America's Cup

[seanshine]

I know it starts sunday and it is a 2 of 3 format. Races start at 1:00 AM Pacific, our time. Anybody have any idea who is doing TV coverage? I think it may be Versus.

 

[Ted]

Live free coverage should be available at www.americascup.com

 

[Warren Milberg]

I recently read Karen Larson's (founder of 'Good Old Boat') rant about how the America's Cup has devolved into an event in which two rich guys race breakable boats that have nothing to do with 99.9 per cent of the sailing community. While this race used to involve many competitors, and the leading edge sailing technology used to flow down hill to all the rest of us, that hardly seems the case any more.

How do you all feel, or relate, to the America's Cup these days?

 

[Joe]

I recently read Karen Larson's (founder of 'Good Old Boat') rant about how the America's Cup has devolved into an event in which two rich guys race breakable boats that have nothing to do with 99.9 per cent of the sailing community. While this race used to involve many competitors, and the leading edge sailing technology used to flow down hill to all the rest of us, that hardly seems the case any more.

How do you all feel, or relate, to the America's Cup these days?

Well there would have been a traditional regatta if the Euros could have agreed about the format and location for the next event. The bickering opened the door for Larry Ellison to invoke the deed of gift clause, the same as Michael Fay did to the San Diego Yacht club after Dennis Conner took the Cup from the Aussies. I am so rooting for Oracle to bring the Cup to San Francisco...... Racing AC class yachts around Alcatraz or Angel Islands in the Stadium that is S. F. Bay would be like going to a NASCAR event without all the rednecks(I love Nascar and rednecks, so no bitching please). I can't imagine a better venue for sailors and spectators.

If Ellison does win, he needs to announce the next defense immediately and define the boat design. Otherwise we will see the same kind of BS we have now.

Make no mistake, this event has ALWAYS been about rich boys and their toys. The technology will work itself down to the rank and file racers, maybe not so much to the daysailer though.