Bermudians and visitors got the chance to watch the America's Cup Foil Fest from the shoreline, as the three Bermuda-based Cup teams put out the welcome mat for the local community.
There was plenty of complaints from Bermudians and residents when the Americas Cup World Series event took place in Bermuda that Bermudians and visitors could not watch the event from the shore line, however if it only happens the once the chance to watch was taken by the crowd.
Oracle Team USA and SoftBank Team Japan opened their doors to the public for the first time.
The American defender had the wing and boat sheds open, with team sailors and designers on hand to talk about their work.
Sailors from all three teams were signing autographs, teams were giving away kit and posters and AC Endeavour, the youth education and sailing program was giving 'first sail' opportunities to dozens of youngsters, with Oracle Team USA sailors doing the honors.
"This was a great chance to throw open our doors and say a big thank you to Bermuda for the welcome they've shown to all of us," said Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill.
Artemis Racing isn't currently based at Royal Naval Dockyard, but the team set up a tent and signed autographs and met the community.
"It's been great to see so many people come out and show their support for the America's Cup," said Artemis Racing skipper Nathan Outteridge. "We have a year to go until we start racing here next year, and I get the feeling the enthusiasm is only going to grow between now and then."
By early afternoon, the wind had picked up and the teams took to the water for some speed trials. A large number of spectator boats were on the water to watch as the teams faced off in front of the future America's Cup venue.
SoftBank Team Japan took honors for the day, and earned the right to send a $12,500 joint donation from all of the teams to its choice of charities - The Center Against Abuse and The Reading Clinic.
Barker said he was pleased to be donating to some worthwhile local causes as well as to be able to show the public what goes on behind closed doors at the team bases.
"It was really cool today. We had enough breeze to get going and then to see so many people out on the water and coming through the bases to see what we do, was very rewarding," said SoftBank Team Japan skipper Dean Barker.
Next year at this time, the top challenger will be racing against Oracle Team USA in the second weekend of the America's Cup Match presented by Louis Vuitton.
