I operated The African Queen as the VIP hospitality boat for Team Shosholoza from April to July 2007 during the Act 13 fleet races, the Louis Vuitton Cup and the 32nd America’s Cup Match. This was a very cool project. I worked my butt off – charter the boat, decorate her, sell the tickets, give the VIP Guest Briefing at the Shosholoza base and, most fun of all, do the commentary on the water. My first question to guests: “Has anyone ever been on a sailboat before?” About 20% would raise hands. Among them experienced racing sailors including an AC winners and at least one Olympic gold medalist. I learned how to entertain them all, without dumbing it down. Great fun!
America’s Cup hospitality – race boat Shosholoza comes by the African Queen to give guests a close look.
Before boarding, African Queen guests enjoyed the coolest rooftop at the 32nd America’s Cup.
African Queen guests got the backstage tour at Team Shosholoza in the America’s Cup village in Valencia.
Shosholoza won a lot of races including a victory over Luna Rossa, helmed by a certain Jimmy Spithill, in the LVC Round Robin on 24 April 2007 in the lead up to the 32nd America’s Cup Match.
We didn’t will all the races, but we never lost a party. When the wind was too light to race, we cranked up our music and soon attracted the Race Committee and other boats who came over to listen.
Spectator boat traffic could be heavy!
All the Spaniards wanted to get next to Desafio Espanol the day she won a race against ETNZ in LVC semis
Shosholoza racing Emirates Team New Zealand – pre-start action.
