Mariantic - America's Cup News & Views

Mariantic

America's Cup News & Views

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Hot News - You may have noticed we are not covering the AC33 competition. We may cover 34 if things look clearer after the event...meantime we recomend ValenciaSailing and the Valencia in Motion thread @ SA to keep up in real time... (@ SA be sure to register & get the obvious trolls onto ignore...) Well,well,well, it looks like it's VLC again! VS Hi to SA visitors - interesting "mistaken identity"! - actually this site has been a bit under-maintained recently. I love the DOG boats but hate the legal stuff... I will get back into it when BOR arrive in RAK ;-) Things really taking shape at RAK - VS Look @ these pics - SA - Just a thought... now Alinghi has committed to Ras al-Khaimah it is very much in their interest that the event takes place. No more threats to DSQ BOR on measurement or CHR issues - they NEED BOR there in February... Alinghi 5 flying again - SA Alinghi to be helicoptered over the Alps to Genoa on 7th Aug - zerogradinord Stuart Alexander in The Independent says it will be Ras al-Khaimah Check this pic from this afternoon (28th) Alinghi's engine gone - seems to be designed to be removed... Above - BOR 90 v1.5 in 7-8 kts - from squid @ ACA The wonders of the gimp - analog77 @ ACA Alinghi 5 animation - click to play Photo BMW Oracle Racing © Photo Gilles Martin-Raget BOR90 under sail - Sail World See Alinghi's Flickr photostream Photo Stefano Gattini/Alinghi Photo Stefano Gattini/Alinghi Alinghi 5 helicopter launch - spectacular pic Close-up of the Alinghi foil (dagger/banana) @ ACA - & another Alinghi launch helicopter arrives BOR90 mast stepped, sprit attached @ ACA BOR90 v2 pic Don't tell me you are not excited by AC33 now... these are boats of a yachting lifetime! One mast, no water ballast - Murray Jones @ BYM BOR90 now has reverse bows as well Photo: Giles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing Meanwhile in San Diego (1740 UTC) - ACA - you couldn't make this up... Hey, here's the engine!!! ACA & the hydraulic hoses to rudders & winches! Now out of the tent - ACA - is that a verrry big foil? More pics @ BYM as the tent comes down... OK, they have our attention! We'll follow the trials & travels of the AC33 contestants closely here - unless they go back to court, then we'll drop it like a stone... Photo ©2009 Carlo Borlenghi/Alinghi First description of Alinghi 5 - Yachting World & more pics @ Alinghi RTHK saying LVWS starts in Hong Kong in January then Auckland, Europe & Newport RI Louis Vuitton World Series announcement soon - sail-world LVPS format 10 or 12 teams - 4 AC32 boats Hong Kong late 2009 Auckland Jan / Feb 2010 (isn't there an AC match on then?) 2 more regattas in 2010 One in Africa - no VLC or USA Court affirms 10th February 2010 - VS Actually we are not really + 39! zero Oh no! +39 returns... zerogradinord.net Sail-World.com - good analysis of the CHR issue Our take on the CHR... "As soon as possible" is not the same as "Real soon now" The important word is "possible" not "soon" "Possible" is after the Challenger is built, her configuration fixed, measured & the Cert issued. Only then does "soon" kick in... Some interesting ideas to take your mind off the current mess - dream of the ACM - no, not that one... americascupmasters.com I go with Richard Gladwell's take on the "contempt" issue:- "For the America's Cup fans, this process is part and parcel of the history and intrigue of the America's Cup, and what has kept the event, love it or hate it, on the top shelf of sailing and sport since 1851" but note... "For the general public and media the whole America's Cup process has become tedious and boring - and maybe something from which the Cup will not fully recover in their eyes." Louis Vuitton "World Series" planned? - nzherald.co.nz ACC v5s in 2009 & 2010 Regattas @ Aukland, San Francisco, Valencia & Hong Kong More on BB interview with PJ Montgomery @ sail-world.com Some interesting quotes from Brad Butterworth @ leTemps.ch We have built a 90ft multihull Our yacht will be launched in a few weeks As the race will take place in the Northern hemisphere the first possible date will be 1st May 2010 The Challenger is not allowed to build 2 boats... Confusion reigns - see Yachting World - SNG say they want a multi- challenger, multi-hull (MCMH) race in May 2010 - delayed for others to join in... Astonishing spin on the letter @ BYM GGYC spells it out - satement - letter options are:- ACM Challenger Series like AC32 or LVC Challenger Series like previous Cups Match to be in 2011 in AC33s 3 a side @ 23rd meeting - BYM A legal person, a rules person & a design person BOR's team makes more sense for MCMC than DoG looks like they'll be talking about a protocol... Richard continues to pull all the threads together @ sail-world.com There will be talks on April 23rd @ Geneva - SNG - GGYC AC Anarchy forum track down Alinghi DoG boat build - pic forum Keep up, keep up... more from Richard Gladwell Ellison & Bertorelli "could meet soon" zerogradinord.it SNG letter of 14th invites GGYC to meet... SA GGYC's letter of 7th invites SNG to meet GGYC But not so good - "off the record" - Richard Gladwell Clear indication of BOR's wish for MCMC - here Valencia pull out of funding 2009 pre-regattas - VS Neat sum-up from Stuart Alexander in The Independent Grandee Club Commodores urge MC for AC33 - VS BOR's 90ft trimaran will be in Valencia this summer - VS GGYC statemement shows MCMC is the current intention - sailing.org MCMC (Multi Challenger Mutual Consent) seems the new plan - Richard Gladwell OK we're going to see if we can keep this site running on real news - an end to the legal stuff? Real AC boats really sailing (in 20 kts!) - at last - Chris Cameron See Cheryl's