What a shame about the Americas Cup

[jzk]

Originally Posted by GordMay

So, when sluissa says he’s “never been interested in America’s Cup”, he may have added, nor any other viewer sport. There’s nothing remarkable, nor wrong, about a disinterest in sport voyeurism.
Anyone interested in a list of things, in which I'm not interested ?

After you complete your list, you should find forum topics on each, and post your disinterest to everyone!

[TaoJones]

Originally Posted by jzk

After you complete your list, you should find forum topics on each, and post your disinterest to everyone!

Good idea, jzk!

I'm also not interested in a list of things that others aren't interested in, so by all means, cc me when the list is prepared. I'm interested in not reading it.

TaoJones

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by TaoJones

Good idea, jzk!

I'm also not interested in a list of things that others aren't interested in, so by all means, cc me when the list is prepared. I'm interested in not reading it.

TaoJones

Please do NOT send the list to me - I would probably read it. twice

[Weyalan]

To me, the Americas Cup is about match racing, not about pushing technological envelopes. It has been a long time since AC boats were the quickest around (if they ever were). I'm pretty sure that Wild Oates 11 would serve it up to any modern AC boat. The AC rules should be, in my humble opinion, attempt to encourage boats that are, to all intents & purposes, identical. The cup should be won on sailing smarts, not on naval architect smarts. It would be nice if the "big cheeses" that make the AC happen were to recognise this and accept it, but, people being people, shenannigans will, I fear, always abound.

[Robertcateran]

I reckon they should race on puddleducks
Robert

[Pelagic]

Just a quick question for those knowledgeable about SF Bay racing.

Given all the commuter and commercial traffic that abounds there… if the AC was held there for a 4 month campaign (includes the LV Cup) would the race course be inside or outside the bay?

[Weyalan]

I know diddly squat about SF bay racing, but I do know that AC boats, traditionally, have been designed for smooth water sailing in 6-16 knots of breeze. If the breeze gets to 20 or the waves to >1m they tend to call the race off. I think, therefore, the races would have to be held in the bay, no?

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Gord,
You always have thought provoking questions. I'm not into any of the sports you mention but I suppose the reasons that I'm not is as you mentioned. I do like competing in sailing just because you start on a level playing field. If I can't afford a Melges then maybe I can afford an El Toro or a Laser or Sunfish and still be competitive in the sport of sailing.
I don't think winning at sports should mean that the corporation who can raise the most dollars is the winner.
Please, this is just my opinion. I really don't expect everyone to agree.
JohnL

[Pelagic]

SkiprJohn, I agree with your sentiments but the fallacy in your argument is that you keep referring to the AC as a “sport”. It is not! …. It is a competition just like top level professional boxing where the winner might resort to Tyson Tactics, to have the marketing rights that come along with being the “Defender”.

Your kids playing soccer or baseball is a sport, your yacht club sailing on wet Wednesdays is a sport, but once big money is rewarded to the winner, all sports become a competition and the gloves are off. Pretty much the same as in any competitive business.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Pelagic,
Yes, I think I said that earlier. AC is not sport.
We agree.
JohnL

[Eleven]

Take a look at distance racing. Where allowed the multi is favorite.
Lets make it interesting: The race is from the defender home port (on their mainland) to the challengers home port. That's the course sorted out, none of this twiddling around traffic cones. No prebuilding by the defender because he won't know what the course is. I like the 'crew to be nationals' idea too. It's a race, for heavens sake, between national teams. Isn't it?

[Abaco]

In my opinion the way to fix AC match racing is to pick a boat design the would create very similar boats, and eliminate all the technology on the boat. No computers, no lasers, no support boats calling wind shifts at the weather mark. You could even go as far as to say no speedo's and wind instruments. This would reduce the cost of a campaign significantly. And most of all run the race ever year to maintain interest.

[sneuman]

BYM News |America's Cup |Vincenzo Onorato

[imagine2frolic]

I would love to see the cup go to S.F. In my mind's eye I am seeing them dodging freighters as they come, and go. The freighters do have the right away, so it would just make it that much more intersting.....LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Not to mention a couple of 90ft tris jostling for position in a small area at fantastic speeds.

On the serious side the S.F. Bay would allow people to watch from so many places including their own porches. People who have nothing to do with boats would be interested. I think it would be a huge plus for sailing.

AC is not sport, that's for sure!

[Eleven]

Dare I put toe to water?
It was a UK Cup between rich mens boats. Not built for each year, just the best in the world for a decade a piece.
When America won it the challenger's had to sail there or build there. Technology was beginning to tobogan and gradually it became easier for the host nation to win.
Then America lost.
Now I'm taking my toe out of the water.