i will repeat this again and again until you notice maine ad nauseum.his is going to be a great event. it is one that i personally am entrusted with. i will do everything i can to bring this to the world class status that it deserves and has, and the promise that people like larry ellis and all the other private investors could be very proud, along with the authority. thank you very much. [applause] >> if i get -- if i did not say that earlier, announcing this, i have issued and will issue my first executive director forming the steering committee, and copies of that will be available after this speech. >> i want to briefly thank mayor lee for the opportunity to direct the implementation of america's cup. it is something that we are ready, willing, and able to do, having shepherded massive retirements were projects such as the shipyard and currently treasure island. this is a wonderful opportunity and irresponsible -- responsibility we take very seriously. with that, i would like to invite board president david chiu to say a few words. [applause] superv