Dipping the ensign

[Rob_Webb]

I'm not sure what's funnier:

1. The irony that the country that is arguably the materialistic capital of the world and where most of the populus is obsessed on a daily basis with who has the biggest house, fastest car, shiniest boat etc..... should object to the apparent 'materialism' of the Americas Cup and express distaste that it's all about the dollars.

2. The fact that this ain't necessarily so. If in doubt ask Larry why the size of his chequebook couldn't stop the wheels falling of the Oracle campaign!

Admittedly some of the racing can be a bit of drag race to watch but as with any sport, your enjoyment is enhanced by having a deeper understanding ot the machincs of it. Whilst I'm no America's Cup yacht designer I race a lot myself, follow the IACC class and have a resonable understanding of what makes these boats go well, which helps my enjoyment. For you to say that not much sailing is involved demonstrates that you do not.

 

[bilbobaggins]

[ QUOTE ]
understanding ot the machincs of it

[/ QUOTE ]

Who's been at the sauce, then?

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Rob_Webb]

Eh?

 

[davies]

Obviously the machincs that we lost from the gribthreebwotsit at its last service.

 

[akirk]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not sure what's funnier:

1. The irony that the country that is arguably the materialistic capital of the world and where most of the populus is obsessed on a daily basis with who has the biggest house, fastest car, shiniest boat etc..... should object to the apparent 'materialism' of the Americas Cup and express distaste that it's all about the dollars.

2. The fact that this ain't necessarily so. If in doubt ask Larry why the size of his chequebook couldn't stop the wheels falling of the Oracle campaign!

Admittedly some of the racing can be a bit of drag race to watch but as with any sport, your enjoyment is enhanced by having a deeper understanding ot the machincs of it. Whilst I'm no America's Cup yacht designer I race a lot myself, follow the IACC class and have a resonable understanding of what makes these boats go well, which helps my enjoyment. For you to say that not much sailing is involved demonstrates that you do not.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ho hum,

obviously you don't think much of the Brits - well, all to their own views...

until then:

- not sure that countrys can be capitals (unless you are in the Vatican /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )
- am sure that the USA is far more materialistic
- as far as I can see the only fascination of the mechanics of the Americas Cup is to do with the keel - the rest is boring, and even then it is only interesting if you are an engineer...
- lots of teams running around and fussing most about covering up their keels and not letting anyone see them before the unveiling is quite frankly tedious, and if the keel is really the absolute ultimate core of sailing, then I might well take up motor-boating /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

- so the Americas Cup - the international event of sailing engineers - mmm must go... note to self - buy pipe wrench first, am sure that I will need one...

 

[Barr Avel]

I am really surpised by the comments people have been making for a few weeks abou the america cup. I know us Brits don't like sailing as a sport (compared to the French for example), but even though I am not interested in racing, I have watched several races in the AC in awe. The efficiency of the crew, the tactics, the amazing stresses & loads on the boat... I struggle to understand how anybody interested in boats does not find it fascinating.

But then I suppose not all those who have made the negative comments have actually watched the racing.

As for it being all about $, well yes, as are most of the topics discussed on this forum, the marina fees, the latest Bavaria, the best Anchor ( /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ) etc etc... But as has been pointed out, the best bit about the AC is that the biggest budget has never actually won it!

Marc.

 

[Rob_Webb]

I am a Brit.

It's not all about the keels although they are a major aspect. It's equally about sails and rigs and hull design.

And the fact that they want to hide their keel designs isn't tedious or surprising but as with any competitive event they are simply protecting their IP (intellectual property) in case they have created a winning design. It's more a question of why would they NOT hide the keel, given the chance?

And to reinforce the relevance of the AC to everyday boating, I am in the process of getting a replacement keel designed for my boat. And yes, it will be a bulb keel - not quite as extreme as the boats in Valencia but a L-bulb inspired by the AC designs and used in everyday production boats all around the world today.

We have the AC to thank for that.