IdenticaL 70 foot trimarans about to race from New York to Brest. It is expected to take 7 days. A drag race with navigation. Racing like this could finish off the Volvo race. It is fraction of the cost. fast simple and easy.
They are here in Newport preparing for the race and will sail to New York for the start. Meanwhile the other multihull circus (America’s Cup World Tour) is opening officially tomorrow.
Osprey Hydrofoil from Adventure Online TV on Vimeo.
I remain ambivalent about the America’s Cup. Cracks are starting to show in the ambitious plans for the event. In terms of general interest in sailing; particularly professional sailing; the event should be held in Europe. Multihulls, again in Europe. I do like to see people exploring the edges of anything. Besides it is a pleasant video.
This would not be any more exciting in monohulls.
Shortly before hurricane Irene “Idec” capsized off Montauk. She has been in Newport since. It looks to me like the boat is ready to set off under jury rig for France, where the repair work will likely be undertaken. Note the boom and mast section on deck.
The America’s Cup World Series taking place in Plymouth England has been a bit of a demolition derby. Is that what sailing is supposed to be? I find it troubling. But the horse is out of the barn.
Is this the kind of event the America’s Cup organizers are hoping for? Is it all about NASCAR? I freely confess I find this thrilling to watch and I raced multihulls (tornado) a long time ago now. It was splendid sailing, but extreme sailing makes sailing seem destructive and wasteful.
BANQUE POPULAIRE V sets off tomorrow on an attempt to break the record around the world of 50 days. Brian Thompson the only non french speaking crew member.
When one sees the attention sailing is afforded here; as example the Route du Rhum. Thomas Coville aboard “Sodebo” a 105′ trimaran is in the lead, which should be no surprise.
It makes me wonder how the America’s Cup could be anywhere but in Europe. The statistics would surely show that the public in Europe is much more interested in sailing.
this just makes me smile every time.(double click on WOW, it will take you to a link)
