Your Independent Source for America's Cup Information

Photo courtesy of J. Gunther Photography, Sausalito, CA

A FINAL POSITIVE DIRECTION TO THE AMERICA’S CUP, PATIENCE !

For over a year the New York Supreme Court has weighed the dispute as to which party should have the final say as to how the next America’s Cup will be managed. It returns to Spain and will allow Challengers to compete on a level playing field as to requirements. The Cup is truly the oldest continuous sporting event, first held in 1850. It has had many faces, wealthy yachtsmen, corporate backing and ownership plus numerous changes of rules and regulations. The “Deed of Gift” was the original set of governing rules established. The yachts have been varied from early classics to the great “J”

Boats to the long standing 12’s, and the current AC standards. They are now about 80 feet in length, narrow in the beam, crews of 17, 55,000 lbs. in weight, new bulb designs and knife-like hulls. They are capable of 12 to 15 knots under ideal weather, no creature comforts aboard. High tech in every aspect is the norm.

Now the Court promises a spring 2009 decision as to time and place all are to follow; We shall see! The race gives a place in history, a little national glory and no money. So be it. Lets put the acrimonious words behind and restore the stature of this great spectacle of design, beauty and sportsmanship to the fore all pointed to the proper mark. I will keep you posted as to progress in plans, new designs and cooler heads decisions.

China, what a job in the Olympics. Napoleon was reported to have said 200 years ago, “Beware of China, let her sleep, beware when she awakes”. I was so impressed by China’s overall management and presentation, first class. NBC Olympics made videos of each of the disciplines instantly available. I fenced in Europe and was pleased to see as much as I wanted of that, the aquatic events, cycling, tennis and of course, sailing. A word about that - Fleet racing is different. You can win a Gold Medal without ever winning a single race but with high finishes. It is only a fair spectator thing, more head to head combat than anything. The winds were at first low then at times leveling the fleet, visibility of every type possible. Gary Jobson commentary, as usual, first class.  If you were confused by the classes racing - very normal - from Lasers to Stars, solo handling to expert teamwork, this was just plain warfare. The Brits did well as did China - all did their best.

Stay in touch, sailing globally is a huge sport, at the America’s Cup level a niche sport, but reeks with class, magical beauty and hardcore yachtsmen as owners and tough capable crews. Your questions and comments are welcome.

Abientot,

Paul T. Rivard, CEO America’s Cup News and USA Journalist
Box 2500, Olympic Valley, Ca. 96146
paulrivard@americascupnews.com
October 1st, 2008

A.C.G.I.S. Paul T. Rivard, CEO
Post Office Box 2500
Olympic Valley. California 96146
(530) 386-2190
E-Mail
paulrivard@americascupnews.com

Web Site Design by: