America's Cup

[Don Guillette]

America Cup

Dereck: First of all that block is massive but the confusion is a result of my mis communication. I should have use the term height instead of width.Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

 

[SailboatOwners.com]

Final results

Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 10/13/2002:The following best expresses my opinion on the America's Cup competition:37% I'll follow the results, but these folks are in a different sport.33% Boats and teams to be admired. I'll follow closely.16% Spoiled billionares in a different sport--no interest.14% Boats and teams to be admired, but I'll not pay much attention

 

[Bill and Nancy Berg]

Big Thrill

We had the opportunity to sail NZL 40 the New Zealand back up boat form the last America's Cup last Nov in Auckland. Huge boat, Giant boom that's for sure. In 15kt winds, with working jib and main we made 12kts! I was in awe.Of course this was a "tourist ride" but in my 10 minutes at the helm I was impressed! We'll be back this Nov. but staying clear of Auckland. We lived in San Diego during the A/C there, traffic, and crowds were incredible.

 

[Charlie]

Woods & Waters

This competition would be about like me playing golf with Tiger Woods (I am a 14 handicap). I sail a Hunter 23.5 and have no interest in the SB's,(spoiled billionaires), BE's,(big egos), or the UB's(unlimited budgets). I am just a lowly WB (wanna be).

 

[Don Guillette]

Bill/Nancy Berg: A couple of years ago I had a similiar experience but it was in St. Martin. A company there has 6 America Cup boats that race each other on a shortened Cup course. The race itself was a hoot - we came in second by 1/2 a boat length. With better sail trim and a lee bow maneouver, I think we could have had a first. Anyway, the race was great but the high for me was what happened after the race. I asked the skipper how the boat handled and he asked me if I sailed. I told him I had a Catalina 30 in Long Beach, Ca. He was from Dana Point,Ca and was very interested in one of the single young chippy's, who was on board. He then asked me if I wanted to sail the boat the 5 miles back to the beach. I almost jumped over him to get the wheel. What a thrill it was. I have a great picture taken from a chase boat of me at the helm. It is one of my favorites. These boats are as responsive as race cars.

 

[Steve Thornton]

Formula 1

Oh yes there is a lot of money and wealth on display in New Zealand but the days of the “Ted Tuner Captains” are gone. The deep pockets are now digging a little deeper to hire the finest sailors in the world to pilot there expensive toys. So the answer to your question is yes on both counts and lets all be glad and cheer for them all. Why, because it is events like this that give our sport of sailing so many new innovation. How many of you have a wing keel on your boat? How about Dacron Sails or Hydraulic backstays? So I say go Men spend that money and go Boys sail a little faster and may we all win.

 

[Steve Thornton]

Formula 1

Oh yes there is a lot of money and wealth on display in New Zealand but the days of the “Ted Tuner Captains” are gone. The deep pockets are now digging a little deeper to hire the finest sailors in the world to pilot there expensive toys. So the answer to your question is yes on both counts and lets all be glad and cheer for them all. Why, because it is events like this that give our sport of sailing so many new innovation. How many of you have a wing keel on your boat? How about Dacron Sails or Hydraulic backstays? So I say go Men spend that money and go Boys sail a little faster and may we all win.