Coast Guard to Enforce San Diego Bay Safety Zone for America's Cup Races

Tuesday, 08 November 2011
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

Boaters in San Diego Bay should be aware that the U.S. Coast Guard plans to enforce a safety zone during the America’s Cup World Series races, beginning November 11 through November 20.

The safety zone will be established to protect the public and the race participants while the boats compete on San Diego Bay, according to an advisory from the Coast Guard’s San Diego office.

The Port of San Diego’s Harbor Police Department vessels will help assist the Coast Guard in its enforcement of the safety zone.

The safety zone incorporates portions of the bay from the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina ­– south of Seaport Village – to the northern end of Harbor Island.

The Coast Guard encourages spectators to view the races from the shore surrounding the bay. However, those planning on viewing the races by boat can do so as long as they do not cross into the safety zone. Any boaters violating the zone will be asked to move.

The safety zone will be in effect for the following days and times:

• Friday, November 11: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, November 12: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, November 13: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 16: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, November 17: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Friday, November 18: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, November 19: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, November 20: Noon to 5 p.m.

Boaters are asked to be clear of the safety zone by 11:55 a.m. on each day the restriction is in place.

Boats will be allowed to transit the safety zone, between races, with the permission of the Coast Guard Patrol Commander.

For questions, or to request to transit the zone, contact Coast Guard Patrol Commander via marine channel 13. For questions regarding Coast Guard operations, please call (619) 278-7025.

For more information about America’s Cup, please visit their website, AmericasCup.com.

The Port of San Diego was created by the state legislature in 1962 and is responsible for $1.7 billion in public improvements in its five member cities: Imperial Beach, San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista and National City.

The Port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 17 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.