By Paul Harris
December 23rd 2009 @ 6:40am
Loading ...Third Gulf War avoided as Cup takes to water
America's Cup. APP Images
Just when you thought the America’s Cup had gone away, it’s back with a vengeance courtesy of yet another epic battle in the New York Supreme Court.
The Judges, showing superior crew work, gave Swiss defender Alinghi a 4-0 drubbing. The races will no longer be held at Ras-al Khaimah in the U.A.E. but are now scheduled for February 8th back in Valencia Spain, the scene of the last defence.
The Alinghi team predictably complained that it is the first time in America’s Cup history that the defender has been stripped of its right to select the venue.
However, you can understand why BMW Oracle, sailing a boat, perhaps unwisely called USA, might not be too keen on contesting the series near the Straits of Hormuz, an area where the centre line, only 50 kms from shore, takes you into Iranian waters.
They would not have been encouraged by the spectacle of five British yachtsmen aboard a Bahranian registered yacht being arrested by Iranian authorities in the same waters only a few weeks ago.
For yachting fans, having been bored to sobs by the unedifying spectacle of billionaires squabbling in Court, the series might actually be electrifying.
For one thing, they have at least agreed to expand the series from three to seven races.
For another, the thought of a 90ft wide 113ft long trimaran dukeing it out with a 90ft wide 115ft long catamaran, is pretty compelling.
The trimarin reportedly does 30 knots (nearly 60kms an hour) in 10 knots of breeze. Sydney Hobart maxis eat your hearts out.
The yachts are giants. USA’s mast is 190 ft high and 47 ft longer than an Airbus 380’s wing. Google the pictures if you can.
And lets hope the judges don’t decide to intervene again.
So who will win?
At this stage it’s anybody’s guess, but the starts and mark roundings will be real theatre if the boats are close together.
For the yacht not having right of way, avoiding a 115ft multi hull doing over 30 knots might pose a few problems.
Bring it on.
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Tom said | December 23rd 2009 @ 1:41pm | Report comment
Its a shame the America’s Cup has become such a farce. Would be better off if a standardised boat was used by all nations – everyone sails the same design and length boat, meaning sailing ability would determine the outcome.
Anyway, shame that QLD didnt get the event like they hoped once UAE was a no go. Still reckon UAE was next year’s only redeeming quality though – it would have been fun seeing crew ducking for cover under Iranian missile attack.
Rabbitz said | December 23rd 2009 @ 4:54pm | Report comment
3rd Gulf War?
Can we finished the second one first?
Ian Whitchurch said | December 23rd 2009 @ 7:41pm | Report comment
Rabbits,
Actually, second one finished with the liberation of Kuwait – the first one was the Iran vs Iraq slugfest. We’re still on the 3rd.
But as to the OP … I know twelve-meter yachts, I have seen twelve meter yachts, and neither a catamaran nor a trimaran is a twelve meter yacht.
I’d call it a disgrace, and a travesty, and use many other five-dollar words, but, hell, it’s the Americas Cup and I dont really care.
BigAl said | January 5th 2010 @ 1:18pm | Report comment
I really CRINGE now when I think back on just how excited myself, and everyone I know got when we won the thing.
What with that great Australian Alan Bond becoming involved ! – and our last candidate for a challenge sinking during selection trials . . . oops!