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The
Story of the America's Cup 1851-1995
by Ranulf Rayner, Tim Thompson (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 96 pages
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Published by Warwick Publishers
Publication date: October 1,1996
Dimensions (in inches): 11.55 x 14.80 x .82
ISBN: 1895629659
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March - April 2005 Update!
The buzz you hear is that things are now happening globally for the 32nd America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain in late spring 2007. First things first, eight or more Challengers seem to be preparing to race in the six “lead up” Louis Vuitton 39 races scheduled for 2005.
These races are crucial for all Challengers. Crew experience obviously is germane to winning along with shore coordination. Version 5 of the AC Class rules are beyond layman’s ability to fully comprehend. Suffice it to say that the past Cup races have been upwind and downwind legs. Upwind maneuvers provide change of position and spectator excitement. Downwind can be a bore because even though the lead boat can be placed in the wind shadow of the following boat, passing is rare and difficult. Now, in Version 5, sail arrangements will provide some power bursts allowing more changes of position. The boats may be as much as a ton lighter. The beauty of the spinnaker runs will always be there. Helmsmanship will be more critical both upwind and downwind. We shall see!! New boats will be built using Version 5 changes, modifications to comply with the changes will be used on the older boats in the regattas for 2005.
2005 Louis Vuitton “lead up” races, Acts 4 through 9 Valencia, Spain, June 16 to 21; Act 5, June 24 to 26.
Malmo, Sweden, Act 6, August 25 to 31; Act 7, September 2 to 4.
Trapani, Sicily Italy, Act 8, September 29 to October 4; Act 9, October 7 to 9:
Current Participants America's Cup 2007
Defender:
Team Alinghi
Société Nautique de Genève - SUIChallengers:
BMW Oracle Racing
Golden Gate Yacht Club - USA+39 Challenge
Circolo Vela Gargnano - ITA
Team Shosholoza
Royal Cape Yacht Club - RSAEmirates Team New Zealand
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron - NZLLuna Rossa Challenge
Yacht Club Italiano - ITAK-Challenge
Cercle de la Voile de Paris - FRAVictory Challenge
Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap - SWEDesafio Espanol
Real Federación Española de Vela - ESP
Challenger News
Sausalito Challenge,
John Sweeney and business partner Tina Lleinjan in the hunt for funding,
crew and funds to compete in 2005 regattas. Good luck John! Dawn
Riley has moved to Spain to manage the K-France operation and to prepare
for the 2005 series. She is deep in Cup experience, France budget will
not be with the superpowers but adequate. Let us hope “The Golden Rule”
does not apply, to wit, “he with the most gold wins”. Luna Rossa with
Prada and other support will be a player. Bruce Nelson of world wide
design fame and Helmsman James Spithill should present a formidable duo
to win. BMW-Oracle Racing will build two new boats and has already
prepared base facilities in Valencia. . Alinghi and Oracle both have
major funding well over 100 million Euros. I met Cris Dickson, CEO of
BMW-Oracle Racing, in Fremantle in 87 and again in San Diego. This is a
dedicated and capable man, it will show. Ellison wants to bring the Cup
to San Francisco.
MICHEL BONNEFOUS
is now CEO of America’s Cup Management, Swiss trained, he has the major
responsibility for the 32nd America’s Cup. Official web site available.
Teamwork between Spain, Valencia and syndicate representatives will make
all in readiness for 2007, what a show it will be within reach of all
Europe. Spectators will be able to see from shore the races.
Accommodations, Tourist, Rental, Employment Opportunities and general
news will be posted in May. Plan to go, late spring and summer in 2007,
fly to Madrid or Barcelona.
This years races as posted in Malmo, Valencia and Sicily, Italy will be
exciting.
Paul T. Rivard
American Yachting Journalist
