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.
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 10:49 AM 0 comments

Mission Statement
Pardon our dust. America's Cup Update is an ongoing passion for the sport that has held sway over me for the last 30 years. My hopes for the site is create an archival database for all you 'Cup lovers to visit...and your out there! My own experience comes from my coverage of the sport in the 1980's with 12-Meter Update and Longitude 122. I am a bit of a pack rat and I have over 30 boxes of collected materials and information on the America's Cup. I have also collected magazines on the subject since 1958, also my birthdate and have pretty much every issue of Yachting, Sail, Sailing, Sailing World, Seahorse, Yachting World etc etc since.What you will see from this site is an ongoing commentary and hopefully an open forum for discussion.Anyway, enjoy if you find us and if so pass the word.Mark Reid
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 10:30 AM 0 comments
Saturday, December 1, 2007

Letters to BMW
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,Sunday,

May 20, 2007
“It Takes Courage”
Chris,It takes courage to make a change. Part of the responsibility of being a strong leader, is showing leadership. I have TFE'd over the last few days and have been very critical of your performance, but at the end of the day you are the man in charge. My word in your ear is this:take a good look at your team, you have assembled these pieces of the puzzle to complete the big picture. Which one of those pieces, right now, has the best chance at giving your team a lift, especially in the starting area. Because, the reality is that if you can control the start, you will win the race. Do this one race at a time, pull out the pieces and determine which one will be the best fit to complete the picture that day. You have shown exceptional leadership at times. Your drive across the Atlantic on Toshiba was brilliant! You displayed courage and fortitude, in bringing Sayanara and your crew home to port safely in the Sydney to Hobart Race in 1998, which claimed several lifes. You can do this, just have the courage and yes, some humility/humanity to make a shuffle to the back of the boat. Everyone is behind you. Lets do it!Looking forward to breakfast in Valencia, tomorrow.Mark Wharton Reid

May 19
“Davy Jones” Service
TFE,Tom, I read your reply to a previous post. I can't believe that you, of all people are in this much denial. All you have to do is look at the long list of good sailors, that have left your team or been forced out over the last several years, to know that there is no "I" in team, though there is in "win", but Dickson has never won at this level. The Italians did come back from a 4-1 deficit in 1992, but that had more to do with their legal tactics and the bowsprit issue than coming back and grinding it out on the water. The tactics from the last few races seems to be a "groundhog day" replay of Stars and Stripes miracle finish against Mighty Mary in 1995 than any sense of sailing reality. What should have happened today after that terrible start (told you so) was to push the Italians into a penalty of their own, not going out to find a way to get 45 seconds ahead. In 2000 the Prada Team were exceptional in drawing blood to even the score after incurring a penalty. Tom, at what point do you accept responsibilty for this team and their actions? No one person can go it alone. There has to be a way to create positive dialogue for the 5th race. Again, what about have Sten Mehr start the boat and then turning over the wheel to Chris? Surely at this point, we know that James Spithill owns Dickson in the starting box. Anyway, good luck, we all all behind this effort, even if we are all pressed into "Davy Jones" service at the bottom of the Med Sea. Again, here's to breakfast in Valencia.Mark Wharton Reid

May 18
"Onions"
TFE, Well its come down to Larry exerting some long overdue leadership and having the "onions" to make a change. He has 2 choices:1] Sticking with his "Ahab" and sinking right to the bottom 2] Shaking up the afterguard and bringing Sten Mehr onboard for the start, before relinquishing the helm. It was this shakeup to the back of the boat in 2003 that allowed BMW-Oracle to crawl back. My greatest fear in 2004 was, when Peter Holmberg was let go and allowed to go to Alinghi, that BMW lost the abilty to have that aggression in the starting area pay dividends up the first legs and allow BMW''s superior downwind speed to dominate. Luna Rossa has been allowed to dictate the pace, that in combination with "breakdowns" has created an unacceptable outcome to date, but....its not to late. Don't wait. Restless at Breakfast,Mark Wharton Reid

