Americas Cup

[MiskinDriver]

just watched the replay of yesterday's race (there's no wind today) one of the best finishes I have ever seen! Everybody fell into a hole about half a mile out and thereafter the lead must have changed half a dozen times before Alinghi got back to the front (how inevitable was that!). two boats retired with damage, Oracle broke a spinnaker pole about two hundred metres from the line..... Now if only the director had any idea about sailing (as opposed to concentrating on the logos/sponsors) then all would be well.

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Is it on any free view channel
or do i have to pay mr murdoch?

 

[Bejasus]

Max, it is on Sky Sports 1 as I type.

 

[BlueChip]

[ QUOTE ]
just watched the replay of yesterday's race (there's no wind today) one of the best finishes I have ever seen! Everybody fell into a hole about half a mile out and thereafter the lead must have changed half a dozen times before Alinghi got back to the front (how inevitable was that!). two boats retired with damage, Oracle broke a spinnaker pole about two hundred metres from the line..... Now if only the director had any idea about sailing (as opposed to concentrating on the logos/sponsors) then all would be well.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am in Valencia for a few days watching the racing. Beg, borrow or steal a plane ticket and get out here for the cup races because the atmosphere is electric even at this early stage in the competition. The cup venue is amazing and is really geared up for spectators. There is loads to see and do and although the racing is well offshore with decent pair of bins you can follow it - but its not really necessary because theres a couple of giant screens with English commentary and bars nearby. The boats leave the dock along a newly built canal, so there's loads of opportunity to get really close to the boats as they leave and return, great photo opportunities and a chance to cheer the winners and commiserate with the losers.
Valencia is a beautiful city and Ryanair from Stanstead and Clickair from Heathrow fly here in just over 2 hours. Eating out is ridiculously inexpensive by UK standards and theres loads of nightlife.
The venue has not really got going yet, there are lots of new bars and restaurants being completed and they are gearing up to the cup races proper in June. They are expecting huge crowds, I will be back for sure. I will post some photos next week when I get back.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

[ QUOTE ]
just watched the replay of yesterday's race (there's no wind today) one of the best finishes I have ever seen! <span style="color:red"> Everybody fell into a hole </span> about half a mile out and thereafter the lead must have changed half a dozen times before Alinghi got back to the front (how inevitable was that!). <span style="color:red">two boats retired with damage, Oracle broke a spinnaker pole</span> about two hundred metres from the line.....

[/ QUOTE ] I guess that if you fall into a hole you will get some damage. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif