No matter what you think of the America's Cup, you have to agree these boats look beautiful as they power through the waves. Well, at least when they're not taking tons of water over the gunnels, breaking off the end of their carbon fiber booms, and ripping apart their genoa hardware! After an embarrassingly miserable first race, the NZ Kiwi bunch made a heroic effort in Race 2 only to come up 7 seconds short. So what's going to happen from here? Will Alinghi run the table? Can New Zealand overcome a 2-0 deficit and win against a tough competitor? Why didn't Dean Barker adjust sail trim to reduce heel and avoid taking on "six tonnes" of water? And is Russell Coutts the biggest traitor since Benedict Arnold? Share your America's Cup viewpoints and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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Coutts
I can understand the resentment that the Kiwis feel towards Coutts, but can anyone reasonably expect him to pass up the money? There is damn little opportunity for big money in New Zealand. He's a professional sailor and he virtually has to follow the money. He is a top helmsman/tactician and should be paid accordingly. Who's going to win? Who knows? The Kiwis looked faster in light air, but suffer when it blows harder. I'm guessing that the "Swiss" team (are there any Swiss on the boat?) will win but the Kiwis could still pull it out. Does that mean the next Cup races will be on Lake Lucerne?
I can understand the resentment that the Kiwis feel towards Coutts, but can anyone reasonably expect him to pass up the money? There is damn little opportunity for big money in New Zealand. He's a professional sailor and he virtually has to follow the money. He is a top helmsman/tactician and should be paid accordingly. Who's going to win? Who knows? The Kiwis looked faster in light air, but suffer when it blows harder. I'm guessing that the "Swiss" team (are there any Swiss on the boat?) will win but the Kiwis could still pull it out. Does that mean the next Cup races will be on Lake Lucerne?
A Kiwi's viewpoint...
I am an expatriate Kiwi, so I guess I'm biased! Marge and I were down there at Christmas and got to hang-out a bit around the Cup village and go out on the water to watch a race (which was cancelled for too much wind). NZ is a sailing nation. As Jobson said on TV, one in four Aucklanders owns a boat, and kids start racing at 8 years old. The whole country is passionate about the Cup, and the "loyalty" issues re Coutts and the other "defectors" are huge. The "NZ Loyal" t-shirts and banners are everywhere. While there is a high standard of living in NZ, there is not the affluence level of the USA there. The average Kiwi struggles (gladly) to make ends meet. It's a whole different attitude towards money than exists in the USA. In NZ people earn less, but they emphasize doing for themselves, mixing and pouring their own concrete to make a path, for example. It is a nation of "do-it-yourself". Boats are the same. I wandered through many marinas. There was no doubt that the outside appearances (gel coat condition, teak, etc) of boats is not what you see at USA marinas, and the average sailboat (yacht over there) is smaller, but people just love their boats. They don't have the money to throw at boats. In the USA we certainly earn more, but we spend it, and are much more reliant on other people to do everything for us. The average Kiwi cannot understand why Coutts and gang would be lured by the money. National pride is much more important to them than dollars. The act of defending the cup on behalf of the nation is seen as a heroic, David vs Goliath, quest. Money be damned, there is a much larger issue here... And of course the economic benefits to the small country of retaining the cup are not lost on the populus either. I read somewhere that the nature of Coutt's personality is such that he must always challenge to "win". Defending is not the same as challenging. If true, it makes me wonder what will happen if he wins again this time. Will he have to change syndicates again? After watching the final leg of the race on Saturday evening, I think the inexperience of the Kiwi team showed. I hope I'm wrong, but I think that Alinghi will prevail because of superior sailing skills in the Coutts/Butterworth after-guard. If they do, I really wonder what the future will hold for the defectors: will they ever be able to return to their home country? Given the pervasive sense of betrayal, life could be quite difficult. I've gotta say that even though I've been here for 32 years I feel strongly on the issue. The original deed-of-gift stated that the cup is for a "friendly competition beween foreign nations". We all know that the friendly part got lost many years ago, but the national spirit has now gone as well. I would strongly advocate the tightening of the nationality restrictions on crew at least (and maybe the design and construction), so that the Americas Cup became once again a unique international competition. As it is now it is simply a matter of who has the biggest purse and who can attract the top "rock-stars". I will be wearing my red socks tonight! Derek