May 17
“Seat Of The Pants Sailing”
TFE, What was challenging about today's conditions, was that with all the different shifts out there, you can toss that 19th man overboard and his computer and get down to some old fashioned seat-of-the-pants sailing. What happened to BMW-Oracle's ability to sniff out the wind shifts on the windward legs and be somewhat adaptable to the changing conditions? After sailing brilliantly to get back in the game downwind, Dickson seemed to go for the kill at the gate rather than staying with the Italians to start that 3rd leg. It was easy for the Kiwi's and the Spanish, all they had to do was watch the race ahead and play the shifts. Even though I am disappointed in today's results, hopefully there was some lessons learned in being;1] Be more adaptable to changing conditions, like staying w/ Luna Rosa cut your losses.2] be more responsive to pressure changes, it was obvious what was coming over the mountains, you don't have to be a billionaire to see that.3]BMW is the faster boat, be patient upwind and sail away downwind.4]Let the sailors do the sailing.Anyway, Go USA! From the North Shore,Mark Wharton Reid

May 5
Dear Tom
TFE,As someone who follows the America's Cup intently and with passion, I cannot feel anymore disappointed than what has happened this morning aboard BMW-Oracle. I have posted on your blog and am dropping you this note out of respect that with someone in your position and background, that you will help take the steps necessary to insure that this does not happen again.I am not Monday morning quarterbacking and I know you and I understand Chris and Larry enough that this "gear" problem on a "normal" breezy day should not happen to a $200 million dollar America's Cup campaign.Anyway, this is by no means an indictment against Sten Mohr, and I understand that there is a great party going on over in Valencia, but maybe its time to get to the business at hand and bring the America's Cup back home to America, where it belongs. Then you all can party like its 2010!
SINCERELY,Mark Wharton Reid

To those of you who slept in or haven't been paying attention, the American Boat BMW-Oracle mailed in a loss today against the Chinese, of all teams, losing the race after blowing a head stay after a gear failure. With points at a premium, every race is critical and losing this one is inexcusable. I wrote to BMW’s Executive Director and Rules Expert Tom Ehman, who has formerly worked as the Executive Director for the 28th America’s Cup and in Formula One with Mercedes McClaren, and his reply was:
Wow!
Glad you feel so strongly about supporting the USA team, but, really, Mr. Reid isn't that a bit over the top? Putting Sten and his team from 87 on 98 today was, in my opinion, a very good call by Dicko and our sailing team. Our 98 crew has been out there now almost every day for two weeks straight. With another nine continuous days of racing ahead of us, today was the best day to give them a break. The head foil problem could have happened to either crew. Indeed Dicko was driving when we had a similar problem in Act 13.So Mr. Reid, speaking of zipping it! But we certainly agree on one thing: anything short of winning the AC is failure. Despite today's minor setback, I wouldn't trade our position tonight with any other team -- not even close. --
TFEMay 4

"National Embarrassment".
This is an inexcusable failure on the part of the after guard at BMW-Oracle! If complacency has already set in because your sitting in first place at the end of Flight #1, then its going to be a short trip to the next round and a long ride home. To have a repeat gear failure, the first day the breeze actually comes up and to take the Chinese fore granted is; and should be, cause for concern. Let’s face it; Chris Dickson has never won the big one. For him and Larry Ellison, not to be onboard today, displays in short order the "cocaine attitude" that prevails on the BMW-Oracle boat. This takes nothing away from the fine job that Sten Mohr has done and is doing, but the bottom line is; anything short of BMW-Oracle winning the America's Cup will be abject failure. It's Ellison that has raised the bar on this one, certainly not, (until today) an aloof America. So, boys, its time to drop your martinis, pull up your trousers, zip it up and get on with the job. From an American who is not asleep at the helm and spending breakfasts in Valencia. Mark Wharton ReidPosted by Mark Wharton Reid May 07
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 11:00 AM 0 comments

At your word.
As the world, specifically Alinghi waits BMW Oracle's next move, there is much speculation on whether Larry Ellison's team will honor their intentions on the 9 point protocol or make a move towards their own power play.Both Russell Coutts and Tom Ehman have stated on numerous occasions that the impetis behind the legal challenge was to enforce the challenger's rights against the defender as applicable under the terms of the deed of gift. The New York Supreme Court has clearly upheld those rights.We have you "at your word".It is now imperitive that the Golden Gate Yacht Club move forward in a respectful way and amend the protocol for an America's Cup in Valencia in 2009.The only modification that is on the horizon is perhaps to modify the AC90 for match race worthiness. Great racing isn't only about speed.
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 10:29 AM 0 comments
Friday, November 30, 2007

