Meanwhile in Valencia.. Shosholoza prepares RSA-83 for training

The end-of-year holidays are definitely over in Valencia and activity is gradually picking up around Port America's Cup, mainly in the bases of the teams that will race in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series three weeks from now.

Shosholoza's boat shed was wide open and RSA-83, the South African team's ACC yacht, was clearly visible, with shore crew working on her, getting her ready for the upcoming training sessions off Valencia's coast. According to the information we have the Italian-African crew will train for around 10 days before heading to Auckland at the end of the month.

Shosholoza's RSA-83 getting ready for the team's training sessions in view of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. Valencia, 7 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

K-Challenge's boatshed door was also open but the team's ACC yacht, FRA-93, was inside. It appears the shore crew was working on her since the French America's Cup challenger have stated they would also train here in Valencia, in conjunction with other teams.

The K-Challenge base. Valencia, 7 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing