On Thursday, July 1, the team wrapped up its whirlwind three-day tour of the East Coast with a visit to Newport, RI, host to the America’s Cup for more than 50 years. The "Auld Mug" was on display in familiar grounds between Bannister's and Bowen's wharves for all to see as sentry stood guard.
With a brisk nor’wester blowing on a sun-splashed day in the City by the Sea, many shared the sentiment You couldn't have asked for a nicer day! as members of the team and the Cup paraded around Newport Harbor and enjoyed a gala luncheon at Fort Adams State Park hosted by Sail Newport for 450 people.
Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri was among the many dignitaries on hand. He showed his allegiance to the team by pulling out a BMW ORACLE Racing cap from the team's skirmish against Alinghi in Newport in June 2004 that he "found in his closet this morning."
Tom Ehman (second from left) introduces team members Scott Ferguson, Ian “Fresh” Burns, Brad Webb and Matthew Mason – and last, but not least, the America’s Cup – to the welcoming crowd at the gala luncheon.
