Substantial building work is to get underway in Valencia, following the announcement last week that the city is to host the 2007 America´s Cup. Authorities have promised similar infrastructure improvements to those in Barcelona for the 1992 Olympic games.
First off the drawing board is the ambitious Balcon al Mar project which includes a complete redesign and renovation of the Port of Valencia to accommodate the competing boats. An 80m wide canal will be built to give direct access for yachts from the sea to the docking areas.
This is scheduled for completion by 2005. Also included in the plan are a commercial and leisure centre, museums and other sports facilities.
All fifteen teams competing in 2007 will be based on a wharf specially built inside Valencia port. Valencia was chosen for its deep harbour, constant winds and the availability of buoys along the beaches.
Towns along the Costa Blanca coast will also benefit from the event, as hundreds of extra moorings will be needed to accommodate the boats unable to moor in Valencia. Gandia was the first to announce its plans to build between 300 and 800 extra moorings while a new port is being planned with moorings for 1,000 boats in Cullera. Castellon has also been granted permission to start on several new projects to provide additional moorings and accommodation.