, i would now like to introduce you to the ceo and regatta director for the 34th america's cup, ian murray. [applause] >> good morning. yesterday, in the past, i spent time along the san francisco bay, venturing along the shores. yesterday, i had the first opportunity to view san francisco from the air from a nice helicopter to watched a ac 45 sailing. i have got to say, as a pupil as san francisco is from the shore, embarcadero, marina green, when you go up in a helicopter, there is not a bad picture of san francisco. pitt is a truly amazing thing to be up there and see above the bridge, above the hills, seeing these boats sailing. to have the america's cup happen here in this harbor is great. before i talk about planning for the america's cup world series, i want to thank a few of our partners. richard helped me out, certainly, recognized our city family, partners at city hall, the mayor's office, the organizing committee, and finally, i would like to say, throw out all of our partners, we are making great progress. the planning environment in san francisco is like something i have never