Having spent the weekend in and around San Francisco as a guest of the St. Francis Yacht Club, there was much interest in and many questions about the upcoming Allianz Cup. So here is a quick Q&A:

WHO: One hears (so far) AC skippers Ed Baird (USA, Alinghi), Jesper Bank (DEN, UITG), Dean Barker (NZL, ETNZ), Sebastian Col (FRA, Areva), Chris Dickson (NZL, BMWOR), Peter Holmberg (USA, Alinghi), plus other top match racing skippers such as defending WMRT champion Peter Gilmour (AUS).

WHAT: Stage 5 of the World Match Racing Tour for the "Allianz Cup." Racing in one-design J-105's.

WHERE: San Francisco Bay, just off the Golden Gate and St Francis Yacht Clubs.

WHEN: 24-29 October, 2006.

WHY: According to Jan Carendi, board member for Allianz Group: "After the success of the Rockefeller Center sailing exhibit in New York this summer, it is good to highlight and support another sailing event in the U.S. With all the America’s Cup racing in 2007 taking place in Europe, it’s great to be able to bring some of the thrill and excitement of this race to America, and encourage local support for the U.S. team during their quest to bring the Cup home. 'The Allianz Cup in San Francisco, a city known for its sailing heritage, will be a really exciting event for the city and great way of conveying the excitement that is synonymous with the America’s Cup whilst providing a great opportunity for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialties and Allianz Life, three of our North American operations."

HOW: Organized by the World Match Racing Tour, hosted by the St Francis Yacht Club with support from GGYC, and sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation.

HOW MUCH: $100,000 prize purse. The champion earns $25,000.

HOW NOW: Spectators will be able to watch the racing up close and personal from the Allianz Cup "village" on the spit of land between the two clubs that has a commanding view of the race course, Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Live, supposedly expert commentary will be provided to the spectator fleet, village, and VIP facilities in both clubhouses, linked together by radio.

WHY NOT plan to join us in San Francisco for what should be one of the best professional sailing events in the world this year. "I left my heart...."