In Race 2, a 39 mile triangle, the action was much closer with leads changing in the first leg, but in the end BMWO pulling it out by 5 minutes or so.  In both races Alinghi recieved penalties in the prestart, telling viewers that either Spithill (BMWO) is the man, or Alinghi was outclassed and their boat was simply not versatile enough.  Also in Race 2, Alinghi pulled the red flag on BMWO announcing a measurement or procedural protest.  This was thought to be because of a crew list error (BMWO left owner Larry Ellison off the list.)  To many this seemed to be right on par with Alinghi’s methods for this Cup (ie. 11 court hearings) The protest is said to be disallowed at this time.
 
What this means for the future America’s Cup…
 
Larry Ellison has reportedly said he wants to get back to the idea of an America’s Cup that is accessible to many nations.  Right now, everyone is waiting for a Challenger of Record to be announced, and most are hoping for either Mascalzone Latino (ITA) or Team New Zealand.  Both of those teams are known for their rationality and support for getting the Cup out there for the rest of the world.  Larry Ellison’s home club is GGYC in San Fransisco so most expect the Cup to go to the Bay, this could be the first time since the 1995 loss to Team New Zealand that the Cup match would be held in the USA.
 
Some have complained about the ‘Arms Race’ that this version of the Cup turned into.  I for one am glad that Larry Ellison spent a ton of money to win the cup back from the Swiss team.  Alinghi has tried repeatedly to change the rules at the 11th hour in their favor.  I think the ball is now in Larry’s court and we can only hope he does something great with this responsibility.  If you are not a fan of technology in sailing go watch the Olympics, heck they even got rid of catamarans!  If you think it is a tad over the top I will  list a few inventions that some or all of us on our cheap (relatively next to these guys) production boats.  The Fin keel, The wing keel, the bulb/strut keel,  Spade rudders,  Aluminum spars, blocks made out of things that work (instead of literally wood blocks) Mainsheet travelers, lightweight lines, Carbon fiber spars, dacron sails, laminate sails, instruments, and for the grand finale, the modern sailboat winch,  without which we would be using jiggers to trim the sheets!  (it is a system of knots and block and tackle used to trim lines, generally needing more than one man for most jobs.)  Again all I am trying to convey is that however boring this last AC was, it is still a vital piece of sailing culture.  The AC does for inland and coastal cruising/racing what the VOR does for bluewater and megayacht cruising/racing.
 
Bottome Line:  Hopefully these guys will get the Cup going again and without any big design rule changes we should hope to see the 34th AC in 2 years.
 
Winning the AC and currently holding the lead for the medal count in the Winter Olympics makes this sailor want to run the streets chanting
 
U S A     U S A    U S A    U S A    U S A    U S A  !!!!!
 
 
Fair winds,
 
Marc Crutcher
Unbridled Sailing
Sailing Instuction-Coaching
Sail Repair and Sales-Ullman Sails
Rigging and Splicing Service
Marc@UnbridledSailing.com
502.718.2969
 
www.UnbridledSailing.com