Remember When?
NOVEMBER 1987 WHAT DOES THE WORLD REALLY WANT?Malin Burnham, President of Sail America, "We have 25 signed affidavits to support our interpretation on racing in 12-Meters. The weight of the world is in our favor." Michael Fay, New Zealand Challenge, "There is a great deal of worldwide support for such a competition (J-Boats), and it's growing." Arthur J. Santry, Jr., Commodore New York Yacht Club, The San Diego Yacht Club's action is not in the best interest of the America's Cup and is inappropriate."So tell me. What does the world really want? More importantly, what will the world get? Brace yourself, the battle lines for the "Auld Mug" are being drawn, and you had better be careful on which side you choose.Once again the America's Cup wars have returned to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, this time they're being waged on the floors of the New York Supreme Court.The litigation in New York began with Michael Fay's challenge for the Cup in 90 ft. waterline length boats, the maximum allowed under the Deed of Gift.The San Diego Yacht Club refused his challenge, so Fay brought the matter to court. Fay is attempting to hold the SDYC responsible for administering the provisions of competition for the Cup under the terms of the original Deed of Gift. "We have taken the initiative, both to challenge in 1988 and to do so in a completely different class of boat that will restore some of the romance and grandeur to the event," said Fay, who was the syndicate head of the New Zealand Challenge in Perth and is representing the Mercury Bay Boating Club in this matter.“We are dismayed and disappointed that Mr. Fay would elect to drag one of the world's premier sporting events into a court of law," states Malin Burnham, President of Sail America, and no stranger to Cup politics, having run Dennis Conner's last three campaigns.Sail America is manager of the SDYC's America's Cup Defense."I can assure Mr. Burnham and Sail America that this is a genuine and serious challenge, made in the best traditions of the America's Cup," says Fay, "and New Zealand will be pursuing it with full vigor.""Fay's action comes as no surprise," said Burnham. "It is merely further evidence of his determination to manipulate and control the terms of this matter to his own advantage."THE DEED OF GIFTThe Mercury Bay Boating Club sent its challenge to the SDYC on July 15, 1987. Under the provisions set forth by the Deed, Fay gave the SDYC 10 months' notice, calling for races to be held on June 1, 3, & 7 of next year, off San Diego, in boats that will measure more than 135 feet in length.Unfortunately, the challenge came at an inopportune time for the SDYC, as they were struggling with Sail America just to hold the next Cup regatta in home waters.These giants will be ultra-light "trapeze" J-Class boats, with crews of 40 men. The boat is under construction now at Martens Marine in Auckland, NZ, and will be christened on February 27, 1988.The SDYC has received three other challenges to date in J-Class yachts. They include Alan Bond from the Royal Perth YC, Peter de Savary, representing the Royal Burnham YC, and the YCof Cannes, France. Both Bond and de Savary have also challenged in 12 ­Meters.To date, Sail America has received 20 challenges for 1991 in 12 Meters, and according to the affidavit filed on September 18th, half of those challengers have spent $7.7 million dollars on their 12­Meter campaigns.The center of this controversy is the Deed of Gift. The Deed is the constitution of the America's Cup. All matters relating to the Deed are subject to interpretation by the New York Supreme Court. The original Deed of Gift was written in 1857 by the surviving members of the America Syndicate and the NYYC, which had won the America's Cup in 1851 off the Isle of Wight in England. It was amended in 1887 by George Schuyler.Two amendments have been added since then: in 1956 to allow for 12-Meters as the yacht of choice, and in 1984, to accommodate Perth, Australia, as trustee to the Cup.The storm revolves around a series of provisions, which are referred to as enabling resolutions.These unwritten by-laws to the Deed have gone unchallenged until now."If it were not for the NYYC in 1956 as acting trustee conceiving of ways to adapt the Deed to drastically changed times and circumstance, the America's Cup, would be a relic gathering dust,' states Burnham."Mr. Fay and his colleagues would have us forsake the living Deed of Gift at the very peak of its vitality and return instead to an obsolete match which bears no resemblance to the vigorous spirit of truly international competition so evident in Perth earlier this year!" states an emphatic Burnham."As trustee of the Cup, SDYC has a responsibility to protect the interests of all challengers," said Burnham."While we are unhappy to see Mr. Fay attempt to win in court what would be hard to win at sea, we are well-prepared to fight for the sake of the other challengers and for the future of the America's Cup.ENTER NEW YORK YACHT CLUBIf one front in this war wasn't enough for the SDYC to wage, enter the NYYC, author of the Deed of Gift and trustee to the America's Cup for 132 years. The NYYC has gone to court to prevent SDYC's petition to amend the Deed, that would allow for the Cup to take place only every four years and then only in 12-Meters.The NYYC, which adamantly maintains that the Club takes no position in the suit between SDYC and Fay, and has stepped forth only to prevent, according to Commodore Arthur J. Santry, Jr., "each future trustee of the Cup from being able to dictate whatever terms for the challenge and defense of the Cup that seemed best to suit the interests of that trustee."There is a lot of misunderstanding in regards to the Deed of Gift," spoke Santry. "SDYC's actions are not in the interest of the Cup and is inappropriate." In response to the legality of Fay’s challenge, Santry said, 'I don't think there is any question about it.""It's important to remember that the NYYC does not support