IACC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

What: International America’s Cup Class World Championship and Pre-Worlds Regatta.

Who: Nine entries from among the hopefuls for America’s Cup ’92.

Defending champion: None. The 1986 World Championships were contested in 12-meters. This is the first time IACC boats have been raced.

When: Pre Worlds: Today and Thursday, 12:30. IACC Worlds: May 4-8, fleet racing (all boats sail in the same race), 12:30; May 9, day off; May 10, semifinal match racing (one boat against one boat), 12:30; May 11, final match racing (top four boats advance from semifinals), 1.

Where: Three miles off Point Loma.

The courses: Two for Worlds, one for Pre-Worlds. IACC boats will sail a 10-mile, basic 4-leg upwind-downwind course on Course A for Pre-Worlds, an 8-legged course of 21.2 nautical miles on Course B for fleet racing, and an 8-legged course--identical to the America’s Cup course--of 22.6 nautical miles on Course C for match racing.

Where to watch: America’s Cup International Village--It opens Friday, and is the best place to see the event unfold. Located at the Embarcadero Marina Park North, next to Seaport Village, it’s open Friday, 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday through May 11, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and May 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The village, open free to the public, boasts a 14 x 18 Diamond Vision television screen, and has a food court and beer garden in the center of the village. Metro Transit System (MTS), trolley public transportation available to the village.

Cabrillo National Monument--A big-picture view, but bring your binoculars as the action will be miles away. There is a $3 fee per vehicle to enter the park.

Chartered boats and yachts--Several companies offer sailing ventures both public and private, including Anytime Charters, Bagheera Sailing Adventures, Charter Connection, Finest City Yacht Charters, Fraser Charters, San Diego Harbor Excursion, US-12-Meter San Diego.

Hornblower Dining Yachts and Invader Cruises (435-2211 or 238-4357) offer public charters May 10 and 11, $30 per person daily, reservations required. Yachts are chartering your personal parties are available starting at $1,925--for the smallest yacht which carries up to 35 people--up to 600, $31,500. Costs increase for additional services, including food and beverage.

ESPN--Worlds preview, May 6, 4:30 p.m.; Worlds finals, May 11, 1 p.m. (live).

If the races aren’t enough: America’s Cup Museum--Opens today at B Street Pier; “Chasing the Cup”--San Diego Symphony performance tonight and Thursday night at Symphony Hall; Worlds Opening Ceremonies--Friday, 6-10 p.m. at the America’s Cup International Village; “Yankee Clipper”--San Diego Symphony performance May 9 at Symphony Hall; World Closing-Awards Ceremonies--May 11, 6-8 p.m. at the village.