hotel is just minutes from Pinellas County's famous white sand beaches. Fort Desoto Park: For those looking to stay outside and enjoy all of what Florida has to offer, there is a campsite within 20 minutes of the race site. Fort Desoto has beautiful views of the water, history to indulge in, and miles of nature walks.

The SPYC runs major events every year during its primary racing season (October-April). We have a large number of well-trained, highly experienced certified Pros and Judges on staff who have organized numerous world and national events. We annually organize the Lightning and Thistle Midwinter Championships, the Sailing World St. Petersburg NOOD Regatta, and a number of PHRF and off shore events including our Annual International Race to Mexico, the Regatta del Sol al Sol. Race Management The SPYC has also hosted other events, including: Contender World Championship April 2012 The Snipe Women s World Championship 2010 Sunfish State Championship 2011 Sunfish World Championship 2012 Rolex ISAF Women s World Match Racing Championship and the Rolex Women s Match 2002 2009 Prince of Wales Bowl (US National Championship) 1999, 2004 and 2009

Typical Weather Conditions in October: Average daily highs from about 24-29 degrees Celsius Average daily lows from about 19-24 degrees Celsius Average winds between 7-10 knots Humidity ranging from 56%-88% * Data taken from Albert Whitted Airport, located adjacent to the St. Pete Pier & Best Time to Travel Weather Conditions

Wind Speed The average daily minimum (red), maximum (green), and average (black) wind speed with percentile bands (inner band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile). The wind is most often out of the east (15% of the time), north east (13% of the time), and north (12% of the time). Wind Directions Over the Entire Year The fraction of time spent with the wind blowing from the various directions over the entire year. Values do not sum to 100%, because the wind direction is undefined when the wind speed is zero. Weather Conditions

Rock-It Cargo USA Inc.: On the opposite side of Tampa Bay lies the Port of Tampa. The Port of Tampa Bay is enhancing its longtime status as Florida's largest cargo tonnage port with expanded terminal facilities for handling containerized and bulk goods, as well as additional ocean carrier service offerings. During your stay in St. Petersburg, FL, Rock-It Cargo will care for and organize all of your container needs. They are the world leading event logistics company and they re lending their expertise in planning this event. Rock-It will be organizing the details on how to transport your container to the race site, while it s at the race site and then the return home. Shipping Logistics

Media & Communications: Coverage by the Tampa Bay Times Coverage by local affiliates of NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox Live video feed at the Race Village Wi-Fi connectivity at the SPYC Race updates on SPYC website Event Sponsors: In anticipation of a winning bid for the 2020 A-Cat World Championship race, the SPYC has secured sponsorships from: Green Planet Resource LLC Zhik High Performance Sailing Wear Hall Spars and Rigging Film Source International Rock-It Cargo USA Inc. Ronstan Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and many more International companies committing upon bid acceptance. Media, Communications & Event Sponsors

St. Petersburg Yacht Club: www.spyc.org St. Petersburg Pier: www.newstpetepier.com Visiting the City: www.stpete.org/visiting_the_city Tampa International Airport: www.tampaairport.com St. Pete-Clearwater Airport: www.fly2pie.com Port of Tampa: www.tampaport.com On Location: www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/ Images: http://www.fieldfisher.com/media/2929/120813744_spotlight.jpg, https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/tampa-bay-area-map-west-central-florida-region- 48412342.jpg, http://www.gulfshoreretreats.com/dynamic/attraction_pics/27.jpg, http://a.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/mlb/images/2016/01/14/011416-mlb-tampa- Bay-Rays-Tropicana-Field-MM-PI.vresize.1200.675.high.66.jpg, http://www.azureazure.com/files/images/bulletins/culture/new_dali_museum/new-dali- MuseumINT01.jpg, https://exp.cdnhotels.com/hotels/1000000/30000/26300/26276/26276_258_z.jpg, https://www.facebook.com/exploder.info/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1069108553144264 Weather: http://www.best-time-to-travel.com/florida/tampa-petersburg.htm, http://www.sailflow.com/spot/1743, https://www.facebook.com/isafworldsailing/ Resources