Hamilton Island Race Week must be wishing they had got some sponsorship from QANTAS for their latest PR stunt. The regatta is hosting some of the world’s best sailors, but also some valuable silverware.<\/p>\n
The carbon footprint and airmiles of the America’s Cup<\/a> has been added to, with a flight to Hamilton Island to sit beside the Admirals Cup.\u00a0It is the first time ever, the two significant trophies from sport of sailing have been displayed together.<\/p>\n The America’s Cup flew to Australia from San Francisco in a first-class passenger seat (cost circa $2400 each way).\u00a0It is only the third time that the Cup has been seen in Australia, so its presence at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is high recognition of the stature that this regatta now holds on the international sailing scene.<\/p>\n The Admiral\u2019s Cup is currently defended by Australia and Sydney\u2019s Royal Prince Albert Yacht Club after Bob Oatley\u2019s yacht Wild Oats won it in 2003.<\/p>\n While we don’t know if the America’s Cup’s flights are sponsored, the luxury luggage (or box) is courtesy of long-term sponsor Louis Vuitton<\/a>.\u00a0Vice Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club Tom Ehman who travelled to Australia, with the Cup and two security officers said:<\/p>\n \u201cThe America\u2019s Cup travels in a very large Louis Vuitton box which captures great attention at the airport.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n