Yeah, but it's in the US right now. We've never been able to draw big crowds at sailing events. The response to the Volvo stops were also pretty meager on the right coast in the past. I'm imagining a similar setting in NZ or somewhere in Europe - it would be off the hizzle.

Yeah, but try to hang on to that big baby with your hands! ;-)

from my armchair, it would seem that race 6 was a proper beat-down by ENTZ. That race alone should put to rest the debate about whether multihulls can match race.

I like the 5 leg format, because even though the boats are literally flying, it can at times feel like paint drying

The uphill leg(s) being longest from a time perspective, it makes sense that a boat designed and handled for upwind performance may stand to control the race as long as the first 2 legs aren't a total disaster.

The graphics showed OTUSA actually had equal or slightly better speed upwind, but I couldn't tell if the VMG was better or not. But it was obvious that their tacks were a (relative to ENTZ) disaster.

I did wonder if there were a foil setting that OTUSA might be missing on the upwind leg. I'm trying to picture how that really complex daggarboard shape "looks" relative to the boat's motion through the water on a non-foiling upwind leg. But I'd bet there's plenty of computers onboard to tell the trimmer where to set the board angle (if it is even adjustable on OTUSA)

Race 7 was just sad all the way around for OTUSA. But I'm glad they are professional enough to stay focused and keep going at it.

OR... (insert conspiracy theory here) does OTUSA have one more card to play, and they're going to drop it in race 8 and run the table? Imagine the increase in viewership for race 8,9,10 if OTUSA started winning... Or maybe they'll squeak out a race or two to keep this going down to the wire on the last race?

What I find to be almost a shame is that this might be the last showing for these boats... If they're going 49 knots now, after a year or less of sailing, imagine how fast they'd be going if the teams raced them for another 12 months? Yeowch.

Another thought I pondered through my rum... would these boats work at any other venue? Valencia looked too light, any open ocean may wreak serious potential damage, etc.

And if that virtual wind was right, the course looked somewhat skewed. It's a shame they couldn't move the leeward gate a little to the east to square it up a little, but Alcatraz may have choked off the right side of the course...

Kiwi Power by Gary Jobson

That makes me feel better because you really have to give props to ENTZ team for their almost flawless crew performance.

Did the price on OTUSA swag go down yet? Could be a buying opportunity

I agree with Tad - being there was incredibly cool, more so than I ever imagined. I'm grateful I was able to go - hopefully not a once-in-a-lifetime, but it sure felt like it.

And there was this...

I aggree with the TV and internet, but many people are watching it from their office/home/apartment/condo... My work counterpart in the bay area tells me he has been invited to a few "AC Watching Parties" this weekend.

Seems like there is a pretty big buzz going in SFO with the race.

In having meetings this week with some of my clients I will have to say there is better awareness of the sport that in the past.. Some are actually getting into it, and once place had a pool going.

Would hate to see this go to Auckland, but.... as I think the SFO venue has been great for this.

The venue here is great. We watched from alcatraz. That turned out to be the best viewing anywhere. I'm going to check out Chrissy Field tomorrow. If that doesn't work I'll head up to the GG bridge.

Obvious O is a little slower upwind. I think it might just be that they don't point quite as high. Then NZ can out tack them so they just cover and control.

Might be a cheap AC boat available on Sunday.

Last Sunday, 50% off, second item. Suspect fire sale after this Sunday.

Last Sunday we watched from the shore,West end of Harbor entrance, across from stands. No charge, could see whole course, and hear announcer. But, could not beat the view form the water Saturday, as we moved the Alter Cup course, and were up close to the AC 72's.

Ring Ring....

Hello Gino

Yes...

This is Lary

Larry who?

I'll be on the A-pin today and tomorrow for the OCR here in Long Beach, so I won't get to watch the races. I already made my prediction a couple of months ago, but my fingers are crossed for an incident-free day in SF. Safe sailors, no broken bits. Enjoy, fellas!

Sir Ben Ainslie Podcast

Clearly different tactics now that BA is in charge.

Wow. NZ almost capsizes

Oracle has a chance to win now.