Well Valencia was pumping with excited Kiwis today.
The wool shed, packed to the rim, was going off (pics here).
It was a great start. Barker was brilliant. He was really strong at the start. Team New Zealand wanted to start on the right and Alinghi wanted to start on the left.
On that first beat Alinghi got ahead through speed and a bit of pressure to leeward. Alinghi might have a had little click of speed upwind but nothing major.
Team New Zealand’s come back came in the second beat. If Alinghi had not made a mistake they probably would not have got past but they got themselves in a position where they were close enough to pounce if Alinghi slipped up.
How it unfolded was that Alinghi were sailing quite loose. When you are fast you do tend to be a little bit loose and a little bit casual.
At the bottom gate the teams went around different marks. The Kiwis took a little gain from doing that. When they came back together Team New Zealand had come back to within a length of the Swiss.
Alinghi then tacked to leeward. When Ed Baird did the tack it was a bit of spinning tack, it wasn’t a smooth tack and as a result it slowed the boat down. That opened up a very small opportunity and the New Zealanders took it.
So it’s 1-all. There is now a lay day before race three on Tuesday night NZT.
Hopefully Alinghi will continue to sail loose and give us all the opportunities we need.
It does seem like they have a click more speed, but if we out sail them we should be able to win this damned thing.
Hi Peter, hi Guys!!! Yes, the fantastic victory which ETNZ reached yesterday is very useful also from the psychological point of view…especially today which is a stop day…
I saw on the italian tv the happiness of kiwis supporters in Valencia…. wonderful!!!!
Hey team,
Have we got the goods to do it again? We definitely have the edge in race tightness and it looks like we are more jelled as a team. Its just that height thing, I really hope the sail makers, engineers and boat builders have a couple of goodies in hand.
Hey Guilio, if you read this, thanks for the links to the club up at Lugarno.
Vale, thanks for supporting our team
Go Kiwis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David, it looks like your AC32 website analysis is correct, look at the choice of photo, Alinghi ahead by a nose.
If we start getting the weather calls right I definatly think we can do it again, and multiple times at that.
Thanks for a great blog!
Congratulations to ETNZ on a fine tactical win yesterday. Here’s hoping you can push the Swiss all the way and perhaps even steal the America’s cup away from the Europeans. As an Aussie I’d love to be able to come to Auckland in a few years time!!! Go Kiwis go! Just let us beat you in the rugby!
Hi Lee, I am very proud to support ETNZ. I am not a kiwi…as you know…but I would like to be…probably in the future I am going to become an adopted kiwi!!!!I want to try to realise my dream!!!! So, for me ETNZ is my team too!!!!
I think that right now the situation for the team is quite different, ’cause they have defeated Alinghi, and that’s the first defeat for the swiss team..so…!!!
Check this out guys. The best analysis from no other than the great Coutts:
http://www.mediaplayer.telegraph.co.uk/?item=41165267-9724-4984-8f68-814cab4c0124
Another Italian kiwi fan, back from the KZ7 days (but writing from the USA)…
It’s still uphill, everybody. Alinghi do seem to be a bit faster overall. So, the weather has to cooperate, Dalts and the guys have to be perfect, and Alinghi have to make some mistake. BUT, it can happen, and it did happen. Everybody focuses on Butterworth’s bad lee bow tack, but maybe the extra gybes on the last legs were also the sign of a little panic. Buzzy Bee seems to be working well overall, especially in straight line sailing. Let’s keep all available fingers and toes crossed!!!
Just used the interesting link that Shaukat gave us. Good Lord, I have the same point of view as Coutts. I have to change my point of view then, and quick!
Hi guys!
Here I am, back again! I was away for a couple of days, I followed the races on TV, but I missed the blog!
Great race 2!
I was a bit nervous after race 1…
The “IN BOCCA AL LUPO” worked!!!
Hey Lee, you are welcome!