event page for all the LVPS links - 2007ac Audi - out of American le Mans Series, out of UITG - into Luna Rossa - VS First look @ new liveries for LVPS boats @ SA Seems Desafio Espanol have shut up shop - Iberdrola out, base locked Inconvenient for CNEV if so... Damiani Italia training on SWE63 @ VLC - VS A Happy and Successful 2009 and Thank You to all visitors to Mariantic's sites Beut from Vincenzo - here Make what you will of this see the animation here @ Alinghi... Oh, and here is the modified AC33 protocol... Sailing Anarchy challenge - PR - fascinating web happening, but "too little, too late" - Mr.Clean Published entry list:- Check links to new entrants & Yacht Clubs Alinghi, Société Nautique de Genève (SUI) - Defender Desafío Español, Club Náutico Español de Vela (ESP) Shosholoza, Royal Cape Yacht Club (RSA) TeamOrigin, Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR) Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (NZL) DCYC, Deutscher Challenger Yacht Club (GER) Green Comm Challenge, Circolo di Vela Gargano (ITA) Ayre Challenge, Real Club Náutico de Dénia (ESP) Victory Challenge, Gamla Stans Yacht Skallskap (SWE) Argo Challenge, Club Nautico Gaeta (ITA) Mascalzone Latino, Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia (ITA) Team French Spirit, Yacht Club de St Tropez (FRA) Luna Rossa, Yacht Club Punta Ala (ITA) Russia Team - Fiona, Yacht Club Seven Feet (RUS) Joe Fly, Società Canottieri Lecco (ITA) K-Challenge, Cercle de la Voile de Paris (FRA) Greek Challenge, N.O.K. Poseidon - Nautical Club of Kalamata (GRC) Dabliu Sail Project (ITA) China Team, Qingdao International Yacht Club (CHN) Carbon Challenge pull out - website Pics from Aukland of LVPS preparations - boats will be LV branded - sail-world Team page updated for AC33 "entrants" (others still out of date - sorry) I go pretty much with Ross's view here Team French Spirit decline reserve spot @ LVPS following Team Germany withdrawal (& demise) Rascals withdraw from LVPS - VS LVPS entrants include Italia Challenge & Greek Challenge Team Germany also in Australia First not going French Spirit on waiting list Another Italia! (Francesco De Angelis) also waiting... IACC activity at last - VS Hectic preparations in VLC for this week's CNEV regatta - not - VS More on Carbon Challenge - website Yes that's Uwe Sasse remember Fresh 17? I won't post the stories here but try Googling his name to get the flavour... OK get this list of AC33 "entered teams" :- Alinghi, Société Nautique de Genève, Switzerland – Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup Desafío Español, Club Náutico Español de Vela, Spain – Challenger of Record Shosholoza, Royal Cape Yacht Club, South Africa TeamOrigin, Royal Thames Yacht Club, United Kingdom Emirates Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, New Zealand United Internet Team Germany, Deutscher Challenger Yacht Club, Germany Green Comm Challenge, Circolo di Vela Gargano, Italy Ayre, Real Club Náutico de Dénia, Spain Victory Challenge, Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap, Sweden Argo Challenge, Club Náutico di Gaeta, Italy French Spirit, Yacht Club de St Tropez, France Carbon Challenge, Royal Belgian Sailing Club, Belgium Note no Mascalzone, no K-Challenge, no Luna Rossa, no China Team Current guess @ the LVPS 12 - all will be revealed Nov 6 ETNZ BMWOracle K-Challenge Mascalzone Shosholoza French Spirit Australia First China Team TeamOrigin Alinghi Luna Rossa Desafio Espanol Origin & Alinghi to LVPS - telegraph Team Origin join CNEV regatta ACC event - zerogradinord (to borrow ESP88) TNZ withdraws legal action - says Alinghi will come to LVPS - yachtingworld Disappointing response from Bertarelli (is this a response or did the letters cross?) Could this letter be the way ahead? Two meetings in Geneva to start discussions for next Cup - Independent Plus mini-regatta 8/9 November @ VLC (Luna Rossa seem to be preparing for this with Desafio & Alinghi. Origin, Shosholoza & Team Germany could be there) Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland 31 January to 14 February Confirmed ETNZ BMWOracle K-Challenge Mascalzone Shosholoza French Spirit Australia First China Team Possible Dennis Conner Brazilian team 2 others (Origin & Desafio now unlikely) Stories emerging (October 17) of ACC v5 regatta in Valencia in April 2009 - organised by ACM! Sebastien @ adonnate.com checked out BMWO's reaction:- "Although the specific plans mentioned in that article has not been confirmed, Larry and Ernesto are seeking to find a resolution and help move the Cup forward. We have always been keen to keep looking for ways to find a resolution and will keep working towards that end." (Source BMWOracle) Is this for real? (21 Sept 08) " We’ve wasted time and money and we’re back at square one,” said Bertarelli. “Larry and I might be a lot closer than the media and some people think. Our strategy has failed, everyone has realised that this is not constructive and we now have an opportunity to build something really successful for the future of the America’s Cup.” Up to the second coverage of 90x90 "Dogzilla" (this launch was a real Web 2.0 technology event - real time real news for those who want it) Get over to BMWO's website and look at that boat! You couldn't make this up!! Appeal Court overturns Cahn CNEV is CoR Challenge in at least 10 months see it here Detail @ VS It is not April 01 This could mean a "proper" AC in 2009 (or 10 or 11) Mariantic is up and taking notice... Mariantic is taking a break. Thanks for your support. More later No instant decision from Cahn's court Excellent (even heroic) open letter from Vincenzo Honorato - ML I don't have the heart to report Alinghi's latest missive - if you want it you'll find it, they are spraying their press releases everywhere. Alinghi start