6.25.2007

1-1 : so what ?...

So, 1-1, and what's new in the America's Cup world ? There is one big new which is Alinghi stopped to ridiculize its opponent along the 300 meters that follow the starting line. Finished those little extra degrees stolen to the wind with an equal speed that were killing the opposition whenever wherever the swiss crew decided to since 4 years now. So the game in this 32nd America's Cup is definitely open, with two formidable teams going at each other without gloves. It's good news for the sport, it's good news for the event, it's good news for sailing at large. As for the things to come, the first two races have proved that maybe Alingi would have an edge with more wind (definitely a little stiffer, probably due to its hull shape which is a bit larger than ETNZ one + sails shape that goes accordingly), when ETNZ would probably prefer light wind and also the chop. So we are back to where we were during the Louis Vuitton final stages : awfully close race where the only one mistake, or wrong tactical choice, or unexpected wind shift, or unlucky puff distribution changes the result. Are we talking about chance ?...





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