"Sailingwise the event would probably have been much better of in RAK."
I disagree. It would be better if both boats were built to race on the ocean in moderate to heavy breeze and seas. As others have mentioned, there are multihulls that race around the world, so it can be done.
Too bad the "sail to the regatta on her own bottom" phrase isn't used anymore. Oh wait, the Cup would never have gotten to this point...
