I've been watching the races - actually, only the tail end because they are televised starting at 5:30AM here in Tucson, which is a might too early for me. Too bad the US got knocked out. Wonder what caused it?. I assume poor tacticsbut can anyone bring me up to date. Our local papers contain zero coverage. In fact they were not even publishing the TV schedule until a local sailor sent a "letter to the editor". The next day they included the times. Hope my Aussie buddies have a good showing. Anyway, if you really want to see great sail shape you should watch these boats and try to duplicate their sail shape on your boat. You may not be able to get there but give it a go and see how close you can get. Notice how the jib and mainsail mirror each other. Also notice the amount of heel and compare that with some of the boats in your area (maybe yours) some of whom sail with so much heel you can see their keel bolts. Another thing to notice is the lack of twist in the mainsail on the AC boats. Twist wastes power and these guys will squeeze every ounce of power they can get out of the sail - thus zero twist. If your looking for twist you'll never se it on a AC boat.
It's hard for me to see Alinghi beating either of these boats - I know they sailed in some of the 'Acts', but there's just no substitute for on-the-water, in-your-face racing on the course they are going to use. Both the challengers have raced more than 20 races on that course, and I see that as a big advantage as well. Maybe Larry Ellison will stay home in his Japanese home in Los Gatos next time - many of the other teams, notably the Spanish, breathed some real life into the proceedings.... I personally have heard enough from Mr. Ellison, and if I never see him point his yellow laser range finder again, my life will be better for it. ;D Cheers, Bob s/y X SAIL R 8