AC
AC Talk
The inaugural World Yacht Racing Forum, to be held in Monaco this December,
sounds like it could have a heavy America’s Cup focus. Among the
speakers and panellists are Team Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth, CEO
of Team Origin Sir Keith Mills, Team Shosholosa CEO Salvatore Sarno,
AmCup veterans Peter Gilmour & Paul Cayard and none other than Bruno
Troublé, founder of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Sounds like a recipe
for some interesting differences of opinions. Hard to see Cayard, for
one, responding “No”, when Troublé asks “Is
it essential that a sporting event generates profits?” Plus we
think they made a mistake not having us speak, and we told ’em we would.
A bunch of wealthy heavy hitters talking to each other about the sport
seems like a giant circle jerk. How about someone representing the rank
and file via the largest racing community in the world? I guess not.
More about "the forum" here.
AC Action
It’s
been announced that the second Trofeo Desafío Español
– that’s the annual regatta of current Challenger of Record,
CNEV, for those who haven’t been glued to the New York Supreme
Court action – will include an AmCup class. Just two entries for now,
Alinghi and Desafio Espanol, but Origin, Shosholoza, Germany and Luna
Rossa are tipped to enter.
There are hints of more V5 sailing to come, with CNEV president, Manuel
Chirivella, saying “We want Trofeo Desafío Español
to be the beginning of testing, training and racing, not only for Desafío
Español and Alinghi, but also for other America’s Cup teams
that are willing to take part in the races, which are open to all”.
Last year’s event was a fun show, with a turnout of 88 boats, and the
presence of stars in V5s can only add to it, so why aren’t AC
Anarchists jumping up and down at the prospect. Go figure on the forum.
This pic from last year’s regatta by Nico Martinez, more here.
