KEY POINTS:
Beefed-up security is likely to cause little extra disruption to yachting fans, including many New Zealanders, expected to converge on Valencia for the America's Cup, regatta organisers said today.
The heightened alert nationwide follows Basque separatist group ETA's statement a fortnight ago that its 15-month "permanent ceasefire" was over, leading to fears of a new wave of bombings just as the summer tourist season begins.
America's Cup Management spokesman Paco Latorre said state authorities had increased security in all public spaces, including at Port America's Cup, as a result of ETA's announcement.
But fans who had been at the sailing venue before would probably not notice too much difference as police measures were already in place for the Louis Vuitton challengers series, which began in April.
Those measures included having everyone who entered the site pass through screening machines and conducting random checks on cars outside the venue.
"There is an increase in a number of things being done but the average person who accesses the venue will probably not feel a big difference," Latorre said.
"There will be a little bit more queuing and a little bit more patience will be required, but we all feel it's a little better like that."
The Spanish army was involved, but only in respect of providing a communications vehicle.
The America's Cup is one of the two biggest sporting events in Spain this year, the other being the European basketball championship in Madrid.
The best-of-nine match between holders Alinghi and challengers Team New Zealand is due to begin on Sunday (NZT).
As has happened at previous cup matches, the airspace above the racecourse will be restricted.
Latorre said the reason was not just security, but also to prevent ambush marketers from flying advertising banners.
- NZPA