Giulio
From http://www.rule69blog.com/
Magnus correctly predicted an Alinghi win of the AC in 2003–now he thinks TNZ will take it
Alinghi do have a big problem on the wheels. If Brad Butterworth is getting all ratsy about spectator wash then something is seriously wrong and I refer back to my earlier articles where I stated that the Alinghi camp is ‘seriously fractured.’
They’ve got a ‘B’ team helmsman in a ‘A’ team and are looking a little shaky. They certainly haven’t got the expected ‘speed to burn’ and it’s now when a superstar helmsman with an aura of invincibility (Coutts) is so valuable.
I wonder how popular Ernie is now in the afterguard – was the spat with Russell really worth it? Exit visas are iminent from the whole Kiwi entourage in the Swiss team when this series has run its course….
Thought as much…after all the hype it all comes down to who’s going to sail the best. The boats are pretty even with TNZ looking stronger in the light and Alinghi looking slippy when it gets windier. I still maintain that this will be one of the closest AC contests ever and I still have the Kiwis to win 5-4 but this is going to be a titanic test of guts and nerve.
I reckon the TNZ boys gave just a little too much respect to Alinghi in the first race but now they know they can mix it with them and that’s an important psychological edge to have. I reckon the momentum is swinging in favour of TNZ and I just can’t wait to see when Alinghi call for the Baird/Holmberg switch…can’t be long now, one more defeat and Alinghi will start panicking.
Good to read all your thoughts folks. It seems the boats are close enough for the outcome to depend pretty heavily on the ability of the wind teams to get that first shift right and put their boat in front. While saying that it’s obviously amazing that TNZ can show the grit and skill to come from behind.
I wonder how much of Race 2 was Brad’s “mistake” or whether it was just good sailing by TNZ to go a bit low and lure them into an early tack. Maybe they (Alinghi) were a tiny bit complacent and not the full 100% on the ball. A bit like Luna Rosa’s dummy jibe perhaps?
What I saw was a great team sailing well that was able to capitalise on a series of errors, no-one seemed to pick that A could have put a smother cover on earlier.
Lets pray that things go our way and that the boys are on the ball enough to rattle Alinghis’ cage in the pre-start, we have the right and a team that reacts well. In tonights race we have inertia on our side and there will be thousands of kiwis cheering them out to the course.
People keep saying that there was “one” tactical mistake. I believe there were two: at the gate finishing leg 2 Alinghu was in front by quite a bit they were closer to the Port mark and they decided to go to the starboard mark. Fair enough they wanted the right because historically the wind shifts to the right at the end of the afternoon but I reckon they could have gone to the closer gate (port) and bear away to starboard and defend that side saving a gybe and saving the ground they made to get to the starboard mark. No one said much about this. And may be Alinghu might have saved a good 4 to 6 seconds… crucial for that race.
I do hope Alinghu tactical master minds keep getting it wrong!
GO ETNZ!!! another “zombie with a grin” mode morning tomorrow!!!
I am a brilliant armchair admiral with the ability of hindsight.
I think your call is correct, but if they had gybed in front of us they would have been downspeed and under pressure to do 2 faultless moves, possible even having to do a kiwi drop. The situation had been read by us brilliantly and the boat was positioned to make that exact move difficult for A.
I heard Murray saying he favoured the right (left) prior to the setup gyb so the A boat was where they intended to be.
Hey Andy
The fact that we required TWO tactical errors from Adinghy is a BAD thing to me, not a good thing.
It still looks to me like they have a small speed edge and we need to get the weather calls better in order to counter act that advantage.
That said, the Adinghy team seems to be quite fracturous and even Craig Monk has commented to this effect in an overnight news item.
I was wondering about alinghy’s “team chemistry” a few weeks ago and some one replied “oh dont worry about it, they love each other “talkign about the Alinghy crew.
If they loose one more race I wouldnt be so sure about how much they like each other there. Especially if Murray Jones makes a call and Brad doesnt like it and so on.
And one more thing. I was happy after the win of course, but there no way we could go into “party mode” as yet.
