Cup Experience

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Nationality rules for sailors? for designers?

 

America-painting1

 

Since there is no ACWS racing until April, people on some sailing forums are discussing  nationality rules.
Let’s look at history…

For those arguing in favor of nationality rules for the crew and designers, here are a few inconvenient facts:

  • America won the Cup in 1851 with an English pilot and six English sailors on board.
  • When the America’s Cup competition was created in 1857 (by the first Deed of Gift) there were no nationality requirements, not even “constructed in country.”
  • The current (3rd) Deed of Gift of 1887 only requires the yachts to be constructed in the country of the challenging Club.
  • In the 19th century, it was common practice for American defending yachts to use foreign sailors and an all American crew in 1899 was significant news.
  • Most of the crew (of 66! seamen) of Reliance in 1903 were Scandinavian fishermen. I believe the 6? afterguard members were Americans.
  • During the J-Class era (1930-1937) and the 12-Metre period in Newport (1958-1983), a practice had developed to use crew from the country of the competing yacht.
  • In 1958 when the Australian Livingstone brothers enquired about engaging an American designer, the New York Yacht Club passed a “Trustee Interpretative Resolution” requiring designers of a yacht to be nationals of the country of the competing Yacht Club.
  • In 1980 after American Andy Rose sailed on Australia, the New York Yacht Club passed another Trustee Interpretative Resolution, requiring sailors to be nationals of the country of the competing club. After nationality could be acquired by merely having a house or apartment available in a country, the rule had little efficiency.

So, see, it was not until 1980 that there was a “rule” about crew nationality.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not necessarily against nationality rules. In fact, I think nationality rules (at least for the crew) would be the lowest cost way to spike interest among the general public.

Just don’t argue that “we should go back to the old tradition of nationality rules.” The only such rules were made by the NYYC and (to my knowledge) were never challenged in court.

I can see it now… The next Defender and their pre-selected CoR institute Nationality Rules, and back to the NY Supreme Court we go, as other teams sue to ensure that the DoG is respected. Wouldn’t that be entertaining?

What do you think?  Post a comment!

(Bonus question: When were the Trustee Interpretative Resolutions abandoned and by whom? Hint: one of the parties is the current Defender.)

 

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Enjoy the ACWS or criticize – your choice. My take on the show…

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?

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Wind up to 30 knots + figure 8 course = Challenging fleet race

 

OR4-speedtrial-Plymouth

Today’s America’s Cup World Series Fleet Race in Plymouth, England will be sailed in 19 – 22 knots of wind with gusts to 30.  Add in a figure 8 race course and the teams will have plenty of work to do. (Update:  the race committee decided to use a more conventional course, since the winds will be even stronger than originally thought.)  The race should take 40 minutes and starts at 15:00 UK time.  Watch the race live.

Sailing the course:  Start,

– leave Mid-Course Mark 1 to starboard, leave Mid-Course Mark 2 to port, pass through the Leeward Gate,

– upwind to Windwardward Mark (leave to starboard), leave Mid-Course Mark 1 to starboard, leave Mid-Course Mark 2 to port, pass through the Leeward Gate,

– upwind to Windwardward Mark (leave to starboard), Finish.

The names in green are the names of the mark boats.  “Regardless” and “Columbia” move after the Start to their position as the Finish. And, the Race Committee will move the other mark boats as the wind shifts.  Lots of work for everyone on the water today!

 

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Update

Yes, I’ve changed the site. No, I’m not done.

After tearing my hair out fighting with the plugins, CSS, backups and everything else that gives WordPress its power, I found something far better for me. Now I can focus on content for you, rather than trying to upgrade my webmaster skills.  I hope you like it. It will continue to evolve during March. If you like it, tell your friends. If you don’t, or if you have suggestions, tell me.