I’ve been to both Cascais and Plymouth. Working in the media center, listening to the journos who’ve been around the AC for a long time. Everyone is impressed. Everyone enjoys the show. The fleet race on Sunday 18 Sep was a great example – 3 crews with lots of time in the boats were RACING – TNZ, Coutts, Spithill. Artemis might well have been right up there with them had they not crashed into GreenComm in the pre-start. Korea and Aleph battled hard for 4th and 5th. GreenComm retired following the crash with Artemis. Energy capsized before the start (first time for Loïck) while avoiding Korea who were backing down. Energy got back on their feet and finished 6th. China Team capsized at the first reach mark, but got right side up and finished 7th. Artemis battled almost to the finish, but, having taken on water in their damaged starboard hull, capsized near the finish and were DNF. In summary: a good race among the teams with the most experience in the boat. A good battle further down in the field. Signs that, with more time on the water the less experienced teams will get better. And, in the meantime, in heavy air, there are 2 good shows: good racing among “the best sailors” and thrills and spills among the others.
The AC45s are great for preparing for the AC72s. ACTV is doing a good job of making it easier to enjoy the show. (Big tip of the hat to Stan Honey.) The early “Acts” of AC32 didn’t count for anything in the LVC or the AC Match. But they were entertaining, built public interest and gave value to sponsors. For AC34, the ACWS will help attract sponsors, build public interest and be entertaining. Enjoy the show.
Get your rear ends to San Diego. Don’t be too quick to criticize if you haven’t seen it first hand. This is a bit like the old advice “never criticize another Indian until you’ve walked a mile in his moccassins.” If you come see it and still don’t like it, fine. But I think you’ll be in the minority. Don’t worry. Be happy. Your choice.
Your comments?