NZ wins 3 more races and then I’ll stop biting my nails.
Actually Andy, ETNZ wins four more and I’ll stop biting mine!
I am just hoping and praying that Brad starts turning to water now that his confidence is shaken.
Can you say ‘Brad Dickson’ or how about ‘Chris Butterworth’ ?
Guys it will take more than a loss or two to rattle the tight 5 on A but I think we saw a truer picture on how it affected their boss. That may be more important because he will start making odd calls, such as replace Ed or Brad. The visible chemistry on A is just not there and reading between the lines it looks like Russell may have something bigger lined up for them all so maybe they are just biding their time and banking the francs.
G’day, Guys. Well this is the BIG one tonight! Weather conditions look similar to Monday apparently. Alinghi will be out to avenge their loss – they don’t like being made to look vulnerable. Brad will probably be as grumpy as all hell – which may well play into ETNZ’s hands.
ETNZ will need to remain aggressive in the starting box (there were three infringement appeals in the last race – two from ETNZ and one from Alinghi) and choosing the favoured side as always will be crucial.
ETNZ can negate Alinghi straight-line speed advantage by mixing it up as much as possible and keeping it a street brawl, rather than a stroll down the boulevard. Go ETNZ. Cheers, David G.
It’s time for Alinghi to feel the pressure… The “magic” has gone and now they know they can be beaten, even if their boat has a little edge in speed. They know that if they will make any mistake, they will pay for it. And the worst thing in sport is knowing that you can’t make a mistake… it’s the situation where the real champions and the strongest team can make the difference. Race 3 will be crucial, especially for Alinghi a second consecutive loss could be psychologically fatal. Game is on.
Brad Dickson? Chris Butterworth? Are we talking about KZ7?
Well, Braddles does seem to be getting a little hot under the collar like Chris did.
We can only hope it causes him to spiral into a self-induced melt down, cos there is NO WAY Adinghy can win this thing without him.
Alinghi has Joachen Schuman in reserve and Murray Jones is up to the job as well. Brad might be better but either of those guys could still give us a kicking.
Hmmm Lee, I tend to disagree.
If for no other reason than that it is difficult to replace any person in the after guard simply because it changes the team dynamic.
jays, I guess what i am saying is that as much as we dislike it, Alinghi has depth in personel. With as much experience as that they can interchange.
But to the point so do we. The difference in TNZ07 is that Dalton has had them all do each others jobs so that complete understanding of the systems and ability to cover an injury is on-board. Man I hoping the boffins have pulled a bit more height out of the bag.
NZL92 could point higher than any of the other challengers, so it’s hardly like we’re bad in that respect. SUI-100 is just a very very good boat.
Hey Lee, yep I agree that they have good coverage of personnel.
Its just that its pretty much impossible to replace a team member and have that team continue functioning as well as it was before, regardless of the quality of the replacement.
Thats why the AB selectors try to “settle” their combinations well in advance of a big match.
With regards to pulling more height out of the bag, I just can’t see it.
Neither team will be holding anything back now, simply because in another weeks time both these boats will become the worlds most expensive fishing boats, serving no further purpose other than for training and cannibalising in order to try out new concepts for the next generation of AC yachts
G’day Jays. Yes and no to the development thing I believe.
Sails are now about the only area where things can still improve. The genica which ETNZ was using in race two looked different to me than the one they flew in race one and the wind range was still pretty similar, although the sea state was not.
It seemed to me that the leach on the new sail was longer, more like that of Alinghi’s (but not quite as long) and carrying more fullness forward and lower down.
And remember Luna Rossa’s re-cut main sail in the LVC?
I think they may be allowed only one re-measure during the final thought, so they’d have to be pretty damn confident that the change was going to produce a better result.
Your thoughts? Cheers, David G
Yes David that sail was for a lower windrange I think, also after race 1 there may have been a few re-concepts involved because A didnt sail their previous hot angles downhill rather, quite deep really. I think we were moded sailwise to sail hotter so round 1 Alinghi.
Agree with any change requiring re-measure being a previously tried and tested certainty. I think from my understanding that minor wing angle/length stuff doesnt require re-measure. It would be interesting also to know how many sails have been measured so far too.
Man I’m supposed to be working on my new companies logo and stuff and all I can think about is amcup.
Hey jays can you offer me some tips on webpage and domain stuff?
Hey its blowing pretty hard over there, just looking at one of the sites and the breeze was tipping 30 knots and averaging 20, thats enough to push up quite a swell if it keeps up. I don’t think that really is an issue as long as our sail selection is right for the match period.
Just have a creative block for a bit, Lee and then you can get on with the important stuff like the AC. Hehehe.
NZL92 handled the big confused sea state well in the LVC you’ll recall, especial uphill. Whether the Buzzy Bee bulb has an effect on this capability I don’t know. I guess it will cause NZL92 to pitch a bit more than the shorter, fatter NZ Flag bulb.
On the other hand SUI100 seems to surf well, with her fuller bow sections, but she’ll go like a dog uphill in a big sea. You probably noticed how she hobbie-horsed like crazy in Race 1? That can’t be a fast mode compared to NZL92 which looked rock solid on the beat, surely.
Yep, you’re right about only one change requiring a re-measure.
And you’re defintely right about not wanting to make changes unless they are sure they will help.
Do you really think they can pull a new (and improved) sail out of the bag before the end of the regatta? They’re good, but are they THAT good?
If they race in 20 knots, I wonder how well the Adinghy crew will cope with that?
They did their “off season” training in Dubai, so they may not be used to it.
If their team is busy “holding on for dear life”, it won’t matter how fast their boat is!
They are not just THAT good, Jays. They are brilliant! As Dennis Conner said, ‘We all know the Kiwis are going to win the America’s Cup. We just don’t know which team.”
This is their best chance to win the Old Mug back. They have to take it.
If they don’t do it this time it’s back to the drawing board, another 4 years (maybe?) and I don’t know how many more hundreds of millions! By the way, are the sailmakers on the syndicates’ pay rolls or are they contracted from North Sails does anybody know? Cheers
Hehehe, yeah I loooove that quote from Dirty Den!
We have our own sail makers, but they still buy in sails from North Sails.
I assume that anything big that doesn’t need to be done in a hurry goes via Norths.
I think that ETNZ have done more than enuff to secure their future in the next AC regardless of whether they are the defender or challenger.
I don’t agree that this is our best chance, simply because this time we had to start from a very poor position in terms of funding and having to replace key team members.
Next time, we will have started from an incredibly strong base that will be AT LEAST as strong as Alinghi’s.
To be honest, I suspect that Alinghi will be a “spent force” by the time the next cup comes around, simply because they are built on a foundation of a few key team members who may well not be there next time.
What do you think?
I think you’re right about Team Alinghi. You can bet your sea boots that when Russel Coutts starts recruiting, those Kiwi core from Alinghi will be the first of the ‘cream’ to float his way. I’d say our Kiwis will be pretty well locked in this time around (assuming we don’t win) so maybe we might see Paul Cayard at Alinghi, eh?
Or maybe Chris Dickson?
Yeah, and Paul is clearly an excellent sailor.
But we are talking about losing the entire after guard PLUS.
And I don’t think anyone believes that Alinghi are the same now that they have lost Russell.
So, if they lose the entire NZ contingent, Ernie will need to find a whole new bunch of kiwis (hehehehe), and that will REALLY damage his chances.
Hopefully we win this damned thing, bring in a nationality rule that sees Ernie having to find 16 other swiss to mount a challenge in 2010 or 2011.
Can you say Team China? Cos thats how good they would be without the kiwis
Oh Dave, I don’t think we will EVER see Chris in the AC again, other than perhaps as a commentator.
And even then, he will probably piss off the other commentators anywho.
Chris just seems to be damaging to ANY team dynamic, and to be honest so does Larry Ellison.
