Americas Cup - Dull ?

It has been said that a change in the design/boats is likely to be made by the defender - thats their right - because that would level the playing field again and make the cup easier to defend.

I find the AC class boats quite good looking boats.  The seem like a very pure form of sail boat, displacement yachts with no dagger boards, canting keels, water ballast etc. and outwardly appear quite similar to the 12 metres they replaced.  The fact that the boats are closely matched is good in my opinion as it makes the racing closer and rewards skillful sailing.

One interview I read suggested that the development of rig technology, for example to reduce windage was an area where big gains could be made.  Just because the hull form is quite restricted doesn't mean the whole design can't develop.

Alternatively it may level out the playing field as everyone is starting from a blank sheet. It can only benefit new syndicates like Origin. And whilst I supported ETNZ this time, I'll definately be supporting Origin this time.

I don't think it will level the playing field, it will do the opposite. Those with the most money will spend more on development and come out with the best results.

With the current boats they can "copy" what they consider to be fast and tweak it slightly. That must be cheaper than developing a new class.

Even if it is limited to one boat per team that boat will get chopped up (a bit like a Cherub but on a larger scale) and will get new bows, sterns and keels to optimise it. That is going to be expensive.