AC34 Protocol released today

Originally posted by Laser 173312 Very different reactions from ETNZ & Origin. Dalton says they're going for it.

Actually Dalton says they will go for it if they can raise the money, which isn't quite the same thing. I have a feeling Mills won't pull the plug but we'll see.


Edited by blueboy - 15 Sep 10 at 12:19pm

As famine, disease, natural disasters (ironically flooding) and war ravage our planet and kills, maims or injures millions, I think we can all be "proud" of sailings' latest, highly publicised, attempt to redistribute wealth from the very, very, very wealthy to the slightly less very weathly in the creation of newer, even more exotic and fanciful (aka far-fetched) ways to get two boats around some inflatable marks with absolutely no expense spared.... I just hope the end result justifies the means, but I have a nagging suspicion it won't

Rupert, for me the America's Cup interest is in the battles between sailing teams and their respective rock-stars, frankly I'd be happy if they sailed pretty basic boats that were all exactly the same and the focus was on the competitive sailing and rules, rather than the technology. 

However;

a) I acknowledge that that view won't be shared by everyone, particurly those without a knowledge of racing and match-racing in particular

and

b) I appreciate also the history of the Auld Mug and it's rightful place in sailing as a melting pot for new thinking, technologies, build techniques and sailing techniques, so yes, some level of technology development and new design should be accomodated by the rule, as it was with the 12M's and to a fair extent the IACCs. 

I'm pretty sure that drag racing super-high-tech multihulls is too far away from the original premise of the cup and it's roots as a premium match-racing event.  The last event was long on technology and short on racing interest.

For me, the multihull direction get's the AC away from the 'logical progression' the IACC provided from the days of J's, to 12's, to IACCs (via the cat versus monster debacle).  I've nothing against multi's, quite like them and would own one if I lived nearer to the coast (Nacra Infusion looks absolutely brilliant fun) but I'm not sure of their suitability for match racing on this stage.

the thing that keeps niggling at the back of my mind with this, is that it seems like all they have done is try to steal the AC to have one last crack at trying to resurrect the 'World Sailing League'.