I am an expatriate Kiwi, so I guess I'm biased! Marge and I were down there at Christmas and got to hang-out a bit around the Cup village and go out on the water to watch a race (which was cancelled for too much wind). NZ is a sailing nation. As Jobson said on TV, one in four Aucklanders owns a boat, and kids start racing at 8 years old. The whole country is passionate about the Cup, and the "loyalty" issues re Coutts and the other "defectors" are huge. The "NZ Loyal" t-shirts and banners are everywhere. While there is a high standard of living in NZ, there is not the affluence level of the USA there. The average Kiwi struggles (gladly) to make ends meet. It's a whole different attitude towards money than exists in the USA. In NZ people earn less, but they emphasize doing for themselves, mixing and pouring their own concrete to make a path, for example. It is a nation of "do-it-yourself". Boats are the same. I wandered through many marinas. There was no doubt that the outside appearances (gel coat condition, teak, etc) of boats is not what you see at USA marinas, and the average sailboat (yacht over there) is smaller, but people just love their boats. They don't have the money to throw at boats. In the USA we certainly earn more, but we spend it, and are much more reliant on other people to do everything for us. The average Kiwi cannot understand why Coutts and gang would be lured by the money. National pride is much more important to them than dollars. The act of defending the cup on behalf of the nation is seen as a heroic, David vs Goliath, quest. Money be damned, there is a much larger issue here... And of course the economic benefits to the small country of retaining the cup are not lost on the populus either. I read somewhere that the nature of Coutt's personality is such that he must always challenge to "win". Defending is not the same as challenging. If true, it makes me wonder what will happen if he wins again this time. Will he have to change syndicates again? After watching the final leg of the race on Saturday evening, I think the inexperience of the Kiwi team showed. I hope I'm wrong, but I think that Alinghi will prevail because of superior sailing skills in the Coutts/Butterworth after-guard. If they do, I really wonder what the future will hold for the defectors: will they ever be able to return to their home country? Given the pervasive sense of betrayal, life could be quite difficult. I've gotta say that even though I've been here for 32 years I feel strongly on the issue. The original deed-of-gift stated that the cup is for a "friendly competition beween foreign nations". We all know that the friendly part got lost many years ago, but the national spirit has now gone as well. I would strongly advocate the tightening of the nationality restrictions on crew at least (and maybe the design and construction), so that the Americas Cup became once again a unique international competition. As it is now it is simply a matter of who has the biggest purse and who can attract the top "rock-stars". I will be wearing my red socks tonight! Derek
What I've Heard
I read the articles regarding the dispute between the TNZ syndicate and Coutts & Co. The dispute turned ugly and left the sailors no where to go but out. I've read that the Swiss syndicate, if they win, could sail on the Med in four years. If you look back to the challenges off Newport, RI, you will remember that not only did the Challengers sail off for a winner, but so did the Defenders. I think that TNZ did not help themselves by simply declaring a winner to defend the cup. It appears to show in the boat and crew performance. However the racing is really exciting, and I am hoping for more of the same.
I read the articles regarding the dispute between the TNZ syndicate and Coutts & Co. The dispute turned ugly and left the sailors no where to go but out. I've read that the Swiss syndicate, if they win, could sail on the Med in four years. If you look back to the challenges off Newport, RI, you will remember that not only did the Challengers sail off for a winner, but so did the Defenders. I think that TNZ did not help themselves by simply declaring a winner to defend the cup. It appears to show in the boat and crew performance. However the racing is really exciting, and I am hoping for more of the same.
Not just money
Dakota Jim, It wasn't just the money - and I don't know if there were counter-offers. As I understand it things got a bit ugly at the end. There was a power struggle for control of the syndicate right after the last defense. Coutts and Butterworth were in the process of taking complete control of the NZ syndicate when they suddenly departed. I believe things went rapidly downhill from there. Russell Coutts recently made a statement giving his side of the story. I have looked all over for a link to his statement - I cannot find it - but the related link below is the NZ syndicate's rebuttal of all the arguments.
Dakota Jim, It wasn't just the money - and I don't know if there were counter-offers. As I understand it things got a bit ugly at the end. There was a power struggle for control of the syndicate right after the last defense. Coutts and Butterworth were in the process of taking complete control of the NZ syndicate when they suddenly departed. I believe things went rapidly downhill from there. Russell Coutts recently made a statement giving his side of the story. I have looked all over for a link to his statement - I cannot find it - but the related link below is the NZ syndicate's rebuttal of all the arguments.
They didn't defect, they escaped!
The Butterworth/Coutts "defection" issue has been reported rather one-sidedly. Take a look at the AC web page and look back in the stories archive till you find the one that mentions Coutts telling the other side of the issues. Promises were made before the 2000 cup races and the syndicate didn't honor them. After the contracts with the sailors ran out, the syndicate changed the locks on the compound and refused to negotiate with them. Just as in everything, there are two sides to this story. Yes, the "defectors" went TO the money, but they also went FROM a raw deal. Anybody that watched the coverage of Race 2 on ESPN2 had to see the bias in the officiating. TNZ doesn't do well in light air, the officials won't start the race in light air. Simple. Combine crass nationalism in the officiating with the less-than-ideal sailing conditions on the gulf there, and I will be happy to see the next cup raced anywhere besides NZ. That said, I would propose two modest changes to the Deed. First, there should be a percentage of the crew set that has to be from the sponsor country. Say, 75%. Second, the race committee should be made up of officials from disinterested countries. Even if Bennett's motives were strictly honorable (and I don't believe they were), the preception of dishonesty is enough to sour the stew. Last, I am happy to see that the HULA is having very little to contribute to the outcome of the race. Who designed this thing? A lawyer? I guess there is one more change I would make to the Deed. Have each syndicate put in X amount of money. When the race is set to begin, each team is presented with an identical production sailboat. At the end of each race, the boats are returned to a neutral site where they are repaired or prepared for the next race. Before the beginning of the race, the boats are assigned to the crews by lottery. The emphasis would go back to the team, the team would be from the country of sponsorship, and without the massive investment necessary to feed the R&D beast, the possibility of returning to "friendly competition" would have a fair chance. Go to the link attached and click on the "more news" button, then look for the story title, "Coutts & Butterworth speak on Team NZ departure" for the rest of the "defection" story.
The Butterworth/Coutts "defection" issue has been reported rather one-sidedly. Take a look at the AC web page and look back in the stories archive till you find the one that mentions Coutts telling the other side of the issues. Promises were made before the 2000 cup races and the syndicate didn't honor them. After the contracts with the sailors ran out, the syndicate changed the locks on the compound and refused to negotiate with them. Just as in everything, there are two sides to this story. Yes, the "defectors" went TO the money, but they also went FROM a raw deal. Anybody that watched the coverage of Race 2 on ESPN2 had to see the bias in the officiating. TNZ doesn't do well in light air, the officials won't start the race in light air. Simple. Combine crass nationalism in the officiating with the less-than-ideal sailing conditions on the gulf there, and I will be happy to see the next cup raced anywhere besides NZ. That said, I would propose two modest changes to the Deed. First, there should be a percentage of the crew set that has to be from the sponsor country. Say, 75%. Second, the race committee should be made up of officials from disinterested countries. Even if Bennett's motives were strictly honorable (and I don't believe they were), the preception of dishonesty is enough to sour the stew. Last, I am happy to see that the HULA is having very little to contribute to the outcome of the race. Who designed this thing? A lawyer? I guess there is one more change I would make to the Deed. Have each syndicate put in X amount of money. When the race is set to begin, each team is presented with an identical production sailboat. At the end of each race, the boats are returned to a neutral site where they are repaired or prepared for the next race. Before the beginning of the race, the boats are assigned to the crews by lottery. The emphasis would go back to the team, the team would be from the country of sponsorship, and without the massive investment necessary to feed the R&D beast, the possibility of returning to "friendly competition" would have a fair chance. Go to the link attached and click on the "more news" button, then look for the story title, "Coutts & Butterworth speak on Team NZ departure" for the rest of the "defection" story.
Time for Change
It is time for a complete rethink of the America's Cup. As a life-long sailor I actually enjoyed, after the initial shock, seeing the Cup go down under. I had a great deal of respect for the Aussies and their accomplishment. Same for the New Zeland boys and their sailing prowess. Resolution of the "what boat do we sail" issue brought about a new design rule that afforded great technology and great competition. We forgot however the basic concept of competitive sailing and national team effort in favor of professional, for hire, sailing and huge money. This is as bad as it gets and presents our sport in the worst possible light. What happened to national pride and friendly competition? AC sailing is no longer a sport among nations rather the billionaires of the world who like to race sail boats and pretend to represent some nation. This really sucks! I believe we need to do away with the "buy your sailors and boat designers from anywhere" philosophy. What's next? Will we see countries providing incentives to allow their flag to be flown to represent their nation? Depending on which sailing team wins, the cup will either stay in NZ or move to Switzerland. We all know the storied history of that great seafaring nation. Who can forget the Battle of Lake Geneva. Sadly the America's Cup is becoming to sailing what Michael Jackson is to pop music, a grotesque cartoon. Here's a thought maybe we could just let things go as they are but, to add some real competition and gain viewer interest and ratings, change the rule about contact between boats. Infact lets promote contact as a means to best your opponent. Maybe allow grapling hooks and boarding. Hand to hand combat would be interesting if we provided rescue boats to pick up the survivors. No weapons of course; we wouldn't want to spoil the "Corinthian" spirit.
It is time for a complete rethink of the America's Cup. As a life-long sailor I actually enjoyed, after the initial shock, seeing the Cup go down under. I had a great deal of respect for the Aussies and their accomplishment. Same for the New Zeland boys and their sailing prowess. Resolution of the "what boat do we sail" issue brought about a new design rule that afforded great technology and great competition. We forgot however the basic concept of competitive sailing and national team effort in favor of professional, for hire, sailing and huge money. This is as bad as it gets and presents our sport in the worst possible light. What happened to national pride and friendly competition? AC sailing is no longer a sport among nations rather the billionaires of the world who like to race sail boats and pretend to represent some nation. This really sucks! I believe we need to do away with the "buy your sailors and boat designers from anywhere" philosophy. What's next? Will we see countries providing incentives to allow their flag to be flown to represent their nation? Depending on which sailing team wins, the cup will either stay in NZ or move to Switzerland. We all know the storied history of that great seafaring nation. Who can forget the Battle of Lake Geneva. Sadly the America's Cup is becoming to sailing what Michael Jackson is to pop music, a grotesque cartoon. Here's a thought maybe we could just let things go as they are but, to add some real competition and gain viewer interest and ratings, change the rule about contact between boats. Infact lets promote contact as a means to best your opponent. Maybe allow grapling hooks and boarding. Hand to hand combat would be interesting if we provided rescue boats to pick up the survivors. No weapons of course; we wouldn't want to spoil the "Corinthian" spirit.
Even World-class Skippers Make Mistakes
Having lost races by failing to follow some of the basic tenets like "spend your lead, "stay between the trailing boat and the next mark" and "when in doubt, let it out", I can sort of understand the thought process that even world-class skippers fall victim too. Watching Dean Barker fail to go with Alinghi on the last leg of Race 2, most racers have "been there, done that" including Dennis in 1987.
Having lost races by failing to follow some of the basic tenets like "spend your lead, "stay between the trailing boat and the next mark" and "when in doubt, let it out", I can sort of understand the thought process that even world-class skippers fall victim too. Watching Dean Barker fail to go with Alinghi on the last leg of Race 2, most racers have "been there, done that" including Dennis in 1987.
re: A Kiwi's viewpoint
I couldn't agree more about your point concerning the nationality of the crew. This race accomplishes nothing but the residence of the Cup. It's Kiwi vs Kiwi and the Swiss will have an empty victory if they do win. It harkens back to Dennis Conner's "no race" win with his cat. At least out of that came some rules about the boat's design. Maybe some rules about crews will come out of this series, like the afterguard must citizens of the the nation represented by the boat. I'm routing for the Kiwi's even though I think it would be more likely for the cup to come to it's true home, San Diego Yacht Club, if the Swiss win.
I couldn't agree more about your point concerning the nationality of the crew. This race accomplishes nothing but the residence of the Cup. It's Kiwi vs Kiwi and the Swiss will have an empty victory if they do win. It harkens back to Dennis Conner's "no race" win with his cat. At least out of that came some rules about the boat's design. Maybe some rules about crews will come out of this series, like the afterguard must citizens of the the nation represented by the boat. I'm routing for the Kiwi's even though I think it would be more likely for the cup to come to it's true home, San Diego Yacht Club, if the Swiss win.
Re: Not just tje money
I just read Coutts' statement and the rebuttal from the NZ syndicate. There is always two sides to an argument and the truth lays somewhere in between. In this case I think the truth is somewhat closer to the Syndicate side. Coutts statement sounds too much like a justification for an action while the Syndicate has documents to show that at least Coutts timeing is off. It appears that Coutts thought his undisputed skills on the boat would transfer to the board room but that his behavior proved otherwise. I still think he went for the money, especially after his ability to actually run the Syndicate came under question. I can't figure out why he'd want that responsibility anyway. It's like an American football coach wanting to be the General Manager. It's been tried several times and never works. Go Kiwis!
