Patience Is A Virtue: Ken Read Reports from LV Cup Finals

Lets be honest. Frustration rules the day in San Fran. Everyone is frustrated.

At the top of the list are the sailors and teams who’s boats aren’t making it around the track in one piece. Then we have the fans, who are clearly having a tough time getting it all straight with the boats, the wind limit, and the schedules. TV times fluctuate based on license restrictions and who is covering what on a given day. Whether a race day is a “scheduled race day” or a “lay day” (a reserve day, to which races can be added) determines what type of broadcasting is possible – either live racing on YouTube or tape delay on NBCSN.

ACTV is also frustrated, as we just want to showcase good racing to those who appreciate it. Today especially, there seemed to be endless obstacles. At this stage, maybe we should throw both teams in a couple Melges 24s (who are out here practicing for the worlds near the course) and let them have at it!!

The silver lining? I firmly believe that if we can get some real racing in soon, we will all forget about the frustration. A day off for boat repair is clearly needed so the pit crews can try to locate the next problem prior to it happening on the course. Lets get out on the race course on Wednesday and hope like hell that the boats and the wind limit cooperate.

One thing is certainly clear. When you mix in things like wings and flying boats and new safety wind limits (that are below the average wind speed for this time of year) good things happen to those who are patient. The best is yet to come, and soon we will all be able to forget these frustrating days of August.

‎Louis Vuitton Cup‬ Final Race 4 & 5 are scheduled for Wednesday at 1:10pm PST. Tune in to ESPN3 or watch the replay at youtube.com/americascup. Story