America's Cup

[shemandr]

Can we open a new thread, or whatever, for the duration of the challenger series and AC? This could be fun. Nix to the naysayers - give the event a chance. And discussion about it could be lively. Never mind the multi - hull bias. It could be very exciting and remember that AC has always been a design competition and a race to test the designs. Again, read "Temple to the Wind" to gain an understanding of the nature of the design competition. Powers that be, please get this done.

 

[sfgary]

I think that could be a lot of fun. We had the Prada boat sail right next to us last weekend. Regardless of your feelings about this cup these boats are incredible.

 

[LuzSD]

we are planning to come up for one of those long weekends between Sept. 7-21 and it would be really helpful to get as much info as possible on which to base our choice. I see that Sail Mag has a really nice in depth guide this month but I'd like to get the local info as well as thoughts from those who follow it more than I do....

Would hope a thread would not drift into long drawn out rants, but if it did maybe some sub-treads would be helpful. Looking forward to it!

 

[Chris Patterson]

I think it would be interesting. This coming from a person that doesn't particularly care for cats, or even racing. Really, I couldn't care less most of the time. But these are some very incredible boats, and they are under sail, so yes I do like it. Very much so actually, go figure.

I'd pay a thousand dollars for a short ride on an AC72. But that probably wouldn't tip the dock hand that rinses the boat off..

 

[Stu Jackson]

They don't really "sail by you" they buzz you at 27 knots!!!! We were sailing in the South Bay from the Estuary to Coyote Point yesterday and BOTH Oracle boats came "by", hulls a-flyin'. I've been buzzed a LOT of times in the past six months. Most us "regular" SF Bay sailors are pretty convinced that to actually "see" the races on the water is a waste of your time. Why? 'Cuz you can see it better on TV, and maybe actually on the land. I was out on a stake boat for the AC45 races last year, and except for the sails, from on the water you simply can't get a "feel" for what's really happening on the race course - and this is from someone who's done a fair amount of racing and who understands course and horses. But, perhaps I'm just jaded from having those monsters "buzz" us, 'cuz seeing them up close and personal is truly a real thrill. Issue is that the way the courses and "spectator boat areas" are set up, you just won't get that close on the water. That said, if you have a big screen and Mifi on your boat, then that would be a good combination. However, if you look at the spectator area, you ain't gonna be anchoring (!!! - 130 feet deep with 6 knot currents) so someone's gotta be driving and jockeying position. That's the reality.

But, damn, those are some BIG and exciting boats. And whe BOTH hulls are flying, so are they!

Enjoy, good idea to keep this going. Maybe we can end up with 27 pages, like Phil and his C27!

 

[Gunni]

You lucky-dog bay sailors!

FYI, there is a You Tube app that brings live-action to your tablet:
http://m.youtube.com/americascup?uid=0gzXt1Ms4WVQ7tyGgjTmqA&desktop_uri=/americascup

I plan to watch on-site using the sportvision video feed on my mobile device. All in lovely San Francisco!

 

[25yearslater]

I could go for that thread. Even though I am a die hard monohull fancier these ACs are just flat out amazing.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I could go for that thread.

This IS that thread!

 

[Brian D]

I can just imagine what was said when schooner America received its first modification...

(in my best Scottish accent) Whit? ye cannae dae 'at. it is against th' rules.

 

[StinkBug]

I've been wondering when an AC thread would pop up on here. I've been following most of the news and videos they have been putting out for a number of months now. I have to say, regardless of how you feel about the choice of boats it's hard to argue about the entertainment value they are bringing to the cup. The new layout is infinitely better for spectating and the new boats are spectacular to watch at speed. I personally cant wait to see them go at it.

 

[25yearslater]

One thing I am missing or perhaps I haven't seen it, is the sailchanges. It doesn't seem to incorporate the crew in the overall equation to the extent of cup races where monohulls did. Not to diminish this in any way, yet I always enjoyed the need for crews to change sails during the various legs. Is technology replacing seamanship and teamwork as the staple of this type of racing? Perhaps this will translate into boats that we use being more small crew friendly and still offer exhilarating performance.

 

[Doc_holiday]

I'd pay a thousand dollars for a short ride on an AC72. But that probably wouldn't tip the dock hand that rinses the boat off..

How much would you pay to ride in a dirty old Mac 26?

Don't answer that

 

[Stu Jackson]

How much would you pay to ride in a dirty old Mac 26?

Don't answer that

Only with the pop top UP!

 

[Chris Patterson]

Doc, right now I would come up there and ROW your Mac while you sunned on the foredeck for a little water time..

 

[shemandr]

So would anyone be able to post a schedule of races - or at least a beginning? And if anyone knows the TV schedule or internet viewing schedule I would find it helpful.

 

[shemandr]

Addendum:

http://noticeboard.americascup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Schedule-70613.pdf

The schedule is on the above page. Can this be posted in some way on this site for reference? Why can't this site be the place we go for news about the races and discussion - with sailor we already know.

 

[StinkBug]

One thing I am missing or perhaps I haven't seen it, is the sailchanges. It doesn't seem to incorporate the crew in the overall equation to the extent of cup races where monohulls did. Not to diminish this in any way, yet I always enjoyed the need for crews to change sails during the various legs. Is technology replacing seamanship and teamwork as the staple of this type of racing? Perhaps this will translate into boats that we use being more small crew friendly and still offer exhilarating performance.

I'm not sure exactly which sail changes you're speaking of, but from the onboard video I've seen the crews on these boats are VERY busy. They are running roller furling asymetric spinnakers now, so we wont see the craziness of hoisting and dousing a big chute, but i have to say for me watching that gigantic code zero just kinda appear from nowhere is kinda cool.

I think the technology is changing the way the boats are sailed for sure, but I dont think it's eliminating seamanship or teamwork. On the contrary, several of the interviews I've seen have talked about how much more active the entire crew is, and how none of them are simply along for the ride. Gone are the days of a skipper standing at the wheel and giving orders. Just a simple tack has that skipper running over 40' across a trampoline to the other side of the boat.

 

[StinkBug]

Anyone who's even a little interested in this race should really spend some time on the America's Cup YouTube channel. As a part of their attempt to pull in a lot of non-sailors they have put out a LOT of really well made content including a weekly half hour TV style show (with 94 episodes available on youtube). There's a good amount of history, and a lot of technology discussion throughout. It's a little bit light on the hardcore tech, but I that's because they are aiming to attract an audience that would be lost in sailing lingo they have never heard before. Even so I find the shows to be very informative on the specifics of the AC racing series.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AmericasCup?feature=watch

 

[Gunni]

One thing I am missing or perhaps I haven't seen it, is the sailchanges. It doesn't seem to incorporate the crew in the overall equation to the extent of cup races where monohulls did. Not to diminish this in any way, yet I always enjoyed the need for crews to change sails during the various legs. Is technology replacing seamanship and teamwork as the staple of this type of racing? Perhaps this will translate into boats that we use being more small crew friendly and still offer exhilarating performance.

These boats will have multiple head sails, and there will be a change at each end of the course, jib upwind, spinnaker downwind. The AC 72 runs a lean crew and it is reported that all hands participate in sail changes, including the tactician. These are going to be the most athletic sail crews ever to sail the America's cup. And the first to wear body armor and supplied air.

 

[25yearslater]

Thanks for the link and the clarification. This does promise an interesting look at the possible future of top level racing. Yumpin yeesus just watched the fun on foils segment. That is just awe freaking sum.