I raced one design and cruising class for years out of Newport Harbor so I know these waters shown in the graphic very well. First of all, there is a huge local knowledge component caused by strong currents and wind shifts off the land, especially to the west, with the prevailing wind SW. Also, these nowadays AC boats are very large and very fast for that narrow passage. Local yacht clubs race small one designs north of the Newport Bridge as it opens up a bit there, but serious regattas are always held south of the East Passage in RI Sound. This is simply a publicity stunt so tourists can see the boats from FT Adams or FT Wetherill. Total joke in terms of competitive racing and just goes to show how far the AC has sunk.