That's been rumoured for a while (ever since Newport was putting in a bid to be the host city for the AC72 series.) Sounds pretty cool!

what are they going to do with these "little" boats once they start building and training on the big boys?

Any chance of an AC tour? I wanna ride, even if it's on the back!@

I thought AC45 was an on going thing?

sounds like a good idea if that's not what will actually happen.

Which begs the question: how much are they and who will be likely buyers? Sounds like this ain't no **** cruiser... but the X40 fleet seems to be doing allright...

I've never been up there. I assume it's crowded in summer but with this event it will probably be over the top and very expensive. Anybody know how to do it without spending a crazy amount of money?

It's expensive anytime.

Just fly out to SF for the real thing in 2013!!

I can watch the reply on my tv (via ps3) in HD quality via ps3youtube.com. Haven't figured out yet how to watch the live stream via that site.

Excellent piece on the wing. Amazingly small control lines.

Oracle(Spithill) over NZ in race 1 of finals.

Oracle(Spithill) over NZ race 2. They win match race championship.

Just got finished watching Day 5 action on the big screen. Its really impressive watching it in high quality on the TV. Its like I have Russell Coutts cussing out Murray right in my ear.

I've decided I like this one race/winner take all scenario, it keeps all 9 teams hungry and a lot of us are looking for ONE MORE CHANCE!

Mitch Booth is my favorite. His belly is almost as big as mine.

What was his penalty at the end? They were so busy covering the top three boats they almost forgot to show the rest of the fleet's tight finish.

I've been looking but didn't find anything on the penalty. If I do find something I'll post it.

I really think the top guys in the beachcat world could compete in this league.

Pete,

You don't think that Mitch Booth and Charlie Ogletree and Glen Ashby aren't the top of the beachcat world? If they aren't then who is?

Certainly Loick Peyron isn't a slouch on beachcats or megacats.

The fact of the matter is that the guys at the top are there because they are excellent SAILORS. You could put Spithill or Barker on an laser or an opti and they'd still be at the top of the fleet.

You don't think Heemskirk(?) would fit?

In any case you've mentioned three out of 45 positions.

I'll make my standard "can of soda" bet with you. Eventually those boats will be carrying more beach cat sailors.

fwiw- I'm not sure this correlates well with sailing but found it interesting.

http://www.michaelpage.com/content/110-what-makes-a-good-team.html

Mischa would indeed be a good addition, as would a domestic sailor around these parts who is in better shape than most of those guys. But realize that when you're talking about Americas cup, pure sailing ability is just one of many talents needed to succeed and be attractive to recruit.

Mischa was involved in a extreme 40 team at one point. Not sure if he's still into that.

In the winner takes all race, I wonder why Tactician JK did not cover Tactician GA on second downwind leg, and give ETNZ so much leverage over OR-S?