I think the only way Larry will ever take away the AC is if he hires someone (like Russell) and then takes an entirely hands off approach to the team.
That includes giving up whatever pretence he has that he is a real sailor. How good can it possibly be having him “leering” over you in a tough situation?
I really hope the Aussie can get their s*!t together next time around and put a campaign together. Nothing like giving them a bloody good thrashing is there. Almost as good as giving Ernie a headache! Hehehe. Look out Melbourne when the AB’s come a calling!
You know, I am so far not particularly in awe of the ABs.
They are looking decidedly beatable at the moment. I can only hope that they will become more cohesive over the next couple of months, otherwise it will be “4 more years” as Gregan so eloquently put it.
I just hope they don’t jettison Henry like they have every other RWC losing coach.
Just cos a coach loses, doesn’t mean hes a bad coach.
Although, in the case of John Mitchell it does! And before you guys jump on me, I am referring to his total inability to relate to players.
The reason I maintain this is our best chance, is because next time we’ll be up against Team Russell Coutts (aka Larry Ellison’s team maybe?).
Can you imagine what may have happened in the LVC if Russell was at the helm and not Chris Dickson? I’m pretty sure that boat was no pup.
Hey Jays. Maybe we should stick to the topic otherwise SHS might send us another wee note! Ha, ha. I’ve gotta do some work! Good luck to the team tonight and let’s keep the faith guys. Cheers, David G.
Yeah, but I still believe that Larry is his own worst enemy cos he is a “micro-manager” and is pretty bad for team morale and cohesion.
You only have to read any of the IT articles about him to know that this is how he manages all aspects of business. I know from an ex-colleague that now works for Oracle (head office) that it is not a very “TEAM ENVIRONMENT”.
I don’t think that its any coincidence that Larry chose to hire Chris Dickson, they are peas in a pod with regard to man management.
Yeah, ur right!
He seemed REALLY grumpy for some reason!
Anywho, yep go the team!!!!!
How’s this for an out-there suggestion: Cayard and Coutts on the same team. They’re good friends.
Of course if Coutts ends up on Oracle there is no chance of that as there is no love between Paul and Larry.
I think I heard somewhere that Ernie wanted the Cup match to happen every two years. So if ETNZ doesn’t win, there won’t be much waiting.
Personally I’d be happy with sometime between 3 and less than 4 years between matches. Like any other World Cup of a major sport.
GO ETNZ tonight.
BTW, great stuff from Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Good on him!
What did Michael Barnett say???
Im with you with regards to 3 – 4 years. Any more frequent will take away from how special this event is.
People will start suffering from “AC fatigue”. Not us hard core AC psychos, but the general populous.
Michael told Auckland employers to cut their staff some slack, when they come into the office looking like crap after being up all night watching ETNZ beat Alinghi. Just how we’ll all look no doubt!
Yes I’m back. OK I admit it. I have a dependency! I had to come back for one more AC fix (and more than likely another after this. It could be worse I suppose. I could be a P addict or hurl dwarfs or something.
Well P would sure come in handy for staying awake until 3.30am…
Yeah, good on him!!!
My brain feels like fried eggs on toast at the moment!!!
Dunno how the hell a total non-sailor like me got to be so obsessed with this AC thingy, but bugger it I am!!!
Cayard and Coutts on the same boat would be a hell of a waste of helmsmen wouldn’t it, Carl. I mean, next to Dean Barker those guys would come in second and third wouldn’t they? Hehehe.
Well how about: 1- Coutts; 2- Barker 3 – Cayard?
Probably 3 – Spithill, 4 – Cayard. Or if you were reading the British press it’d be 1 – Ainslee, 2 – Coutts
I was thinking more along the lines of Cayard as tactician or mainsail trimmer.
Looks like the ValeNZia Wool Shed was going off guys. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to be there?