training in ORMA 60 Foncia - website BMWO will be on board Groupama 2 - cupineurope At last, a meeting - email (we hear it's 1100 Wednesday in Geneva) "Dear Russell..." letter from Fred Mayer - here "Dear Brad..." letter from Russell (by Tom) - here Thanks Mark for a balanced, and beautifully written, view - glad you can keep up your enthusiasm Alinghi threaten to go back to court if July 2009 not accepted - letter to GGYC BMWO say it's October 2008 - the times We think - if it goes back to Justice Cahn he will say 4 July 2008! Cory Part 18 @ Scuttlebutt quotes Alinghi will forfeit if it's October Apparently BMWO have already offerd October 2008 - Guardian "They can have the regatta in July 4 but it will be ridiculous, we won't be ready," Brad NZH we say- it really could be a walk over... 2008? "no way" says Butterworth - NZH 2008 for sure say ORACLE - see Kimball 2008 or 2009 - that's the next Big Issue "Settle it on the water" say Alinghi - but they get the year wrong! Motion decision - full document- here ORACLE wins - sailworld / bloomberg SNG motion to renew/reargue denied... DoG match dates stand! it's July! Cahn's judgement will be TODAY 1400 EST Revealing Grant Dalton interview on BYM (yes, the enemy camp!) It's all true.... read Cory E. Friedman @ scuttlebutt ...and Grant Dalton interview AP reporting TNZ are suing Alinghi & SNG - story + Magnus had it 1st! More on the proposed ACC races at farevela Rounds @ Cowes, Kiel, Trieste/Napoli, Valencia? UITG, Origin, ShoSho, Victory involved Maybe Mazcalzone too Sorry folks, lake cats are not what this site is about. I won't get involved. Word is there may be some ACC (remember them) racing this year. Ernesto to sell Alinghi? - Rule69 - I know it's Magnus but we've heard it from other sources for a while... Spithill helming BMWO X40 - pics @ valenciasailing BMWO X40 cat in VLC - valenciasailing Grant Simmer interview @ valenciasailing Slam Dunk from GGYC? - judge for yourself Cory E. Friedman part 15 scuttlebutt New Challenge from Team French Spirit website Team Germany shut up shop - all sailors dismissed inc. Jochen Schuemann focus.de Lots of keeled multihull pics & all of the new docs @ valenciasailing GGYC's letter to JUstice Cahn - worth a read - here John Rousmaniere on the Jan 23rd hearing - scuttlebutt Cory E. Friedman on what happened in court on the 23rd - Perpetual Cup part 14 Enter the White Knight! Royal Thames Yacht Club with TeamOrigin issue DoG Challenge for 2011 in AC90s - VS Challenge document here Grant Simmer's view in The Australian FWIW - we are apalled by the way previously respected sailing people are feeding the press half truths and spin, what is to be gained by this except destroyed reputations? ...and why state an incorrect sequence of known events? It might make the story better - but it makes it untrue. If some of it is untrue why should any of it be believed? Alinghi sailing their X40s @ VLC - pics and video @ alinghi.com If you read nothing else - see Mark Chisnell's summing up here Alinghi's take on the day - here Cahn expected to sign GGYC's order on Jan 23 - DoG match on for October - GGYC More Alinghi "party line" from Rolf Vrolijk - Alinghi FWIW we say: When will someone on the Alinghi side say - "It doesn't matter what BMWO challenge with, we will be building the fastest yacht we can. We don't have to match them - just beat them. Remember 1988" Alinghi's training X40 cats arrive in VLC -pics @ VS (Basilica & a new? one) - good timing! Judge Cahn sits today Negotiations "wishful thinking" BYM (which is pretty close to Alinghi) Magnus thinks this is Compromise Weekend (it wasn't) Valencia F1 track construction and details - ACM out - sailworld Many think the piece really was a joke (and is a further sign of reconciliation being close) Further thoughts, and representations from affected parties, lead me to say this was, if a joke, in poor taste to those out of work, otherwise just sad... FWIW- our view: See the comment below about credibility. Schnack is coming perilously close to losing his Schnackenberg's barge - he can't be serious! Alinghi Compromise is in the air... or is Magnus just flying a kite? Clear analysis from Mark Chisnell "...why do the semantics of the challenger’s boat certificate matter? I suspect they don't, and I also suspect that many at Alinghi know this..." "...a catamaran challenge is going to be well worth watching. Not for very long, mind you" "Perpetual Cup" Part 12 read Cory E. Friedman @ scuttlebutt "Credibility is like virginity. It is hard to regain" SA & others saying Alinghi has bought X40 cat Basilica Racing. Is looking for another X40 & may do the iShares curcuit this year, BMWO too? Get up to speed - this is X40 Hey, beginning to get excited about the DoG cat match! Need to catch up? - competent summing up by Freep's Eric Sharp here GGYC submissions in response to re-argue - here & here "*SNG's motion is too little, too late - And much too inaccurate" "The reason...that SNG’s original counsel demurred on its new counsel’s untimely new argument is easy to discern: the new theories are all wrong." AS you were! hearing is still on 14th - VS NYSC to hear re-argue case on January 4th - VS GGYC commit to multihull challenge in 2008 followed by conventional regatta in 2011 - here FWIW - our view. We have always tried to be even handed, report the quotes & give the links. That's what we are for. However, we think this move will reflect very badly on Alinghi and they will lose any respect they have in the sailing community. Legal battles are one thing, blatant delaying and technical loophole finding are something quite different. Amateur lawyers read here to see Judge Cahn didn't argue with CNEV's Regatta date but with their competence. And here to read the actual Challenge document. It does say "keel yacht" at