Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Double Talk?
The new challenger of record, BMW Oracle appears to want to have it both ways, or all ways. In trying to placate Valencia or maybe fearful of a law suit, Russell Coutts indicates that they would be willing to commit to a Valencia defense in 2011 for AC 34. This would seem to indicate that BMW Oracle is looking to challenge for the 'Cup in a multi-hull next year and try to bring the challengers onboard win or lose for a full scale America's Cup in 2011.It would be nice if at some point BMW Oracle would try to work on generating some enthusiasm here in the United States for the America's Cup. Possibly enlisting supporting yacht clubs and conducting some regattas in Newport, Florida, Chicago and California with 2 of its ACC boats.Having been involved in the America Cup activities covering USA in 1984-86, I can't emphasize enough the fact that San Francisco Bay would provide the most spectacular setting for the America's Cup in history. Not to mention that the Golden Gate Yacht Club would certainly want to host the event. Afterall they would be the custodians of the "Trust". Anyway, isn't this the trouble that Dennis Conner got into in 1987 when his syndicate wanted to host races in Hawaii as opposed to San Diego, which prompted Michael Fay's challenge for the 'Cup.To make a long story short, the challengers are onboard for 2009, and legally the contracts seem to be in place to hold the event there. So lets drop the double talk.
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 11:40 AM 0 comments
Monday, December 3, 2007
Whats Next?
Whats next?We have had a week now since the verdict. It is not surprising that there has been silence from the Alinghi camp. It is important for them to study all options, before moving forward. Hopefully, with the conscensious of the challengers we will have 'Cup racing in 2009. It would seem with the Judge Cahn's verdict and Team New Zealand's contract, that would be the case. But, more and more I am thinking cats for next year. With each passing day it seems more and more likely.