I just read Coutts' statement and the rebuttal from the NZ syndicate. There is always two sides to an argument and the truth lays somewhere in between. In this case I think the truth is somewhat closer to the Syndicate side. Coutts statement sounds too much like a justification for an action while the Syndicate has documents to show that at least Coutts timeing is off. It appears that Coutts thought his undisputed skills on the boat would transfer to the board room but that his behavior proved otherwise. I still think he went for the money, especially after his ability to actually run the Syndicate came under question. I can't figure out why he'd want that responsibility anyway. It's like an American football coach wanting to be the General Manager. It's been tried several times and never works. Go Kiwis!
Excess
Like all sports that have money and ego as the motivators, the Americas cup has taken on all the aspects of a circus. The technology has run beyond the realm of workable applications, the competitors have become mercenary gladiators and the boats are ugly abortions that can't survive in moderate weather. The cup should be reconfigured into a one design format and the competition should be between teams representing the competing nations. Races to take place in any weather short of a gale and not called because the wind pipes up. Racing oversized dinghies with open cockpits and no pumps is not seamanship, it's stupidity. As is breaking equipment because it was designed at the eleven-tenths criteria. The whole of the Americas cup has become an outdated ego-trip for the excessively wealthy to demonstrate to the world that they can burn money. WHO CARES?
Like all sports that have money and ego as the motivators, the Americas cup has taken on all the aspects of a circus. The technology has run beyond the realm of workable applications, the competitors have become mercenary gladiators and the boats are ugly abortions that can't survive in moderate weather. The cup should be reconfigured into a one design format and the competition should be between teams representing the competing nations. Races to take place in any weather short of a gale and not called because the wind pipes up. Racing oversized dinghies with open cockpits and no pumps is not seamanship, it's stupidity. As is breaking equipment because it was designed at the eleven-tenths criteria. The whole of the Americas cup has become an outdated ego-trip for the excessively wealthy to demonstrate to the world that they can burn money. WHO CARES?
Thanks . . .so sailing is different than . . .??
I appreciate the information. . . . Looking at other sports, Couts is not the only one to leave their country for various reasons. So why should we be surprised, or upset with him?
I appreciate the information. . . . Looking at other sports, Couts is not the only one to leave their country for various reasons. So why should we be surprised, or upset with him?
Salary Cap Cup
I loved to watch the races when I mistakenly thought it was the best one country had to offer against another. Then the cheating and stealing of designs became rampant, lawyers got involved, and worst of all like baseball and football the pride of country became the pursuit of the money. I am a cruising sailor anyway so who cares!!! P.S. they should return to one design and let the skill of the crew be the determining factor. You could not skipper for a country you were not born in.
I loved to watch the races when I mistakenly thought it was the best one country had to offer against another. Then the cheating and stealing of designs became rampant, lawyers got involved, and worst of all like baseball and football the pride of country became the pursuit of the money. I am a cruising sailor anyway so who cares!!! P.S. they should return to one design and let the skill of the crew be the determining factor. You could not skipper for a country you were not born in.
It all has it's place
The America’s cup, along with so many other “sporting events” has become the realm of rich elitists, and the rest of us can only watch and drool. But how is this different from so many other sports. Could any amateur compete in unlimited hydroplanes? How about Nascar? Could your local sporting club afford a professional baseball team? But is that all bad? Where would the Spitfire be if not for the Snyder trophy? Would we have disk brakes on our cars if not for the “rich auto enthusiast” racing in Europe? These groups have paid for the experimentation and development that have made our sports so enjoyable. Some day soon carbon boats and spars may be as common as fiberglass and aluminum making stronger and lighter boats for us amateurs. The most important aspect is to keep things in perspective. It’s no fun racing on Thursday night when you know you have no chance; when the wallet instead of skill settles the difference between boats. I know to keep a sense of humor when racing my 30-year-old Pearson against newer lighter boats with Kevlar and Mylar sails. But they really belong to a different class, and there are still plenty of classes for me. I look for vintage races. I love to go on weekend “race/cruises”. I look for clubs that restrict sail material and number and rate boats according to their equipment. I’m here for the fun of it, and if it becomes “no fun” or too expensive, I’ll find something better to do… like watching the Americas Cup and drooling.