the top but gives "boards down" measurement. The latter seems to clarify centreboard(s) are specified and thus multihulls. (the last judgement hung on one word "having" this could hang on one letter "s") No Xmas holiday Tom? GGYC response here "desperate measure by Alinghi’s new lawyers" SNG vice commodore Fred Meyer's affidavit "...the yachting community considers that a keel yacht is not a muli-hull yacht" Alinghi press for retrial - ACM "New York courts should not interfere with the complex rules associated with organizing and administering the America's Cup" "CNEV rejected as Challenger of Record because of the date of the holding of their annual regatta" Those should please the Judge, and... "GGYC describes a keel yacht, which is by definition a mono-hull" ETNZ "wound down" Grant Dalton - but expecting AC(33 or 34) in 2009 UITG aim for 2011 - focus.de (but want Acts in 08 & 09 - Kiel and England suggested) For those who keep saying the F1 race in VLC won't interfere with the DoG race a reminder of the track plan - here - BTW this will be an annual event TeamOrigin "...stand the team down from full operational mode,” website Desafío Español in shutdown mode VS "Alinghi is telling the press that they ARE NOT going to appeal the judgment, but Alinghi’s lawyers say they ARE going to appeal. Okay, I think that’s clear now" Curmudgeon’s Comment- 2497 Just for the record here is the Deed of Gift (from ACM website) - make up your own mind... CNEV's letter to Judge Cahn GGYC's letter to Judge Cahn SNG's letter to Judge Cahn Alinghi's new lawyers have said they will be appealing - Corey Friedman Dec 16th Alinghi will not appeal - Alinghi spokesperson, Saturday 15th AFP Loick Peyron joins Alinghi? - rumours - & see rule69 The best quotes of AC33:- “We have heard Ernesto’s vision, but what we really need is his decision,” Larry Ellison "The Deed of Gift doesn't outlaw poodles, merely demands that they have the proper pedigree." idontwant2know @ 2003ac.com "If this continues overlong we may yet witness the Wrath of Cahn"* justBob @ 2003ac.com "With Larry, we will duel with two beautiful monsters. And whoever spends the most money will win.” Ernesto Betarelli "It is not possible that we will lose, we have the best lawyers." Ernesto Bertarelli "I'd say there's a good chance this can be resolved before Monday," Tom Ehman (Oct 18th) "That phrase is plainly understood to mean that it is an on-going activity; the activity has taken place and is continuing. It implies that the organization has had one or more regattas in the past, and will continue to have them in the future" Justice Herman Cahn Much detail in Sail World article - flawed though as they don't realise that the F1 track passes between the BMWO & Alinghi bases and the water! BTW the F1 race is August 24 2008... January 14 set for NYSC hearing after parties fail to agree Settle Orders GGYC - BYM Update - Alinghi say they have not yet received the Court Order (?) - VS Alinghi about to launch appeal @ NYSC? - el mundo via VS (and change legal team) "With Larry, we will duel with two beautiful monsters. And whoever spends the most money will win.” EB in Le Temps @ sailjuice ...very interesting article BTW Magnus reckons TeamOrigin about to pack it in. Oh, and Desafio to sue Alinghi... See Andy Rice's views @ his new blog GGYC & SNG disagree on date for DoG match 2008 vs 2009 - Cory Friedman Ellison to Bertarelli - new letter here via VS "Ernesto...please give us your answer" Third Spanish challenger announced - website Nightmare scenario - CNEV, allegedly, has an appeal ready go in - VS Bob Fisher's open letter to Bertarelli - scuttlebutt Interesting interview with Alinghi's Grant Simmers @ BYM - BTW as people keep asking - Marian Martin is not us - our Marian is Marian Campbell:-) Bertarelli tells paper "2009 is impossible" - IHT NYYC join discussions - website FWIW - our view: Alinghi's vision has a probablility of over 50% of being adopted. If GGYC dismiss it there will be a DoG match - outcome 50/50. If GGYC negotiate they could agree it for AC33. Net result well over 50%... Alinghi's answer is:- here "...the 33rd America’s Cup has been ill-fated and I have a desire to make it right." A new Deed of Gift to be agreed with NYYC A new format to be agreed between SNG, GGYC & NYYC All teams to start equal (including the Defender) Schedule to be published several Cups in advance Permanent managment Failing that it's the DoG challenge GGYC PR Thursday - ggyc “Time is running out. Our designers and builders need to know what sort of boat we will be racing in and where,” GGYC letter to Alinghi Tuesday- ggyc (That 13 man crew rule explained) FWIW - the options :- AC33 in 2011 Only possible if Alinghi appeal otherwise DoG match must happen before AC33 in 2008 (multihull) Possible under DoG, location Alinghi's choice - probably not VLC AC34 could not follow in 2009 AC33 in 2009 (AC90) BMWO & Challengers' preference, Alinghi don't want to practice alone again so may scupper AC33 in 2009 (ACC v5) Not mentioned by anyone, but surely the really easy option? One of the above must apply AC34 2011 or later Choice of AC33 winner BMWO - VLC 2011 (per Coutts initiative) Alinghi - VLC 2011? (only promised AC33 in VLC in 2011 so far) Others per normal process - Cowes, Kiel, Aukland, highest bidder, etc. date dependent on infrastructure Not the official Alinghi stance on the BMWO 2011 offer - but possibly indicative of their thinking... BYM Sorry for the beak in transmission - I'll pick up the story from the "Challenger Commission" meeting last night Main outcome is BMWO could deliver AC33 in VLC in AC90s in 2009 (catch that Alinghi?) See Sail world for summary - Pierre's take to his bed - VS (same issue as me!) Louis Vuitton could come back to sponsor and independent (non-ACM) Challenger Selection Series Alinghi internal meeting tonight Desafio Español's view - and plans - here A Perpetual Cup for Not So Friendly Competition Between Lawyers- Part 9 - the final episode? Text of the judgement - here FWIW - our view: This is BIG, Alinghi have dumped CNEV and are negotiating with GGYC for a convential regatta per the current protocol with agreed modfications and to the existing timescale. Challengers may have to re-register but we assume the order of entry will just slip down one as BMWO go to number 1 and COR (They could even let CNEV stay as COR in a modified Protocol - thus reducing loss of face & appeasing the Spanish press!) Alinghi - "...we are now looking forward to discussions with the Golden Gate Yacht Club to keep the America’s Cup functioning" GGYC - "In all scenarios, GGYC would seek ... to have a Challenger Selection Series with as many challengers as possible" GGYC first preference will be to "...race a conventional America’s Cup competition in Valencia in 2009" Alinghi response - here GGYC "Welcome Court Ruling" - GGYC site GGYC HAS WON THE CASE Team Origin blames both sides - sailmag http://sailmag.com/teamoriginACdelays/ No ruling yet - check here (yes, they chose today to redesign their website!) So what is going on? 4 new challengers and a "postponment" that has not been mentioned in 2 ACM PRs today - Judge Cahn to rule tomorrow... Don't go away Two more challengers have filed papers SailWorld This is looking like real news of postponement 16:30 CET 20th Ayre has also challenged! - El Pais & VS Sixth challenger is Mascalzone! - website All is not lost - Cooler heads prevail - SailWorld Sensible stuff from Schnacks @ ACM Add another story to the rule69 list; 965 - Magnus sees no point in pulling punches! (Ken McAlpine & juror sackings / hirings) Origin trying to broker a deal - The Times Sixth challenger has signed(?) - Hordara via Rule69 - If true has to be K or Ayre... Alinghi expecting cat challenge - Brad on NewstalkZB via Cheryl - Alinghi will not appeal if they lose judgement! The inside stories from Magnus - rule69 - check the 8 stories from 957 to 964 Alinghi's refusal letter has not yet been published. Will it be bundled with a cancellation notice? Settlement turned down by Alinghi - here Interesting story @ rule69 - "Alinghi are trying to back out of 2009" GGYC settlement offer - here GGYC settlement offer PR BMWO offer to drop case & 2 boat testing - here Russell's letter of Nov 13 to SNG - here SNG's letter of Nov 13 to GGYC - here GGYC's timeline of negotiations - here Alinghi's lawyer speaks - here Alinghi break off negotiations with GGYC - here Oct 17 lettter from Russell to Brad - here Event Regulations here - much detail - great stuff on F1 Grand Prix (that really is going to be an EVENT) Entry to close on 15 December 2007 (too close for many more entrants we feel) "Tom Ehman has told me that he expects Cahn to rule on the day before Thanksgiving.” SA (that's Nov 21 for non-USAers) Act 2 may be in England! (Portsmouth?) VS Competition Regulaions - here Full PR from ACM - main points Act 1 June/July 2008 VLC - v5 Act 2 September 2008 Europe - v5 Practice races October 2008 - April 2009 - AC90 (these will be fully organised & publicised) Fleet races and RRs No v5 boats to sail in VLC after end 2008 Act 3 April 2009 VLC fleet race RR1 & RR2 May 2009 challengers + Alinghi Semi-Final May/June 2009 top 6 inc Alinghi if in top 6 Challenger Sail Off - non top 6 + Alinghi if out side top 6 Alinghi to Secondary Series after Semis or Sail Off Repecharge 2nd & 3rd from semis Winner to CSS final with top from Semis - CSS Final - best of 7 late June 2009 Secondary Series late June- all except CSS finalists + Alinghi Cup Match - best of 9 starting July 18 2009 Note Alinghi gets to sail continuously whatever happens in the RRs & Semis Hey Greg - do an Excel of that ;-) K-Challenge still aiming @ entry - BYM Valenciasailing blogging live from the ACM press conference Tom Schnackenberg explains the new rule - BYM Many dimesions were decided by Port Americas Cup infrastructure! Ayre (Palma) Challenge ready to join - have taken over all(?) Luna Rossa assets - cupineurope (but not their base - promised to TeamOrigin) Kimball gets it right on the ball, as usual - sail west Spanish Sailing Federation say CNEV is a "legal arrangement" created to keep Valencia and Iberdrola happy! VS - Sport.es Also "it's the Spanish law that counts, not the American one" shows a bit of a misunderstanding of the situation! Farrs take on the AC90 Rule- scuttlebutt GGYC response -"prove it's fair" - PR OK we're back and you still haven't sorted ot out! Anyway, we DO have new rule and a new protocol - one that carries the CNEV logo for the first time!. Displacement = 23,000 kg LOA = 90ft + 4.8m sprit FWIW - we say: what's with this rule disclosure issue? That wasn't the problem. It was always going to be agreed by the participants & published on Oct 31. Why are GGYC saying "Show us the rule"? Why ask for something they were going to do anyway? Surely the big issue is Defender participation in, & organisation of, the CSS. Has that gone away? Confused... but then I'm no negotiator - known for it! ACM say rule will be announced on October 31 - new challengers welcome to be involved - here Is this it? Is it all over? Seems so - GGYC Seems to say, "Show us the rule and we're in" John Rousmaniere's excellent sketch from the courtroom scuttlebutt Cory Friedman Part 8 Martin Tasker video report - via VS The reactions of each side were similar. - Kimball Livingston BMW Oracle Racing headlined: GGYC welcomes prospect of speedy court decision Alinghi headlined: Alinghi welcomes prompt resolution Bob Fisher view from the courtroom - sailworld "written decision which is expected in the coming weeks" Alinghi (2 weeks?) Case adjourned for a few days - VS Cory Friedman Part 7 Alinghi last minute PR - offer to meet Monday morning "Show us the rule and we can get this fixed," Tom Ehman - IHT Brad Butterworth - "I firmly believe that there is still time left to agree a solution..." Sunday PM! - IHT GGYC say Bertarelli blocked compromise - PR Jablonski says Desafio is to blame - AFP - I suppose that's one way of looking at it! CoR has challenged with AC v5 boat measurements! - sailworld AC32 wins "Best trailer/teaser" @ TV awards! - ACM Unanswered questions -BMWO's lack of response @ BYM (but what do you think of the question?) "I'd say there's a good chance this can be resolved before Monday," Tom Ehman - ITH (this is Thursday) John Rousmaniere on the Deed of Gift - scuttlebutt Meanwhile in Valencia from VS That "select a parameter" meeting did happen GER91 sailing - more pics & video from Alinghi New PR from Fuxia - announcement delay due to ACM Eolia - new Italian challenge from Palermo - BYM (surely can't be 2 from Sicily can there?) Paul Cayard to Sports Director @ Desafío Español - Valenciasailing Don't miss Kimball's latest piece - sailwest Perfect summing up with links to everything by Mark Chisnell (object lesson to all bloggers - how to write in hyperlinks) "Exhibit 2" where all the fuss started - full text @ sailworld Best Bertarelli interview yet, Stuart Streuli @ sailingworld (Bertarelli mentions "new J Class" several times, 90 ft LOA is not a J Class - unless they are aiming for 90 ft LWL.... (most J boats were 130ish ft overall and 85ish on the waterline see here) Challengers to set design parameters - ValenciaSailing BMWO and Mascalzone to observe design meeting "...main stumbling block is the proposed new rule requiring competitors to build a 90-foot boat whose design specifications are so far known only to Alinghi" Hodara - is it? stories @ AFP FWIW - we are pretty sure the main stumbling block really is the organisation of the Challenger Selection Series by the Defender (not to mention their participation in same) this is the one that needs addressing. Perpetual Cup for Not So Friendly Competition Between Lawyers by Cory E. Friedman - Part 5 @ scuttlebutt ValenciaSailling interveiws Brad Butterworth Kimball Livingston interviews Bertarelli - sailwest New legal documents from GGYC here Cory E. Friedman interviews Bertarelli - Scuttlebutt Not good - "compromise would be giving in to blackmail" EB Interesting Mascalzone interview @ valenciasailing Mascalzone step in; "GGYC/Oracle is not the only team that contest the Protocol..." Amicus Curiae Brief ("friend of the court") BMWO PR "[lets] sort out this protocol once and for all" UITG PR mentions new class as "AC90" is this official? UITG - "The America´s Cup has to take place in the new class rules in Valencia in 2009" - PR Check out Kimball Livingston's view "Ernesto Bertarelli and Ed Baird are paying visits in New York City and San Francisco this week" Matt's report has a couple of other little exclusives as well... Delaying AC33 not an option says Matt Sheahan @ Yaching World Support from Desafío Español PR Reaction to date change threat from Oracle & Mascalzone - IHT ACM to reassess date of AC33 - ACM "Hi Ernesto, it's Larry..." principals in telephone discussions Thursday - Telegraph New - FAQs from GGYC - here (CNEV legality not a question?) K-Challenge, "We are ready..." but need sponsor by end of October 1&1 (note it is K- not Areva-Challenge) News of the Australian challenge was expected on Sept 26th - it didn't happen Gary Jobson's view - freep.com Bob Fisher's view - Sail-World Terry Hutchinson quits TNZ "failing to agree on terms and conditions" NZH More detail of Fuxia Challenge - ac.afterguard New graphic & quote - here AUDI's angle - website "...the changes are largely cosmetic and do not address the central issues," Tom Ehman NZH "SNG and Alinghi announce Protocol amendment and make a final appeal to BMW Oracle Racing" read PR New documents submitted to NYSC by SNG Memorandum of Law in opposition to Preliminary Injunction Affidavit - Miquel Terrassa Affidavit - Hamish Ross BIG news from Team Germany AUDI is a main sponsor alongside United Internet Jochen Schümann confirmed Jason Ker to head design team SUI91 purchased GER101 will not be built Porsche Consulting to be "management and technology partner" Read Ben Ainslie's "Captains Log" TheTimes Jochen Schümann to sign with Team Germany TeamOrigin launch - main points:- Charles Dunstone joins as partner in financing the project Members of Dunstone's crew have joined Origin Design office headed up by Juan Kouyoumdjian with Andy Claughton Skipper is Ben Ainslie, tactician Iain Percy Marcus Hutchinson joins from ACM on PR (PR is news? - this is!) Full team here Boat pics here First design consultation meeting for new Rule takes place - decisions secret for now -ACM Daily Telgraph reckon Ben Ainslie will helm TeamOrigin (we'll know on Friday) "It's not yacht racing as we know it, but it's not dull either, is it?" - www.markchisnell.com (a man after my own heart!) A Perpetual Cup for Not So Friendly Competition Between Lawyers – Part 3 Both sides win first court hearing:- "We are very pleased with this decision, as we are keen to see this issue properly resolved with a minimum of further delay," said Tom Ehman - AFP "SNG is pleased to announce that the Judge did not grant the GGYC application for an injunction" PR Here's the message:- "The Panel therefore determines it has jurisdiction to rule on its own jurisdiction." that will be one of the quotes of AC33! Full document (86pp) is here Hey, a sailing story! Farr to replace Reichel / Pugh @ Desafio Espanol (pretty sure BMWO didn't want them) Oracle Racing reaction : "If the NY court rules that the CNEV challenge is invalid under the requirements of the Deed of Gift, then the Protocol