America's Cup

[Gunni]

This is the bleeding-edge, big-leagues, media extravaganza of sailboat racing to which even someone who has never watched a sailboat race can relate. Seeing a 72ft boat streak by the waterfront at +40kts riding on a foil doesn't take an explanation. That is the point.

Monohull displacement boat racing isn't going away, but as someone who sold his race boat years ago, sailboat racing is BORING as a spectator sport. The sport was built on the expendable income of well-off patrons. Mr. Ellison happens to be the latest, and possibly the most audacious. I admire the guy, and am proud of how he is showcasing our nation, a great city, and sailing.

 

[Benny17441]

Thanks Gunni, watched one of the semi-final races on UTube and as anticipated was marvelled by the boat design but dissapointed in the racing. No spinnaker set, no tacking duels, no wind blanketing, no close quater approaches into a single mark and no expert commentators. It is so new that everyone from the sailors to the commentators are feeling their way around the competition aspects. Is like the Anerica's Cup in training wheels. Barring an accident the outcome the Louis Vuitton Cup seems assured. Looks to me like New Zealand will meet Oracle in September. You need not worry, San Francisco will be showcased in grand style and should the new racing series with the 45's develop it will always be known as the craddle of Stadium Racing Sailing.

 

[StinkBug]

You do realize there are about a thousand monohull racing classes already right? AC is what it is and next time will likely be different. Maybe monohulls maybe cats or tri's