Wow, some pretty strong opinions. I'll add a few more:
1. The racing is great. Fast boats, interesting tactics, lots of action. The venue is up-close and personal (SF rocks!).
2. I've really enjoyed the TV coverage. In general I think the commentators are doing a fine job. I've seen graphics intended to give non-sailers information to get them into the basics, as well as information befitting the most seasoned racers.
3. The soap opera drama of cheating and the various accusations and trash talk are stupid and defeat the purpose of presenting a stellar regatta. One newspaper talked about "Ascot wearing whiners", and that hit it on the head. The boats are so expensive that it priced out most entries. That's really a shame.
4. The boats push the technology envelope. Good. The America (replica) was out there today. It pushed the technology of the time. The larger bows of the Team Emirates allow them to accelerate faster than Oracle. Good to know. You can now buy bolt-on hydrofoils for your laser, cool. Cats are exciting!!
5. Stan Honey's graphics have changed forever TV coverage of sailing. It is just fabulous.
6. The reason why they keep talking about the "cone" is because that is the part of the wind/current lee that is on the race course. The part that is off the race course just doesn't exist in the context of the race. And yes, a couple of miles an hour can make a difference.
7. New Zealand is kicking our (USA) butt. I've rooted for USA every Cup since I was a kid. I'm never gonna stop. However, any discussion of which people are nicer, or better or any other personal judgment is just ... well, I'm just not going there. If NZ continues to dominate the regatta, good on 'em. I talked to a guy on the NZ team this morning and wished him good luck (but didn't tell him, not as good as ours!).
8. Don started this off by inviting some of us to his fantasy party. Gee, what about the rest of us? Since it's a fantasy anyway, let's just invite us all!
9. I'm disappointed in the sailing of the Oracle team. I think the NZ boat is faster (especially in the acceleration after course changes), but Really Guys???
I went out this morning (races 6 &7) and sailed around the staging area, saw the mega-yachts and got a real close look at the two racing boats. Saw an AC class monohull, and the "America" under sail. It was incredible. We set up near the downwind gate and could see the racers foiling towards us, then coming around the mark. My brother had a TV set up (inverters are great) and we watched the action up-wind of us and really had a sense of what was going on. I'm telling you guys, it was absolutely incredible. For me this has been an awesome regatta. Yes, lots of mistakes, but also some real excitement.