Anybody following the America's Cup Saga?

merlin2375 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

I am a little bit confused as to what the issue is with the America's cup this year. So from what I understand:

1) Allinghi currently has the cup from their win in 2007, Allinghi is owned by the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG).

2) So, according to the rules of the cup someone must become the "challenger of record" in order to challenge Allinghi for the cup.

3) So, Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV) decides they want to be the challenger of record. So they apply and become the challenger of record.

4) But wait, BMW/Oracle (Golden Gate Yacht Club GGYC) wants to be the challenger of record. So they take SNG (owner's of Allinghi) to court in NYC for accepting CNEV has the challenger of record BECAUSE they allege that CNEV does not meet the criteria of being a legit yacht club (according to the Deed of Gift which governs the Cup).

5) BMW/Oracle (GGYC) wins and is now listed as the challenger of record.

Race is supposed to be in 2009 but the dates are being argued now? Does that mean there won't be anything in 2008? And they will be racing Cat's instead of Monos?

Here's a link to the complaint filed by GGYC if anyone wants to see it:
http://www.ggyc.org/Verified_Complaint.PDF

bestfriend · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

I would be happy if they just found some damn wind to sail in. The Americas Cup has turned into one of the most boring races in sailing. I think open ocean races are becoming more popular now. I hope GGYC gets their butts kicked for taking legal action.

TrueBlue · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

Biased opinion of course, since I grew up with the races off Newport, RI - but, the America's Cup became boring when the Aussies took it from us in 1983.

Faster · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

I don't think it's quite right to say that the '87 series in Freemantle was boring... borderline conditions for the 12Ms of the day, that was probably the best spectator sailing scenes we've seen.

Unfortunately this whole AC thing is rapidly devolving into a bit of a joke. Billionaires and lawyers are the key players in what once was a true test of technology, design and sailing.

Sailing Anarchy is chronicling the sad saga as it goes, with, of course, their particular point of view which is not for everyone. But it does seem that the Alinghi crowd, led by Bertarelli, has managed to nearly tear apart this sailing icon.

But looking back historically, you may find that similar machinations (though not so public) may well have contributed to the US's 120-something year stranglehold on this same cup.

bestfriend · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

Biased opinion of course, since I grew up with the races off Newport, RI - but, the America's Cup became boring when the Aussies took it from us in 1983.

Can't say his name, can you TB.

I missed '87, have to get a video somewhere.

TrueBlue · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

Funny that it doesn't seem like 25 years ago - can vividly recall Alan Bond's beaming face while holding up his "golden spanner", which after 132 years in one spot, he planned to use in unbolting the cup from it's home.

Conner won it back 4 years later - sending it to the left coast, only to lose it again, this time to the Kiwis - both spanking the long-standing 12 meter rules. That was an end of the 12 meter legacy.

Robby Barlow · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestfriend

I would be happy if they just found some damn wind to sail in. The Americas Cup has turned into one of the most boring races in sailing.

Having been in Valencia last year I couldn't agree more!

The Cup should be about sailing - in whatever conditions, and not money.

bestfriend · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

I think it started with that stupid catamaran!

I also think it was always about money and thats what kept it in NY for so long. But with the change of the world economy and technologies available for a price, everything changed. It started slowly with the 12m and fiberglass and then just took off. Now its about money AND technology. Any resemblance to sailing history and pride of workmanship is gone. I am a dinosaur. If I had the energy, or the money, to take care of a wood boat, thats what I would have.

merlin2375 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

I know the AC is steeped in tradition of having only two competitors, the deed of gift, challenger or record, etc....but do you guys think it would be more interesting if they opened the field a bit more and had more boats in? Or is that what they do in the Louis Vutton (spelling?) Cup.

Was that ever considered in the past?

bestfriend · #10 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin2375

I know the AC is steeped in tradition of having only two competitors, the deed of gift, challenger or record, etc....but do you guys think it would be more interesting if they opened the field a bit more and had more boats in? Or is that what they do in the Louis Vutton (spelling?) Cup.

Was that ever considered in the past?

Yeah, the LVC is open to all that meet the IACC rules, correct me if I am wrong. Was it in the eighties that there was 13 in the LVC? Personally, I like the one on one of the AC.