I had the great privilege to sail “Columbia” the first twelve meter to defend the America’s Cup in 1958. at the America’s Cup Jubilee. There were 38 twelve meters there. This was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the America’s Cup.
The idea of the Royal Yacht Squadron, from my prospective it exceeded all expectations. It was an endless parade of yachts each more beautiful and graceful the the next.
The win by team new zealand was pretty much a foregone conclusion, I am reluctant to say it but I am not certain what the Italians expected or if they came for the party. I hope they got what they wanted given the price of admission.
Team New Zealand is, I believe, favored to win the America’s Cup. It will be certainly closer than the Louis Vuitton.
Team New Zealand wins the Louis Vuitton Finals 7 to 1; and will meet Oracle September 7 for the best of 17 series.
There was never really any doubt of the outcome; with the exception of breakdowns. The New Zealand team was higher and faster upwind and lower and faster downwind; causing them to jibe fewer times.
See you in September.
The magic number is 7. Whichever team reaches that number first earns the right to challenge Oracle for the America’s Cup beginning September 7.
New Zealand won both races more importantly by completeing both race courses.
I am going to make some statements.
6 races were scheduled to take place as of this afternoon.
not one race has been completed by both boats.
3 points total have been awarded all because a second boat could not complete the course.
As I stated, a war of attrition.
TODAY’S RACE:
Today I watched from the Golden Gate Bridge. A perspective I had not seen or used before. I will confess that I still have trouble without a watch and the precise start time seeing the whole picture.
While Chris Draper was credited with winning the start. I wonder. I watched Russell Coutts sailing the AC45’s always start to leeward. the “first leg” is so short if you maintain a leeward overlap you can keep the windward from bearing away downwind. Russell won almost every race this way. It is not always about winning the start, it’s about winning the race.
I thought the above images illustrate very well this maneuver.
Couldn’t resist this spoof of yesterday’s event. Today Luna Rossa gained one point because Team New Zealand had a breakdown. This could be an event won by attrition. Whoever has the fewest breakdowns. You can’t win if you don’t finish. I don’t know how to get around that thought.
Team Oracle had it’s share of problems as well with the boat Ben Ainslie was steering breaking a rudder.
A lot happened on day that seemed uneventful. Never much wind or current yet both boats had breakdowns and one lost two/three crew overboard.
I was on shore watching. I took lots of photos I have added a few, but this video footage is a much better representation of the day.
I do not see how anyone gained points. I do not think New Zealand finished within the time limit and certainly not with all crew members aboard.
