Meanwhile in the world's sailing capital..

After two weeks of exciting and thrilling racing action in Sicily, the America's Cup scene has noticeably calmed down and teams are entering now a long period of preparation until the next Louis Vuitton Acts that will take place in Valencia next May. Most of the teams are now enjoying much-deserved vacations while the yachts that took part in the regattas are on their way to Valencia, where they will settle for the next two years.

Taking advantage of a public holiday in Spain, we took a tour of Port America's Cup on Wednesday in order to report on the situation at the definite home of the teams for the rest of the 32nd America's Cup. As one can judge from the photos, all construction work is advancing at a rapid pace and it seems reasonable to assume that Louis Vuitton Act 10 will be even more exciting than the previous ones. The new canal is at a very advanced stage, the new Foredeck Club is now visible (at least its foundations), the once-derelict port area is being cleaned up to make way for the enormous America's Cup Park which will give thousands of visitors the chance to enjoy the most prestigious sailing event.

Most teams will be able to enjoy their permanent bases within a couple of months. Victory Challenge and United Internet Team Germany have the space of their future bases ready, while the only mystery so far seems to be the location of the Chinese base as its space is currently occupied by the new fishermen building and their boats.

The next big event in Port America's Cup is in three days, when Alinghi will officially inaugurate its new base. It will be the biggest America's Cup team base ever built and the Swiss promise a spectacular "fiesta".