Event

THE AMERICA CUP INTERNATIONAL FLY FISHING TOURNAMENT
The America Cup is a 5-person 16-team, catch and release, fly fishing event. In past years we have hosted international teams from Poland, Ireland, Hungary, Japan and Australia as well as US Teams including USA Youth Fly Fishing Team, Colorado Youth Team, Team North Carolina, Team Wyoming, Team Stonefly and Team USA, to name a few.
This is the largest Fips-Mouche style fly fishing tournament in the United States with 80 Anglers competing for 3 days.

As a 501(c)(3), The America Cup has two primary goals.  The first is to facilitate successful fly-fishing competitions that promote and display both national and international talent in the world of competitive fly-fishing. The second goal is to provide monetary and non-monetary support to tax-exempt charitable organizations.

The America Cup 2012 is working to support Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and the soldiers.

A COMPETITION FOR THE AGES
The America Cup will be held in the Colorado mountain town of Vail, CO. Known for its access to all the great outdoor recreational activities that Colorado has to offer, Vail provides an ideal location to showcase competitive fly fishing to the world. Situated among some of the highest peaks and most pristine rivers in Colorado, Vail also offers great accessibility from the nearby I-70 highway that grants access to Denver, only 100 miles away. The America Cup is proud to be working with Vail, as the town is a great ambassador to the international stage of competitors that travel here for the event. It has a truly unique aesthetic that promotes the rich traditions of the American west and a comforting local appreciation for sportsmen of all types. Vail has made a strong commitment to The America Cup for 2012, providing ideal locations for all ceremonies and gatherings, and dedicated event promotion to help bring participants to the area. 2012 promises to be a banner year as The America Cup builds upon its previous success and offers more opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels to participate with some of the best fly fishermen in the world!

What is a ‘Cup’?
International Fly Fishing ‘Cups’ are major focal points for the sport of fly fishing, tourism, resource protection/stabilization, and international good will. Currently the United States of America is the only civilized fly fishing country in the world that does not have an International Fly Fishing ‘Cup’ of any kind.

BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES
Why have a ‘Cup’? During the political unrest between Ireland and Great Britain the World Cup served as a sounding board between fisherman of both countries. This later turned into frameworks of understanding which recently resulted in the return of Aquarian rights.  In other parts of the world ‘Cups’ have heavily promoted and stabilized tourism, the sport of fly fishing, and the resources that have become so vitally important.  Tourism and resource promotion/management have become vital to improving local economies.

BRING A TRADITION TO COLORADO
How can an event like this be held in the United States? In response to this need The America Cup was formed.  Like sister ‘Cups’ the America Cup’s focus shall be the same, international competition to sponsor good will, grow tourism, and fishery enhancement/protection.  As previously mentioned ‘Cup’ models, benefits for tourism are considerable.  These tourism increases benefit local health and wellness, quality of living, use/access/protection of tourism based resources, volunteerism, and international good will. As well, youth focused competition is vital for the growth of the sport, and is of great importance to The America Cup.

“It’s an exciting time in fly fishing!  Team USA in encouraged by the level of generosity the sport is receiving from new partnerships such as the Town of Vail, Hardy/Grey and many in the industry.” 
Anthony Naranja - Captain - Fly Fishing Team USA

“Our youth TEAM USA members were quite impressed with the challenges and the quality of the competition. It certainly was an impressive opportunity for them to compete against fly anglers of all ages from all over the world. The caliber of the anglers who compete in the America Cup makes it one of the finest competitions available to competitive fly fishing enthusiasts.”
John Ford - President, US Youth Fly Fishing Team

“The America Cup was a terrific event and great step forward for competitive fly fishing in the United States. You guys worked as hard as we could ask for in running the event – thanks! I still receive contacts from people who participated, volunteered, and watched during the competitions.”
Jim Hickey - WorldCast Anglers

"An opportunity to participate along side some of the world's most elite fly fisherman is an experience no one should miss. These are the true masters of the sport and everyone involved will have the chance to interact with these fine gentlemen. My hopes are that this event will spotlight the nature of competitive fly fishing and how community involvement can create a spectacular international fly fishing tournament, that reoccurs every year. "
John Knight - The America Cup