June 20, 2007

More of the Same?
Breakfast in Valencia Race 1
More of the Same?Exhibition season was game on, as America’s Cup Race One between the defender Alinghi, representing the Yacht Club Geneva and the challenger, Team Emirates New Zealand from the New Zealand Yacht Squadron turned into a sparring match, with little to show other than both boats were on the water at the same time.The box score will show that Alinghi captured the first race by 35 seconds, but there was relatively little action and virtually no dust ups at the start. The wind was steady out of the northeast at 11 to 14 knots, with choppy seas, in large part due to the massive spectator fleet.TNZ took the start, but it became apparent halfway up the first leg towards the mark that the left hand side was favored and again, Valencia, Spain has demonstrated that the playing the shifts correctly will win you races. The boats are relatively evenly matched upwind, but downwind Alinghi, sailing SUI 100 for the first time in competition is a veritable rocket ship.SUI 100 showed exceptional acceleration under spinnaker, sailing away at will. Emirates TNZ, NZ 92 modified their boat, during the 3 weeks between the Louis Vuitton Cup final and this match, they bolted on a longer, thinner keel in order to enhance their upwind performance. In the America’s Cup races, rounding the first mark ahead, spells victory 80% of the time.There are very few passing lanes on the ‘Cup course and while TNZ should feel emboldened by their improved speed into the wind, unfortunately though, Alinghi demonstrated downwind, that they can put it into another gear and should be able to blow by the Kiwis, regardless of how far in front they are. Again, the wind shifts hold the key.American challenger, BMW-Oracle made a similar change in the semi-finals against Italians on Luna Rosa, sacrificing what seemed to be blazing speed downwind for improved performance on the beat and they got smoked 5-1. The question to the Kiwis would be; why would they sacrifice the proven performance they demonstrated against the Italian boat in the LVC Cup final to take chances against the Swiss?Both skippers, American Ed Baird on Alinghi and Dean Barker on New Zealand drove their boats well with no mistakes, but the advantage again lie, with the formidable former Kiwi, Brad Butterworth aboard SUI 100. Butterworth, as tactician, has yet to lose an America’s Cup race. Since 1995 he is 16-0. Which unfortunately is the biggest problem with the actual ‘Cup races, the winning boat is 26-1 since 1983, when Dennis Conner lost the auld mug to the Australians in seven heart stopping races.So tomorrow, will we see the kiwi’s bounce back and make it a series, or will we see more of the same, with another monotonous America’s Cup final?
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 10:28 AM 0 comments

All of Our Tomorrows
The following are blog excerpts to BMW-Oracle’s Executive Director Tom Ehman. Beginning with BMW’s breakdown and loss to the Chinese to start RR-2, cracks in the vinnear on the afterguard began to develop, which prompted the following dialogue. Which was picked up on by not only the BMW Syndicate, which followed many of the suggested changes, but also the NY Times, which had its ear to the ground on this one:

May 21“All of Our Tomorrows”TFE and Oracle Team,I know I speak for many here in the 'States that are disapointed that BMW-Oracle is not moving on to the Louis Vuitton Cup Finals and beyond, but it is important to remember that challenging for the America's Cup and winning it are building blocks on which to move forward. Sir Thomas Lipton tried 5 times to no avail, though almost grabbed it in 1920. Alan Bond won it on his 4th attempt and it took New Zealand 4 tries before winning,(though thru different challenges). You can say the Swiss won with the defending team from 2000 and not be far off the mark. The point I am trying to make here is, that it is important and vital for this challenge to continue towards the 33rd America's Cup. The pieces for a strong team are in place and though certainly mistakes were made, the best way to overcome and win is thru adversity. Certainly Oracle wasn't built in a day. My two cents worth;1] Take your team and compete vigerously on the European Match Circuit.2] Continue to work with Gavin Brady, Sten Mohr and develope some young rock stars.There is a lot of talent out there.3] Continue to work your ideas on US 87 and US 98.4] Build a strong network of supporting US Yacht Clubs and hold regattas in Newport, NewYork, San Diego, Chicago etc...5] Create an America's Cup sailing magazine or partner with an existing one to develope faninterest.6] Not to be overly critical of Chris or Larry's role, but don't give anyone person all the keys tothe store. Build a strong TEAM.7] Bring more US Corporations on board and most importantly bring home our sailors, like Peter Hutchinson, Ed Baird, Peter Holmberg etc.Good Luck and congratulations on your best efforts!Waiting for more breakfast in Valencia,Mark Wharton Reid, 12-Meter Update