I worked with a bunch of guys on setting up and managing the Supporters Club for Sir Peter’s San Diego challenge and when things really started to rock (after race two I think it was) they invited us to send someone from the team up there. I couldn’t go unfortunately but one of my team did and she said the place was just unbelievable when the Kiwis took the Cup!!! A once in a life-time experience.
Imagine how things would be in ValeNZia if ETNZ pull it off this time?
I’m not 100% convinced that Russell is the asset that he once was (puts on flame retardent suit).
For sure, he is a GOD as a helmsman. But, he has left the last two teams that he worked for cos they wouldn’t give into his demands.
When he left TNZ, you could argue that it was their fault and not his.
But he left Alinghi for pretty much the same reason.
If Oracle (or whoever) make him CEO and helmsman, then that MIGHT be ok. But, does he really have any proven track record as a CEO anyway?
Also, how would that affect his efficacy as a helmsman?
Furthermore, the first time Larry overruled one of his decisions, what the hell is gonna happen?
What do you guys think?
Yeah, Carl. But would Cayard give up his dream of winning the AC as skipper? I doubt it. He’s got the talent (and the experience) to go all the way.
ok. “usual suspects”, I’m off.
I’ll try to get some sleep from 10 til 12 (baby permitting)
VAMOS EQUIPO NUEVA ZELANDA!
This is GO TEAM NZ! in Spanish
That’s a good point, Jays. I don’t know the answer to that. Maybe the job of CEO and Skipper does have to be kept separate? The commentators say so, but then they all talk crap like us anyway. But you ask an interesting question. I don’t know the answer to that one.
But I do think Russell the number one at the moment. If Dean and the team pull this one off, he won’t be any longer. Hehehe. Interesting that Russell really rates Dean’s ability and has gone on record as saying so.
Like all of us Cayard would like to sail for his own country I reckon.
The thing I like about his and Russells’ vision is making sailing accessible to everyone and neither of them is into the cult of personality thing. Dickson is still a good skipper and wont give up on the vision of hands on the cup either.
Hasta manana Andy
What makes Coutts so good isn’t just what happens on the water. Put him in an even boat with his competition and he’s very much beatable. His strength lies in getting the most out of his team with the time available. Have a read of some of his articles on setting up an AC team. That’s why his teams hardly ever lose races; they’ve set themselves up so that it’s very hard for them to lose.
I also think Larry+Russel is a bad bad idea, but there’s no question that Larry will be offering him megabucks anyway. Supposing Larry puts up $20 million+, do you think he’d say no?
Russell rates Dean because Dean blew his doors off in a slower boat. Check my posts yesterday
Yep Dave, we’re a bunch of trash talking idiots and I’m the worst!
I think we have all (or at least most) been guilty of under rating Dean in the past, because he is young and a nice guy and of all the crap that went down in 2003.
It probably doesnt help that he is very quiet and media shy, because this doesn’t sit well with our perception of what a “hard and steely” AC sailor should be.
But he has shown a lot of courage and resolve. How easy would it have been for him to just drop out of the public eye after the 2003 fiasco? But instead, he put his balls on the line and stuck it out.
Win or lose, both he, Dalton and the rest of ETNZ have proven their worth in my eyes.
I just hope this is reflected in the eyes of the general NZ public also, cos these guys deserve HUGE props!
Dunno, Ernie must have been offering a tonne of cash last time and he still turned it down.
At the end of the day he is just another person who wants to be happy. How happy can you be with Larry “hovering” over you? Despite what Larry might think, Russell is not a guarantee that you will win the cup and if they start to lose, Larry will “pop his clogs” as per usual.
Do you think Cayard is really capable of winning it now, David? I’m really not so sure. His independant spirit keeps him away from egotistical millionaires (not sure how he put up with Gardini in ’92) so he’s never been able to put together a strong enough team even if he and his people can win in an even race (which isn’t guaranteed if he’s up against Coutts, Barker, Spithill, et al).
Hey Carl and Dave G,
If we (God forbid) lose this AC, what’s your thoughts on the possibility of Russell recuiting Barker to be helmsman for Oracle…and Barker earning some decent coin?
I have a feeling Russell might not be into helming any more…
Yes, Jays. You’re right of course. Win or lose they’ve done brilliantly. But Dean is a tough bugger. Don’t know if you saw what Grant Dalton said about him when he took over TNZ in 2003. Grant said something like, “He’s (Dean) is a tough bugger. I climbed all over him and he stood there and took it.” Or words to that effect anyway.
Yeah, I read that.
Its just that many of us (including me) haven’t always given this guy the credit he deserves.
These comments are my way of admitting how wrong I have been in the past, sorry Dean.
I think that if he wins this one, he may well go on to assume the same sort of mantle that Coutts now has.
I guess TNZ’s secrecy policies havn’t always helped either. I havn’t seen the actual stats of those 2000 trial races mentioned anywhere but there are a fair bunch of folks that know the true numbers.
I feel that Russell would still like to put another kiwi program together, that vision for intergenerational cup challenges is still achievable.
Can you see Dean working for anyone but a well put together team, representing New Zealand? I just don’t think the moolah would motivate him that much.
But then I never saw Russell challenging NZ either.
And in any case, Dean will be worth a lot more when he wins this one – even from an NZ syndicate. So he’ll do OK on the money front.
Deano is incredibly underrated. There were still calls from some quarters to axe him after the team had placed first in the LVC, which is pretty mind boggling. I just can’t see someone offering him several million dollars to change teams.
Given the $150M-odd budget ETNZ got to work with this time (and assuming for arguements sake they win a few more races but the cup stays in Europe) that they should have more than that to work with next time, I’m sure Dean will be earning more than enough for him to want to stay put.
That confession almost bought a tear to my eye, Jays. It was cathartic – possibly even a religious experience! Hehehe. Good on ya, Buddy.
Yeah, if ETNZ win it this time they should be rolling in moolah.
Maybe they can hire me to come up with “hair brained ideas” like running memory wire thru their sales?
Hell, I would give a damn how much a job like that paid, would just be sooooo cool to brain-storm like that.
Maybe Ernie would pay better?
Nah I’d rather work for us.
One thing is for sure it is going to be interesting to see the next one regardless. My question is where is Jimmy going? are the aussies going to get their act together?
Brainstorming jobs for ETNZ seem to pay very well, actually. Marcelino Botin is employed simply to think up crazy ideas for us.
Lee, funnily enough, I don’t think the Aussies are passionate about the AC anymore…it just doesn’t seem to even register on TV or their general media…
In terms of Spithill. Lots want him of course, but they have to accept the guys he brings with him…Assuming Brad and the boys join Russell at Oracle…I don’t think he’ll drive for Larry.
My guess is, he’ll sail either stay with LR (assuming they try again…and if it’s in NZ, I doubt they will) or he’ll go to the British boat (assuming they can assure him, they’ll buy AC experienced designers and top class gear).
Hey David G,
Yep, it feels better getting that “stain” off my soul.
Actually, the moment when I realised just how solid Deano is came in Act 12 (i think) when ETNZ carted Oracle miles past the lay line on the downwind run.
Chris was spitting tacks, screaming and shouting. There were protest flags here there and everywhere. But ETNZ just kept going until it suited them and then gybed when it suited them and went on to win by something like 6 seconds.
If that aint love, what is?
Have you guys seen this?
One buzzy bee for sale, keel included:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Antiques-collectables/Other/auction-106289217.htm?p=3
Hey guys, what’s your favoured side to pick off the start line today and tomorrow.
I’m picking right side will be favoured today and left tomorrow. If so, both could be good for ETNZ’s relative starboard and port entries…
Jason, the side with the next shift balanced with any start line bias.
I’m picking fireworks tonight look for TNZ really mixing it up and hey if they make Alinghi turn enough they might break another rudder!
Jays, I’m glad you fessed up too, it takes a real man to admit he was wrong.
