Plans for competing America's Cup teams to be based on Piers 30-32 in S.F. for next year's event are “unraveling, with two teams blaming regatta organizers of backing out of a deal struck months ago,” according to John Cote of the S.F. CHRONICLE. The “conjoined piers" just south of the Bay Bridge were "supposed to house team bases for America's Cup races, serving as one of two major hubs for spectators to get close to the boats and crews.” But sources said that “in a surprise move” Monday, the America's Cup Event Authority, established and run by the current Cup holder, Oracle Racing, “told teams it plans to scrap $1.25 million in spending on hospitality facilities for team guests at Piers 30-32." Sources added that the authority would "not require teams to be based there, preferring to spend that money on facilities at the Marina Green.” The move has “frustrated two teams in particular, and talks are being held on trying to salvage the original deal.” The change would “leave only two teams on Piers 30-32 for the moment: Italy's Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand, who are now upset that they've spent millions of dollars for custom temporary facilities based on regatta organizer specifications to house their boats and crews on the pier.” America’s Cup Event Authority CEO Stephen Barclay said that the changes were “proposed with the public in mind.” Barclay “contends opposition to the revised plan is simply about the two teams' bottom line” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 10/4).
