You just gotta love a good algorithm
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor 7 Sep 2025 23:00 BST
BMW Oracle Racing win the first race of the 33rd America's Cup © Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing
So, I opened up YouTube, and there it was. Could not believe my luck, actually. The algorithm had coughed up something I really wanted to watch. Yes, I know it means Big Brother is watching and listening. Also, every key stroke is being recorded. These days, unless you want to live in a cave with no power, and no connectivity to either humans or electronics, it is what's going to happen. Equally, the acceleration of AI take us closer and closer to needing two million sunblock and a life under Skynet. So, get over it.
The video in question was recently posted, too. By none other than Gilles Martin-Raget. Two hulls airborne in a supermaxi tri? Always going to get a hook in anyone. Seems like ages ago, but just the sixteen years in it.
Martin-Raget's own description just says, 'When you find this very rare footage in a hidden corner of your archives... USA-17 - nickname Dogzilla - training with 'regular' carbon mast and sails off San Diego, CA in August 2009. This rig will break few days later and the mega trimaran owned by Larry Ellison and skipped by James Spithill will defeat Alinghi 2-0 in the 33rd America's Cup match 6 months later in Valencia, Spain equipped with a giant wingsail.'
That era pretty much summed up the Lawyer's Cup aspect of the AC, so thank God the shenanigans have toned down a bit since then. The whole thing sort of put a taste of disinterest in one's mouth, but the vessel, like, WOW. More than cool. More than electrifying. Just shows what a team can do when you circle out the back of Pluto. Come to think of it, in any other time, Alinghi's 90-foot ultra-light cat would have grabbed plenty of attention.
Here Dogzilla is getting lifted into her final home at Oracle HQ. An expensive objet d'art, but there you have it.
As for the AC33 in 2010, well back then Sail-World ran, America's Cup - Over it? But watching it!. You would think the battle of the multis would be interesting, but it was not. The speed with which the match was disposed being a big part of the problem. Shame. The power of the 200-foot stick was wicked, and even a late start in little breeze was not able to hobble the big gun.
There would be more fun with the AC72s in both the lead up with the Kiwis getting airborne, and then at San Francisco itself. Also, the racing there was utterly magnificent. Who would have thought that kind of deficit could be overcome? My, my....
More Memory Lane
Going way back now... 12 - KA1. In 1962, Gretel was Australia's first Challenger for the America's Cup. That's definitely a nexus point for Australian sailing. She even grabbed a race off the Americans, and was the first to do so in like 28 years. The boat and crew did it in front of JFK, no less. A harbinger of things to come, for sure. Come to think of it, Gretel II even nabbed a win in 1970.
The late Sir Frank Packer KBE named her for his wife, who sadly did not even get to see her namesake race. His granddaughter now has the name, Gretel. The move certainly put Australia on the map in both business and sport, highlighting the grit, determination and resilience we are known for.
Problem is, Gretel is now not even half a step away from a chainsaw. An errant lightning strike is bound to finish her off. This is not the way an icon should be treated. As a young lad I remember seeing her on Sydney Harbour. Knew what she was, but alas, not really aware of her legacy. That's an age thing.
So, the thing for me is, if we are to get serious about not just having our sailors on other people's boats, but to have our own craft and team, then rescuing the very boat that kicked it all off does become a task of national importance. This is pride we are talking about. Pure and simple.
She may never sail again, but to at least have her integrity honoured is critical. It will take big hearts and even bigger wallets, but we the nation must stand up like the Boxing Kangaroo, and show the can-do spirit we are revered for. At a time when kids are looking for real jobs, and before we lose the shippies who can teach them the wherewithal let's get the hulk, get a shed, and get into it.
Was a time when algorithm was just a term used by propellor heads at Maths Camps. Now, like so many things, it has become common parlance. Here's the point. No matter what you call it, things happen for a reason. You just have to be open to the idea of it...
Please enjoy your yachting, stay safe, and thanks for tuning into Sail-World.com
John Curnow
Sail-World.com AUS Editor