Americas Cup
Posted by: gone on 12 February 2010
Posted on: 12 February 2010 by Clay Bingham
First started following the America's cup in the early 60's as a child. The 12 meter days were special. Columbia, Intrepid, Courageous. Later, Australia II and Stars and Stripes. Nowadays, it seems to me to be an outstanding example of a tradition and sport spoiled by too much money and too much litigation.
Posted on: 12 February 2010 by gone
absolutely - this time round, it has been almost laughable the way they have dragged each other through the courts, and I thought I would switch off completely
but it's actually quite exciting seeing these ultimate money no object machines finally on the water - but if Alinghi wins, then they'll still be dragged through the courts afterwards.
They should both have been thrown out on the grounds of unsporting behavour
but it's actually quite exciting seeing these ultimate money no object machines finally on the water - but if Alinghi wins, then they'll still be dragged through the courts afterwards.
They should both have been thrown out on the grounds of unsporting behavour
Posted on: 12 February 2010 by BigH47
Could you summarise events for those not into a sport that makes F1 look like it's for paupers.
Posted on: 12 February 2010 by gone
well....last time in Valencia, it was an excellent knock-out series with several nations competing in monohulls built to the same rule, but sufficiently different to make it interesting. Won by the Swiss boat Alinghi.
Generally thought that the next series would be the same until Larry Ellison of Oracle fame and fortune took the defenders Alinghi (Ernesto Bertarelli of Serano fame, worth approx £5bn) to court and grabbed a head-to-head 'Deed of Gift' match in unlimited boats up to 90m in length.
End result, after a lot of litigation which remains unfinished, two incredible machines, one catamaran, one trimaran with a mixture or aerospace and marine technologies.
For example, the wing sail on Oracle is taller than the complete wingspan of a 747.
One can only guess the cost of the campaigns, but yes, it puts F1 into perspective.
Right now, they are neck and neck, doing about 20 knots in about 5 knots of wind - incredible considering how different they are.
One court case is still on hold, so if Alinghi win, then they will probably lose later
F1 shenanigans have nothing in this lot.....
Generally thought that the next series would be the same until Larry Ellison of Oracle fame and fortune took the defenders Alinghi (Ernesto Bertarelli of Serano fame, worth approx £5bn) to court and grabbed a head-to-head 'Deed of Gift' match in unlimited boats up to 90m in length.
End result, after a lot of litigation which remains unfinished, two incredible machines, one catamaran, one trimaran with a mixture or aerospace and marine technologies.
For example, the wing sail on Oracle is taller than the complete wingspan of a 747.
One can only guess the cost of the campaigns, but yes, it puts F1 into perspective.
Right now, they are neck and neck, doing about 20 knots in about 5 knots of wind - incredible considering how different they are.
One court case is still on hold, so if Alinghi win, then they will probably lose later
F1 shenanigans have nothing in this lot.....
Posted on: 12 February 2010 by gone
well, it's one up to the yanks. That wingsail develops so much power downwind - amazing. Could be a one-sided series, which is never good for the Cup
I reckon it was Beardy Branson's visit to the Alinghi camp that put the seal of death on it
I reckon it was Beardy Branson's visit to the Alinghi camp that put the seal of death on it