The America’s cup, along with so many other “sporting events” has become the realm of rich elitists, and the rest of us can only watch and drool. But how is this different from so many other sports. Could any amateur compete in unlimited hydroplanes? How about Nascar? Could your local sporting club afford a professional baseball team? But is that all bad? Where would the Spitfire be if not for the Snyder trophy? Would we have disk brakes on our cars if not for the “rich auto enthusiast” racing in Europe? These groups have paid for the experimentation and development that have made our sports so enjoyable. Some day soon carbon boats and spars may be as common as fiberglass and aluminum making stronger and lighter boats for us amateurs. The most important aspect is to keep things in perspective. It’s no fun racing on Thursday night when you know you have no chance; when the wallet instead of skill settles the difference between boats. I know to keep a sense of humor when racing my 30-year-old Pearson against newer lighter boats with Kevlar and Mylar sails. But they really belong to a different class, and there are still plenty of classes for me. I look for vintage races. I love to go on weekend “race/cruises”. I look for clubs that restrict sail material and number and rate boats according to their equipment. I’m here for the fun of it, and if it becomes “no fun” or too expensive, I’ll find something better to do… like watching the Americas Cup and drooling.
I heard C outs got 5 million.
Yea the Kiwi's are all upset beating their collective chests with national pride but hey... offer them 5 mill and see what happens. But as others have reported it was not all about the money with Couts. As a divorce lawyer friend told me once there are 3 sides to every story, hers, his and the truth.
Yea the Kiwi's are all upset beating their collective chests with national pride but hey... offer them 5 mill and see what happens. But as others have reported it was not all about the money with Couts. As a divorce lawyer friend told me once there are 3 sides to every story, hers, his and the truth.
Another Kiwi from Auckland
News tends to get distorted wherever you read it. Facts are Coutts and Butterworth had SIGNED an agreement with Team New Zealand which they walked out on. Many believe that Coutts felt he had the right to take Sir Peter Blake's position as head of the Syndicate, and use it to make himself a mint. Sir Peter had done the hard yards - in fact mortgaged himself heavily to set up the 1995 campaign. Coutts felt he could just slide in and take over when he was a very skilled helmsman, but still just one of the team. We like to think loyalty comes before money - possibly a hard concept for a lot of people to understand these days. Our country has three and a half million population and the Americas Cup is at least 0.6% to 1% of our GDP, with much more significant effects on our boat building and tourist industries etc. Much of the cost of campaigning comes from the general population. One Auckland yacht club had a fundraiser to get $70,00 (NZ) $35,000 (US) for a new headsail for Team NZ. They ended up with a cheques for $250,000 (NZ) In reply to various comments written: I don't know where your correspondent gets off on Harold Bennet not starting in light breezes either - Do you want races such as the Alinghi - Oracle facade where one boat was stuck in a hole for hours?. Harold trained both Russell Coutts and Dean Barker and knowing him, he is a fair and honourable man. Remember all those years contestants had to deal with the New York Yacht Clubs ideas of fair play! Neither was it NZ that constrained the teams to 19 knots in the Louis Vuitton Challenge - well below sailable conditions here. One of the great pluses of sailing here in Auckland is that you do get challenging conditions that change from day to day. Its one reason our sailors are so good. There were at least 21 Kiwis sailing on the last four boats of the LV challenge - Alinghi has a heap working for them. We do not complain about them - we understand they have to make a living and are proud we have so much representation out there. The Coutts / Butterworth issue is the devious manner in which they changed sides. That is NOT the Kiwi way. I do agree with Dennis Connor and others that teams should get back to more of a Nationalistic composition. Maybe the skipper and afterguard should have to come from the country of origin?? Alinghi has fifteen nations working for it - there are only sixteen positions on the boat - not many are Swiss. Race three will start shortly - go the Kiwis.