Basil Fawlty “I’m sorry, my wife has made a mistake”
Jays, that race in Act 12 was one of the best matchraces I’ve ever seen. I knew when I saw that that we’d beat Oracle, it was just a shame that Luna Rossa got the pleasure rather than us!
Talking about ‘where will they be next time’, I wonder if Laurie Davidson will have another go at designing IACC boats. It’s a shame his name had to be dragged through the mud with that mess at OneWorld last time.
Coutts a brilliant Yachtsman….. but a hopeless commentator , does he work for the Fiat Car company …..I heard more UNOS from Coutts than were parked on the Fiat production line ……. tonights interviw on TVNz produced 6 ” You Knows ” in a 15 second interviw ……..LIKE BUCK bring back PETER LESTER NOW …….absolutely Saabulous or is that faabulous……….
Hehehe, yep Lee ur right.
Chris Dickson was just on Campbell Live.
For those who didn’t see it, he estimates that ETNZ are about 2 boat lengths slower than Alinghi both up and down wind.
I hate to say it, but I agree with him.
But, lets cross our fingers that we can simply out sail the b*stards!
MMM, its what Ive seen too jays. Im sure there will have been a few tweaks while the boat was in the shed today, they didnt sail, which they would have if they were trying anything out.
like when we kids and we would sand the boats with 800 wet and dry in the direction of travel.
Years late an engineer/physicist pointed out to me that across the grain would have been more effective because of the trapped layer.
but it was good race prep, kept the nerves down and focus centred hahaha
I’m just as fanatical in my support of ETNZ ass anyone else, I am sure that anyone that frequents this board knows that.
But, I am also a realist. And the reality seems to me to be that we need to out-sail a team that has a slightly faster boat.
Hopefully Braddles will lose the plot and the whole Adinghy team dynamic will fly out the window.
If you had a problem with Coutts repetitive speach patters you must have hated to listen to the Montgomery/Cutler combo a couple of weeks back!
Damn, I missed Dicko. He was apparently on NewstalkZB yesterday too. Someone needs to YouTube all these things.
Carl the Dickson interview is a podcast on the newstalkzb site
I thought it was good having JC on too, like I dont know about you guys but I find Monty a bit over the top. I mean you have to have an enthusiastic presenter and all. As for Russell, he probably went into the situation uncoached, people need to learn to drop the normal phrasing of speech to commentate. like listen to a few of their own tapes, I just know that from having some radio DJ friends
Woo.
Lumpy seas and lightish breezes forecast. That blow must have stirred the waves up a bit eh?
Have you got a link for that ZB interview? I looked earlier but couldn’t find it.
Great wobling wazoobies!! I get home from work and have 92 comments to read through, great discussion going today.
Just watched Dickson on TV 3 he reckons TNZ are 2-3 lengths slower up wind and 3-4 down wind, and I totaly disagree. Four lengths is approx 100m, which is what WE put on Alinghi on the last leg. If there is a speed advantage to Alinghi, which I agree there could be, I think it is only slight as the wind freshens.
I think we will be alright in the waves up wind, maybe even faster, but down wind might be tricky if the wind is up.
It wasn’t the wind downwind that gave them the advantage, it was the swell. Their boat can surf and our funny shaped one can’t.
So we like it rough going upwind and smooth downwind, and Alinghi is the opposite.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/audio2/25174156.wma
try that Carl
I shouldn’t have said that sorry.
I noticed that Alinghi were pumping downhill like a windsurfer whereas we only pumped on the first leg, I think the boys let them get a bit of distance when they realised they couldn’t pass
Is that why Ernie stands behind Brad?
Thanks for the link!
I rekon Alinghi will need wind and swell to be fast down wind, if its lumpy and light I think they will strugle.
P.S I think Alinghi looks funny!
Magnus Wheatly picking TNZ by 41 seconds today!
Heading there on Thurs to join the party. Can’t wait…
Just a random question… will the AB’s game v Oz be on at the Woolshed Sat am???