The House of the America's Cup is one of the most important parts of the jig-saw puzzle that has transformed both Valencia and this competition into a memorable first. It is definitely a must see for all who come to take in the sailing.
The House of the America's Cup was inaugurated in Valencia last week by the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barbera Nolla, amidst great fanfare.
Quite literally, the House of the America's Cup is a permanent, colourful, innovative and interactive exhibition that tells the story of the more than 150 years of America's Cup racing since that great day in 1851 when the yacht America defeated the British fleet to win the 100 Guinea Cup.
This is the first time in more than 150 years that the America's Cup racing is being held in Europe and Valencia thought it is fitting to commemorate this event by having a permanent structure in place at the venue.
Using an innovative audio/video system featuring headphones that play the correct audio depending on which video screen one is standing in front of, the exhibition shows archived footage along with re-enactments of major Cup moments.
The House of the America's Cup is open to the public year round, as the events in Valencia's Port America's Cup build over the next two years to the climax in July 2007.
Things have been worked out well at the House of the America's Cup. Not only does one get to understand the intricacies of sailing in such a great competition, but one also has the chance to get a rare peek into history and how it all began.
The House of the America's Cup is located beside the Torre del Reloj clocktower along the port. Diagonally on the other side is the America's Cup Park, which was opened last week.