New Zealand's challenge," said Tom Ehman, executive VP and chief operating officer of Sail America. Ehman was also the executive director for the NYYC's unsuccessful America II challenge. "They are only involved in the separate proceeding in which we have asked to amend the Deed of Gift," states Ehman. "They have remained neutral on the challenge."IN THE BEGINNINGWhen the SDYC first responded to Fay's challenge with a blunt thanks, but no thanks, it then went about its own business: you know ­'Rain, rain, go away, come again another day'. Well, it never rains in San Diego, except on the day when the SDYC and the City chose to make their announcement on the America's Cup.Well, on that day, what was to have been a landmark occasion for the City of San Diego, became instead the format in which to respond to Fay's challenge. On the previous day, Fay had sought and obtained a restraining order from the Court preventing the SDYC from discussing any plans that relate to the 1991 Cup.The restraining order was lifted a week later, which basically meant that Sail America could proceed with their plans on paper, though no-one was rushing out to start pouring concrete. When Stars and Stripes won the America’s Cup earlier this year, Conner and Company had rolled through the New Zealand “plastic fantastic" to win the series 4 to 1 and earn the right to face Kookaburra 3 (which they trashed as well) for the America's Cup.Kiwi Magic was the first fiberglass 12-Meter and had passed technical inspection. But Conner, who plays the psychology game as well as anyone, and is not one to mince words about enemy technology, commented that, "Why else would you build a fiberglass 12 Meter, unless you were going to cheat?"Well, New Zealand hadn't, but that was not the point, and Conner knew it. But Fay wasn't about to let dead dogs lie, and while everyone in San Diego was haggling about where to hold the Cup Defense, he was up late studying the Deed.Also Russell Bowler, project manager for Kiwi Magic's fiberglass construction.Fay's challenge dictates that the races commence 10 months from the date of his challenge in accordance to the Deed, though the Judge has ruled the races would take place 10 months from her decree, if she rules in Fay's favor."What we are proposing won't be any easier than challenging in 12­ Meters," said Fay. "New Zealand will again be the newcomer going against the Americans, who were invincible for more than 80 years when the Cup was raced in boats of the size we have nominated.""New Zealand is interested in sailing, not in being in court; we're looking back to the old traditions of the America's Cup, and we have to be careful that the sport does not become overly commercialized.""We welcome the challenges from Australia and Great Britain, and we are prepared to sail againstthem," said Fay, "and any other challenge that arrives in San Diego in time. Just to get the boat ready and to San Diego in time will be a major feat."New Zealand, J-l has a construction crew of 30 people working around the clock to get her ready. David Barnes, who skippered Kiwi Magic to a World Championship in Sardinia last summer is part of the resource of the program, but no decision will be made on a skipper for some time to come. Though no one would comment publicly, there can be no doubt that the Stars and Stripes brain trust are plugging in numbers for a J-Boat design of their own.“SDYC and Sail America are confident we have the moral and legal high ground in this matter, and we hope and expect a favorable decision shortly, states Ehman.”We haven't even taken our gloves off yet," boasts Burnham.THE BOATThe boats that Fay proposes to sail in are maxi-sloops whose likes haven't been seen around the America's Cup course since the turn of the century. Fay, along with his partner, David Rich white, has assembled a design team awesome in scope to work on plans for this ultra-light "trapeze J-Boat".Head of the design team is Bruce Farr, one of the co-designers of Kiwi Magic, and one of the best maxi-boat architects in the world. UBS Switzerland, which captured the line honors in last year's Whitbread Around-the World Race, was a Farr design.Joining Farr on the design team is Tom Schnackenberg, technical director of North Sails International. “Schnack” the man responsible for Australia 2's winning sails in 1983.San Diego is it!It is interesting that the announcement the San Diego Yacht Club wanted to make, and Southern California wanted to hear for so long was forced to take a backseat to· Michael Fay's lawsuit.Barring unforeseen circumstances, San Diego, California will host the 27th Defense of the America's Cup in 1988 or 1991."We were prepared to announce San Diego as the venue on September 2nd", said Gerry Driscoll, chairman of San Diego s America's Cup Committee. "We held off because of a temporary restraining order issued by the New York Supreme Court."The announcement ended months of speculation that Honolulu, Hawaii would host the defense. After Fremantle's spectacular setting and heavy winds there was a great deal of support to race off the Hawaiian coast. But, in the end, SDYC received the community support it was looking for, and as the story goes, "There is no second place."Plans call for the America's Cup course to be located 7 to 15 miles southwest of Point Lorna, past the notorious kelp beds which he along Coronado Roads. Light air is listed as prime enemy number one, but SDYC officials insist that during the planned months of competition, April through August - that the breezes average a robust 10-14 knots. That may be a bit overstated, but there is a consistent breeze between 12:00 noon and 5 p.m. in the afternoon. Consideration may haveto be given to raising the five hour time limit per race to 6 hours, or shortening the course.One of the interesting features of the ocean off San Diego are the huge rolling swells, which could produce a lot of surfing 12-Meters or Trapeze J’s.
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 2:30 PM 0 comments

