The 33rd America’s Cup yacht regatta is happening right now in Valencia, Spain and nobody’s paying attention.  Since the previous racing in 2007, the oldest continuous sporting event has had more twists and turns than a TV soap-opera.  Most of it has had very little to do with yachts and everything to do with two of the world’s most powerful billionaires dueling it out in the courts of New York State and public opinion.

While all the legal wrangling is not yet over, the racing was ordered to start last Monday.  Now, Mother Nature is throwing her force into the mix.  Monday’s racing was cancelled as was Wednesday’s and now it looks like the forecast for Friday, February 12th  predicts another day of postponement.

The differences between 2007 and 2010 are juxtaposed:

2007: warm, summer fun, massive world wide media attention, thousands of spectators, much partying and socializing.  There were many motor and sailing mega-yachts in Valencia for the summer being used both privately and for charter.  Corporate companies using the America’s Cup as a marketing platform and much sponsorship.  A feeling of international competition with much national pride from the challenger teams.  There was a challenger series, the Louis Vuitton Cup, and the competition was in high tech mono-hulls on an accessible race course for spectating and media coverage.

2010: fickle winter weather, wind and wave conditions that exceed the safe conditions for racing the boats. There is very little to no partying, socializing, media coverage, marketing and business connections.  No challenger series - two very high tech multi-hulls racing far offshore on courses and at speeds that limit spectating and live video coverage.

There is limited media coverage to be found online:

We are very interested in following along because of the boats involved.  Both Alinghi with their catamaran and BMW Oracle with their trimaran are pushing the limits of sailing and boating technology.  In some cases they’ve had to invent new ways and gear.  Whatever the outcome of the race, we will see these advances trickling down market.  Imagine crewing on a sailing yacht with a wing instead of sails.  If there is anyone in Valencia, please contact us as we would love to find out first hand what is happening.  If the postponements continue, let’s hope that the dueling billionaires will consider bringing the racing back to Newport.

Soundtrack for Post: Interview of racer from s/v Shamrock in 1930

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