10-R087

2010 -- H 7685

Enacted 03/02/10

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

REQUESTING THE RESTORATION OF THE AMERICA'S CUP RACE IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Martin, Jackson, Ruggiero, Gallison, A Rice, and Kilmartin

Date Introduced: February 25, 2010

     WHEREAS, The America's Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America's Cup

sailing regatta match, and is the oldest active trophy in international sports. The America's Cup

regatta is a challenge-driven series of match races between two yachts and is governed by the

Deed of Gift, which was the instrument used to convey the cup to the New York Yacht Club,

located in Newport, Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, The silver trophy was donated to the New York Yacht Club and remained

there until September 26, 1983, when the Australia II defeated the Liberty, ending the 133 year

U.S. winning streak; and

     WHEREAS, In 1930 Newport hosted the Cup races for the first time, and then continued

to host the next eleven races. Larry Ellison, who recently became a Newport resident through his

purchase of the Astor's Beechwood Mansion, won the 33rd America's Cup. He has cited Newport

as one of three cities contending for the host site location for the next race in 2013; and

     WHEREAS, Larry Ellison is the C.E.O. of Oracle Corporation, a multinational computer

technology corporation that specializes in developing and marketing enterprise software products,

primarily database management systems. His BMW Oracle team owned the sailboat that won the

latest race; and

     WHEREAS, The return of the America's Cup races to Rhode Island could generate

millions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs, helping the dwindling economy. Narragansett

Bay is one of the most impeccable sailing locations in America, offering unrivaled services and

docks. Rhode Island has favorable sailing conditions by comparison to the other locations being

considered; and

     WHEREAS, The location of the 2013 America's Cup is expected to be revealed within

the next three months; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby extends our bid to restore the America's Cup Race to Newport,

Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Larry Ellison.

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LC01982

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