My Passion for the America's Cup
On my first trip to Newport, Rhode Island, it was nearly winter’s end and with spring’s early airs not quite in reach, I remember crossing over to the island on an eerily dark evening. The wind that night provided a mournfully howling, as it ripped through the metallic tapestry of the bridge, like the climatic roar of a majestic symphonic crescendo.With the restless churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean below and as the lights illuminated the darkness of the night from above, you could almost imagine the specter of ghostly yachts of the past and present, sailing across those wisps of wind, while cutting through the waves, towards some mythical adventure at sea.On that particular evening, while feasting on the chateaubriand at Christie’s Harbor Restaurant, I was struck by all the pictures on the wall about the America’s Cup races that had taken place in years past on Rhode Island Sound. Images of Sir Thomas Lipton, “The Wizard of Bristol”, Nathanial Herreschoff; the lordly Vanderbilts and Sopwiths on their mighty J-Class boats, Ranger and Endeavor; graced the mahogany paneled walls as a testament of their magnificence.Amongst the assembled patrons that night, there was an air of excitement and anticipation of the races scheduled to be sailed, and even though it would be months before the racing commenced, the seeds were being sown for a passion of this sport, that has held sway over me henceforth.That night we stayed and played out at the Inn on Castle Hill, and as the spring slowly gave way to summer, it played host to the many who would come out to watch those magnificent 12-Meter yachts sail by, while listening to the jazz bands, sipping cocktails and picnicking on the finely manicured lawns which rolled down to Narragansett Bay.Castle Hill became our front row seats on many an America’s Cup afternoon. Between hanging out at the Candy Store or at Christies, for me, on that summer and beyond, the yearning turned to learning as I crisscrossed between Newport and San Francisco catching that action over the next several years at every opportunity.Lay days were spent on the beach at Narragansett or over at Goosewing under the ‘Cape, catching the surf as it rolled through those turquoise waters past the beach blonde….…. sands, on its way inwards towards the “Providence Plantations” that encompassed the inland marshes.Those were great years to be in Newport, filled with passion and drama.And even with their own ongoing “trial of the century”, starring Claus and Sunny von Bulow, great jazz shows, the wild and wooly Australians, plus charismatic skipper Ted Turner in town, though primarily concentrating on launching CNN, rather than his bombastic follies aboard Courageous It is in that spirit that this work was created and much that was represented in Newport and later out in San Francisco becomes the tapestry of the heritage of the America’s Cup that has been interwoven into the fabric of my life.
Posted by Mark Wharton Reid at 2:17 PM 0 comments