When traveling to the America's Cup venue, the fan has a few options at hand.

When the Spanish city of Valencia answered the ACM questions contained in the famous "Manual for the candidate cities for hosting the 32nd America's Cup", there was a mention of a high speed train (AVE) connection from Madrid. Alas, current plans apparently differ in that the required infrastructure works won't be ready for the June 2007 regatta.

So make sure you plan your travel well ahead. I didn't. This Louis Vuitton Act 2 was too much of a temptation, and I decided to join the AC crowd only a few days ago. I found a cheap flight, but it was only bound for Madrid. I landed quite early this morning, ahead of schedule under a clear sky and a nice 25 degree weather.

Finding one's way in the metro is really easy in Madrid, and its frequency (every minute or so) and cleanliness stands as an example for many cities around the world.

Getting to the Atocha train station from the Spanish capital city airport requires your changing trains a couple of times and a few hundred meters walk. But never forget: you're only 3-1/2 hours away from the America's Cup Park !

Of course, you'd better make a reservation for the Altaris train. Well, I didn't, and nearly collapsed when the lady said "No available seat until tomorrow evening, sir." I was lucky though, because she added "There is one remaining seat in 1st class". Valencia, here I come !

Today is an off-day for Act 2 and I'll have plenty of time to get oriented and hopefully to meet AC sailors and fans. Mission Number One though, is to identify the local "Loaded Hog". It may take me a couple of drinks to figure it out, but feel confident : we shall not fail ! --- Greg