is void and the arbitration panel formed by the Protocol is also void." scuttlebutt Arbitration Panel PR text is changed to clarify amendements (they are changes to the way the Arbitration Panel is administered) More surprise - "Alinghi delighted with the decision of the Arbitration Panel" PR Surprise - ACM Arbitration Panel confirms validity of CNEV challenge - ACM (so much for the RTYC alternative) But look @ this "...the Panel believes that SNG and CNEV should consider amending the Protocol in respect of some of its provisions..." Shosholoza's position - Captain Salvatore Sarno here ACM appoint Tom Schnackenberg as the class rule and competition regulations consultant - ACM "It is not possible that we will lose, we have the best lawyers." - Bertarelli in Forbes And this: - "Mr. Larry Ellison ... is buying all the yachtsmen." FWIW:- our take - This, after good vibes from Ross & Butterworth, has the sound of a shot to the foot. A Perpetual Cup for Not So Friendly Competition Between Lawyers – Part 1 - Cory E. Friedman @ Scuttlebutt Part 2 here Read Peter Rusch's take in YBW "We would dearly like them (ORACLE) to drop their actions and rejoin the America's Cup community as a competitor ... and help write the rules of the next America's Cup," Hamish Ross @ Herald Tribune More from the press conference @ AFP Alinghi's position - new PR Team Germany have officially been accepted ACM TeamOrigin explains why they challenged early & where they stand on the protocol - website BTW TeamOrigin team members to be announced 14th Sept. website Mascalzone's helpful message earns cold shoulder ' Farr Worlds - Stuart Alexander and Magnus Wheatley RNZYC response to Ehman's "hearsay" & the Protocol in general - BYM FWIW - I don't buy this alleged scheme that SNG plan to resign and pass the Cup back to TNZ who then accept SNG as CoR. Tom says he "heard" of it - seems a bit flimsy for a legal disposition... "German Team ... have submitted their entry and who will formally be accepted in the next days.” Hodara @ Scuttlebut Nice precis of Ehman's affidavit @ BYM If you like legal-ese you'll love these - fascinating submissions by GGYC to NYSC Affidavit of Thomas F Ehman Jr GGYC Memo of Law FWIW - our take: There is seriously expensive legal work going on here - if the arbitration doesnt do a quick fix the case is going to take a lonnng tme Court action timeline @ ACM Same page says Arbitration Panel will judge on CoR validity Royal Tames YC is involved, as potential replacement CoR? FWIW - our guess: AP judge against CNEV, RTYC take over, protocol rewritten, Challenger Commission established, GGYC withdraw cat challenge & action :-) (didn't happen!) Interesting interviews from Salatore Sarno Juan Kouyoumdjian Mark Chisnell's comments & observations - on the mark as usual blog Michel Hodara interview sheds some light @ BYM Manolo Ruiz de Elvira (Alinghi designer) signs for ORACLE VS So has James Spithill & some ex LR crew John Kostecki as well? Text of ACM Response to official filing of Legal Proceedings - here Golden Gate PR - cupinfo Alinghi's view web site Comment from Marcus Wheatley Andy Rice Stuart Alexander Real names connected to Fuxia Challenge - Claire Leroy & Alessandra Sensini much Italian press coverage eg - more details to follow Jochen Schümann leaves Alinghi - to UITG or ORACLE? sport1.de Just about perfect summing up of the legal situation captain7250 via Scuttlebutt VS reporting rumour of Dean Barker's move to ORACLE (we've heard nothing here - TVNZ say he's signed to TNZ - he has isgned a Letter Of Intent with TNZ) Alinghi say they won't change protocol AFP More light relief from Fuxia Challenge - here Thanks to theafterguard for drawing attention to this Notice of Entry - in particular "2.2.(iv) has or will have an annual regatta on the sea or an arm of the sea." Section 6 is also interesting... Team Germany confirm entry - Yahoo (AFP PR widely published) website Victory Challenge endorse the "Onorato Plan" ORACLE will withdraw suit if Alinghi agree to Onorato's plan - Russell Coutts @ VS Sensible suggestions from Mascalzone's Vicenzo Onorato - VS Prada will not challenge for AC33 (does that mean Luna Rossa out too?) PR It seems so - reuters Palma Yacht Club (Mallorca) to challenge soon - VS Rumours of an Australian challenge to be announced in September (26th?) cupineurope Trapani Yacht Club to challenge - cupineurope masala Neither Rolex nor Breitling will replace LV - see Focus Details of possible v6 boat @ BYM Valencia F1 Grand Prix is arranged for August 24 2008 Presumably the (AC) teams will be away @ the 2nd pre-regatta then The track runs right around PCA between some base buildings and their jetties - pitpass - a bigger map here Construction starts October & finishes in June - just before pre-regatta 1 No punches pulled here - GGYC counsel's letter to Arbitration Panel FWIW - our take: The protocol was not properly thought through and still hasn't been... There is no ill intent or conspiracy, just lack of thinking (and/or time) The CNEV was a Spanish political expediency - not a big issue but again, not thought through. There are at least 3 flaws which have to be addressed:- The one boat / two boat issue needs to be properly "what if-ed" (see 'the Two Waka Rule') So does Alinghi's particiption in the challenger series, (what about the teams Alinghi knock out in the quarter finals, what about the assymetry when they pull out?) The issue of refusing a challenge is OK, at fault is not making it clear who makes the decision (it surely can't be Alinghi alone) There are answers to all of these issues which should be logical and agreeable to all. BTW, the best commentary, as usual, @ Mark Chisnell & Kimball Livingston. The worst @ Magnus Wheatley who simply got it wrong again Best straight factual reportage; Matthew Sheahan @ Yachting Monthly More Valencia fireworks! AC33 will be in Valencia TNZ has challenged New class announced by end of October Teams can build 2 new boats (1 nominated as "official") Rita Barbera will "welcome [Ellison] with open arms" 2 pre-regattas in 2008, 1 in VLC 1 elsehwere Big news day (again) Ellison's view - Sailingworld "goal is to have a reasonable protocol..." Discussion with Bertarelli "wasn't productive" New 90ft vessels "would be good" If Oracle win 2008 catamaran challenge AC34 would be in Valencia in 2009! Rusell Coutts has joined Oracle Racing as CEO & skipper valenciasailing Alinghi's response to Oracle bid & suit - ACM Valencia confirmation postponed until end of August - valenciasailing (wasn't) TeamOrigin is the 3rd Challenger - website Announcement due from ACM - valenciasailing AC33 venue is Valencia Date is June / July 2009 Pre-regattas in VLC in June & July 2008 Sponsored by Rolex (?) Golden Gate files complaint to NY Supreme Court - SNG summoned - download - GGYC PR here Official AC33 website is up - ACM Shosholosa challenges for AC33 (which AC33?) SASailing Golden Gate issues another challenge - getting confused? - download 8 challengers request dissolution of AC33 protocol - sailworld GBR75 sailing @ VLC (who was on board?) - valenciasailing TeamOrigin have a nice historic new home - TheAfterguard Louis Vuitton pull out of AC sponsorship, could return "in another form" IHT Download GGYC challenge for 4th July 2008 in a 90 ft wl multihull called "USA" GGYC ready to challenge Spanish COR legality - SFGate Download GGYC's statement - this amounts to a "10 months Challenge" a la 1988! See CNEV response - BYM And Alinghi's answer ;-) details Ainslie in talks with Luna Rossa - Stuff AC33 Protocol download Key points:- New AC Class - 90ft LOA - 6.5 mts draft with lifting keel New Rule in 2 months Initial regattas will be in v5 ACCs No nationality rule Challenger Commission replaced by Competitors Commission (includes Defender) "the Match will not be held before 2009 nor after 2011" It will be in Europe "...discussing extensively the renewal of Valencia as a venue" ACM Room for 14 team bases @ PAC - ACM First Act of AC33? Dubai in Jan/Feb 08 - BOB Mariantic "Live" - for the record! Wasn't that great? Not too long to the next one... So, Desafio Espanol will be COR if SUI win, Origin if NZL win? FWIW - R7 Postponment has to be right - too fluky for a big decider FWIW - R6 Evenly matched boats & "nothing in it" That kite messup in R5 is why it's not 3-3 So SUI only need to win 1 of the next 3 - who could say they won't do that? Royal Thames Yacht Club link with TeamOrigin - favoured to be COR - PR FWIW - R5 Surprise, NZL was the faster boat, SUI would have found it difficult to pass This time SUI did cover once ahead, so delta not representative FWIW - R4 Now that's more what we all expected Great start from Alinghi - real high speed, bow down, launch A jury to enliven the lay day tomorrow... Oh, and we get at least 7 races - probably more! FWIW - R3 Fluky winds give fluky races But hey, it was great to watch! >10kts tomorrow? - back in Alinghi territory? GER101 sail number allocated - UITG GBR75 to debut @ Southampton Boat Show Sept 14 - teamorigin FWIW - R2 @ 10 kts wind the boats are equal If equal, the decider will be a tactical or crewing error - or a bit of brilliance Was it complacency on SUI100 that failed to spot THAT move? FWIW - R1 our take:- Not enough data yet - certainly no walkover Return of real surfing downwind ("lucky waves"? I think not...) First shift WAS important, but not as important as interviewees aver Lighter air will show different issues - whether a different result - we'll see German Sailing Grand Prix cancelled Sport1.de Ben Ainslie already heading to Origin? Stuff (replaced by Spithill? Rule69) No San Fran regatta this year - Got Live F1 in Port Americas Cup from 2008 - deal done - BMW Blog - be a shame if the cup's in NZ! Origin could buy TNZ if they don't win - story Dickson resigns from BMWO Racing - AC site Origin base (& future AC3n venue?) could be: Torquay, Felixstowe, Folkestone or Weymouth... Times TeamOrigin buys SUI75 - website - rumoured as COR to Alinghi for AC33- YBW Chris Dickson says Oracle will continue @ losing press conf. - he is contracted just for the AC33 campaign & will be heading to NZ... Here's big news - Sailing Anarchy gets enthusiastic about the Cup (but with the great TV coverage & the great racing who wouldn't?) Interesting study on venues for AC33 favours Dubai - Bloomberg.com Teams views on AC33 - CupInEurope (in Europe, V5, ACM run) Very positive reporting on AC & VLC in todays Times F1 story refers to VLC as home of AC33 in 2009 if Alinghi win - see Regatta page Shosoloza build new boat for Feb 2008 launch - story - see Boat page Check out the map of the Port America's Cup Grand Prix curcuit - here (old background pic - there'll be a new lifting bridge over the canal) GER101? Team Germany have started building a new boat - VS "We'll be back..." comments from departing teams after RR2 - here +39 self desctructing - here Fuxia Challenge - you couldn't make it up! - here Welcome to the Mariantic site. We started this site just after the 31st Cup when speculation and conjecture as to the future of the Cup was rife. We didn't know where it was going to be or even if anyone was going to turn up. So we published the rumour and news as it broke. You seemed to like it, so we kept it going. So here we will be recording:- Possible syndicates for AC33 Location of AC33, maybe Key personnel movements Qualifying regattas Media sources, websites & reviews And as always we will "Follow the Boats" Trevor BTW - just to prove I haven't been idle, check out my Le Mans and ALMS site which has been getting record hits! Mariantic Le Mans & SportsCar Racing News