The so-called "purists" want to see tacking duels all the way up the course, luffing each other until one chokes, etc. I say that Larry is more in touch with what the regatta was originally about: crazy spending on new technologies, and winning at any cost. I don't know that he intended it to end up this way (so few competitors), but that is essentially how it was before the 12-meter years.
Anyway, what idiot wastes their question in the presser asking something that they know won't be answered now, or at any other time until after the last race: Do you have an agreed protocol for the next one??? She needs her credentials revoked immediately...
Mike
Yeah...but imagine if he had answered something in the positive to that question? The challenger cannot be accepted until the current cup is won and it's supposed to be first come first serve. To have pre-"selected" a challenger would be not legal per the DoG (although it is pretty much common knowledge that this is what happens). It seemed like a stupid question but she was fishing for a whale. I remember thinking how it was a good thing for NZ that their guys are knowledgeable and/or coached in this area.
If you remember, Larry's challenge to Bertarelli came about because they were able to show that the club that was the official challenger of record was a sham and didn't meet the requirements for "a club" in the DoG. They legally got them booted and Golden Gate Yacht Club's challenge was next in line.
The winners typically have the next challenger of record on a boat with them near the race course to sign a basic agreement moments after the winning boat crosses the line so they can control the transition without leaving room for interference. Until that point, there can be no challenger.