News tends to get distorted wherever you read it. Facts are Coutts and Butterworth had SIGNED an agreement with Team New Zealand which they walked out on. Many believe that Coutts felt he had the right to take Sir Peter Blake's position as head of the Syndicate, and use it to make himself a mint. Sir Peter had done the hard yards - in fact mortgaged himself heavily to set up the 1995 campaign. Coutts felt he could just slide in and take over when he was a very skilled helmsman, but still just one of the team. We like to think loyalty comes before money - possibly a hard concept for a lot of people to understand these days. Our country has three and a half million population and the Americas Cup is at least 0.6% to 1% of our GDP, with much more significant effects on our boat building and tourist industries etc. Much of the cost of campaigning comes from the general population. One Auckland yacht club had a fundraiser to get $70,00 (NZ) $35,000 (US) for a new headsail for Team NZ. They ended up with a cheques for $250,000 (NZ) In reply to various comments written: I don't know where your correspondent gets off on Harold Bennet not starting in light breezes either - Do you want races such as the Alinghi - Oracle facade where one boat was stuck in a hole for hours?. Harold trained both Russell Coutts and Dean Barker and knowing him, he is a fair and honourable man. Remember all those years contestants had to deal with the New York Yacht Clubs ideas of fair play! Neither was it NZ that constrained the teams to 19 knots in the Louis Vuitton Challenge - well below sailable conditions here. One of the great pluses of sailing here in Auckland is that you do get challenging conditions that change from day to day. Its one reason our sailors are so good. There were at least 21 Kiwis sailing on the last four boats of the LV challenge - Alinghi has a heap working for them. We do not complain about them - we understand they have to make a living and are proud we have so much representation out there. The Coutts / Butterworth issue is the devious manner in which they changed sides. That is NOT the Kiwi way. I do agree with Dennis Connor and others that teams should get back to more of a Nationalistic composition. Maybe the skipper and afterguard should have to come from the country of origin?? Alinghi has fifteen nations working for it - there are only sixteen positions on the boat - not many are Swiss. Race three will start shortly - go the Kiwis.
Sailing and Inovation Ability
One-design vs. Formula: There are numerous one design races in the world where the boats are as close to equal as possible but the Americas Cup is not one of them. There is a good side to this in that it fosters innovation. The ability to win the race depends not only on sailing ability but also on the ability to innovate and come up with technological solutions that make the boat sail better. One clear innovation that many boats have today is the winged keel that provides reasonable performance with a shoal draft. There are probably other design ideas that have trickled down to the consumer market as well. A one-design class by definition is pure sailing ability. Changing the venue to a one-design would change the character of the event. Ever since the winged keel there has been a lot of hoopla (no pun intended) over design innovations and this is a part of the character of the Americas Cup. Changing this would be akin to changing the Cups character. What we have today is really two Kiwi boats - sure, I know, a Swiss guy owns one of the boats but that's just a technicality. Then there are a few other English-speaking blokes on board but mostly it's a Kiwi thing. And frankly, I hope the Kiwi's win it. The patriotic ones. Once they get over the butterflies of real competition, vice the B boat, they probably will win it. Look out for the next race. P.S. Strategy: The jibs have a ridiculously short life of something like only 50 or a 100 tacks. Maybe Alingis' strategy is to out $$$ Team NZ?
One-design vs. Formula: There are numerous one design races in the world where the boats are as close to equal as possible but the Americas Cup is not one of them. There is a good side to this in that it fosters innovation. The ability to win the race depends not only on sailing ability but also on the ability to innovate and come up with technological solutions that make the boat sail better. One clear innovation that many boats have today is the winged keel that provides reasonable performance with a shoal draft. There are probably other design ideas that have trickled down to the consumer market as well. A one-design class by definition is pure sailing ability. Changing the venue to a one-design would change the character of the event. Ever since the winged keel there has been a lot of hoopla (no pun intended) over design innovations and this is a part of the character of the Americas Cup. Changing this would be akin to changing the Cups character. What we have today is really two Kiwi boats - sure, I know, a Swiss guy owns one of the boats but that's just a technicality. Then there are a few other English-speaking blokes on board but mostly it's a Kiwi thing. And frankly, I hope the Kiwi's win it. The patriotic ones. Once they get over the butterflies of real competition, vice the B boat, they probably will win it. Look out for the next race. P.S. Strategy: The jibs have a ridiculously short life of something like only 50 or a 100 tacks. Maybe Alingis' strategy is to out $$$ Team NZ?
Coutts Impressive
Couts was really impressive at the start of the 3rd race . . . . Who can argue that the guy isn't really sharp? If I recall right, this is the 11th straight America's Cup race win for the guy . . . or is it his 12. Or did I get that screwed up?
Couts was really impressive at the start of the 3rd race . . . . Who can argue that the guy isn't really sharp? If I recall right, this is the 11th straight America's Cup race win for the guy . . . or is it his 12. Or did I get that screwed up?
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