Yachting: Team bases slice through Valencia fog

Four Spanish fishermen sat in the America's Cup port yesterday, their lines gently bobbing in the water.

Directly across from them a handful of multi-million dollar yachts were docked, overshadowed by 12 super-sized team bases on each side.

Bold enough to try their luck with the fish in among all the razzmatazz that is now the America's Cup in Europe, you get the feeling that you will probably see the quartet back this time next year when the real event is unfolding.

Just like those rusty old fishing boats which littered Auckland's Viaduct Harbour when the event was held there.

Before the cup came along, the port in Valencia was not unlike the Viaduct - inundated with fishermen and consisting of a few run-down buildings.

Auckland was left with a smart area of cafes and restaurants, but it is hard to predict what will happen to Valencia once the cup teams leave.

However, it is hard not be overwhelmed with the set-up.

A magnificent clock tower building graces the entrance. The 12 team bases - double (if not triple) the size of those in Auckland, and painted in their teams' colours - form a half circle round each side.

All include areas for corporate entertaining. But for the really important folk, a four-storey building featuring giant windows has been built.

It's called the Foredeck Cub, and it seems to be from another planet. For €58,895 ($121,127) you can entertain 40 guests for three or four days of racing during the challenger series semifinal, finals and the Cup.

Security has been beefed up since the last event. Unlike Auckland, where fans were able to roam freely, the whole area in Valencia has been blocked off to create a village.

Spectators have to go through an x-ray machine to gain entry and even the team members face security checks to get to their bases.

For sailors, the racecourse on the Mediterranean is a challenge. Although the wind is generally reliable, it can be unstable.

Also, the area is often blanketed by dense fog.

But this is the venue chosen and in a year's time it will be where Alinghi defend the America's Cup.