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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