Rita Barberá: Valencia welcomes all

It really moves me to see the 100 Guineas Cup return and to be able to touch it. Its arrival confirms once more that the America’s Cup has returned home. The Valencian people are going to take part in this very special edition of the America’s Cup and the city of Valencia is ready to welcome the whole world.

This is a special America’s Cup and all those who love the sea, technology and adventure sports…will have the chance to enjoy the competition that in most likelihood will not ever happen again. I do not think that there will ever be the chance to see a race like this in the future. It is really impressive to see the speed at which these boats can sail. Valencia will play a front line role in a competition that has never been witnessed before.

We are proud that the 2007 edition is remembered as the best in the history of the America’s Cup and we wish that this 33^rd edition, which is so special, will make its own mark on history for its sheer magnitude. It will be an unusual, unique and spectacular challenge.

The 33^rd America’s Cup must be an organisational challenge. With very little time, has much been done?

We have secured sponsors who will cover the organisational costs and are ready to welcome the media and invite you all to turn your eyes to Valencia. The 32ⁿd America’s Cup put Valencia on the map and the 33^rd will consolidate it. We were able to organise the 32^nd America’s Cup in Valencia, but not only that, we also host the Formula 1 which is held in the port, as well as other International sporting events such as the Moto GP racing and World Athletics Championship. Valencia is at the vanguard of sport.