America's Cup Returns to Newport

America's Cup yacht racing returns to Newport, Rhode Island, for the first time in nearly 30 years this week and to national broadcast television for the first time in 20 years on Sunday, July 1, when NBC broadcasts the final day of racing. With the America's Cup Finals returning to U.S. shores in 2013 for the first time in three decades, it's an ideal time to become a fan of this historic championship that has evolved into a high-tech, adrenaline-infused sport.

I had a chance to visit the America's Cup Village, which has sprung up inside Newport's Fort Adams State Park, on Saturday, and to see some of the sleek AC45 yachts testing the waters. On this photo tour, I'll share a preview of this week's exciting America's Cup World Series event and tips for joining the spectators who will cheer on eight yacht crews representing six nations.

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_{Oracle America's Cup yacht photo © 2012 Kim Knox Beckius.}