America’s Cup: Focusing on the Sizzle

One of our favorite bloggers, Tillerman, has sought to look past all the troubles that the 34th America’s Cup has incurred, and has assembled his list of the 5 Reasons Why the 34th America’s Cup is the Best Thing since Sliced Bread. Let’s see if you agree…

Well, sure it is true that the price to play in this America’s Cup has been too high for many syndicates that were initially interested, we have already had one fatal accident, the boats keep breaking, and we haven’t had any close races… yet. But I am beginning to think that in a few years time we will look back on AC34 as a huge step forward for yacht racing in general and the America’s Cup in particular.

Here are 5 reasons why I am thinking that way…

1. The wing sails. Who can fail to be impressed by this wonder of modern technology? Wing sails are the future of high performance yacht racing for sure.

2. Foils. It never ceases to amaze me when one of those huge 7.5 ton AC72 catamarans lifts up on to its foils. And when they gybe the boat without dropping off the foils? Wow! We will see foils on many other kind of boats in the next few years. You can even buy foils for your Laser!

3. Speed. I’m sorry but I’m a sucker for speed. It’s a lot more exciting to watch a huge cat, with a wing sail and foils, streaking along at over 40 knots than to watch those old leadmines lumbering along like they did in the old days of the AC.

4. Spectator friendly. The courses for this America’s Cup are close to shore, enabling spectators on shore to see the action. I got a taste for this at the AC45 racing in Newport last summer. Other events (like the Olympic medal races last year) are going this way too.

5. Sexy uniforms. Last but not least, I definitely want one of those Prada chrome suits to wear at my next Laser regatta.

Maybe the 34th America’s Cup can survive thrive by focusing on the sizzle.