Today is going to be a scorcher here, there is not a cloud in the sky. Its pretty light now (10am) but expect the heat to build and maintain a decent (12-14 knot) onshore breeze throughout the day.
Forecast: Starts south southeasterly 10-12 knots early in the afternoon then builds to 13-15knots and backs to southeast. Later in the afternoon continues to build 15-16 knots as the direction returns to south southeast. Broken high cloud and much hotter – Temperature 32 degrees
July 3, 2007 at 10:35 pm |
only the second Race 7 ever sailed in history of the AC Cup
July 3, 2007 at 10:42 pm |
Fingers crossed
July 3, 2007 at 10:52 pm |
GO KIWIS!!!!
July 3, 2007 at 10:55 pm |
GO GO GO
July 3, 2007 at 11:18 pm |
Let’s see Luke SkyBarker against Darth Butterworth again..
May the force be with us!
Go Kiwis!!!!
July 3, 2007 at 11:31 pm |
Hi Guys. Not long to go now. I hope we can take one more off Ernie at least. Love to spoil his party plans again.
Can’t think who might turn up to his proposed Looser’s Press Conference – maybe he will when he figures that ‘his’ Kiwis have already packed their kit bags. Hehehe.
GO ETNZ!
July 3, 2007 at 11:49 pm |
Will the evil emperor Ernie and Darth Butterworth prevail or will the rebelious kiwi freedom fighters restore justice and order to the AC galaxy……stay tuned for a momentous battle.
July 3, 2007 at 11:55 pm |
The Return of the Kiwi…
July 4, 2007 at 1:51 am |
Mamma mia che regata.
Non sto respirando dallo start.
July 4, 2007 at 2:28 am |
I have no more words…
July 4, 2007 at 2:29 am |
Bugga
July 4, 2007 at 2:44 am |
What member of the afterguard is sailing by the “Power of the Left” …Sorry no matter what anybody says this final has been a farce from a Team NZ perspective….There is no such thing as the Power of the left and quite frankly we meekly handed the Americas Cup to Alinghi…
And the BS being fed by TVNZ is incredible…..When we have starboard entry ,lose the right to the other boat who comes off the line even …and we still praise Dean for a great start….I do not think so….
July 4, 2007 at 3:00 am |
Bloody Gutted
One bloody Second
Bloody Swiss
July 4, 2007 at 3:32 am |
i feel really gutted that we lost.
BUT i am SOO OOOO PROUND OF TNZ>…….
Losing….. is bad.
but losing in such HONOURABLE fashion…..
I am really proud of you.
i’m sure i’ll support you, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME,, even if we go to the other side of the universe to race.
July 4, 2007 at 3:36 am |
Ron I know it hurts to lose mate, and there were mistakes made, but our guys have sailed a great reggatta. I really believe TNZ were the better crew, Alinghi was just a smidgin faster. That tiny bit of extra speed meant we only just couldn’t cross them and regain the right, 10m would have done it and avoided Dean getting sucked into a penalty.
I am inspired by our team this time, probably more than in 95, the scoreline dos’nt reflect how close it really was.
We are in good shape for next time, Dalts has the bug that Sir Peter Blake talked about, and Dean will be as mad as hell about that penalty, these guys have some major unfinished buisness to take care of.
Once the disapointment wears off I think we will see what a remarkable achievement this was, and look forward to another series in 2 years time?
Hey, its more fun being a challenger any way!!!
It still hurts though!
July 4, 2007 at 4:08 am |
there are no enough words to explain what I feel now…just heart broken ’cause we’ve lost the cup…anyway, during the all races I saw a very good team, strong sailors and wonderful men…in one word ETNZ!
THANK YOU GUYS FOR YOUR WORK, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PASSION, THANK YOU FOR ALL EMOTIONS YOU GAVE ME.
I AM PROUD OF YOU AND I LOVE YOU.
Valentina
July 4, 2007 at 4:13 am |
permission to cry…
… 1 second?! unbelievable!! i guess it just wasn’t meant to be… however etnz have still done us all proud to get as far as they have, considering the state of things back in 2003… deano is still a young guy – he has a lot of years ahead of him… sooner or later he’ll bring back that blardy cup… i hope adingy make the most of this win – i hear that the kiwi ‘tight 5′ are leaving to join russell coutts on oracle… without those kiwis onboard adingy are gonna struggle…
… ok, all blacks – it’s up to you guys now to stock up our trophy cabinet……
July 4, 2007 at 4:14 am |
1 second. Too close to call. Did you guys see the pictures of the line? Oh well, money wins over all again…also notice Ernesto was first to lift the Cup and Trouble was nowhere to be seen? Suspicions confirmed. Arse!!
July 4, 2007 at 4:26 am |
I’ve thought the same thing, and that makes all bitter…Money have defeated passion and love again, and I can’t stand it! I can’t give up thinking about our guys….
’cause it’s more difficult to accept a defeat for just one second!!!
Anyway, ther is no story between ETNZ crew and Alinghi….Kiwis are absolutely better!!!
July 4, 2007 at 4:28 am |
You guys hear about a possible protest coming from ETNZ? http://www.rule69blog.com/
July 4, 2007 at 4:44 am |
I dont think any think will happen with a protest. But anyway… Guttered about the result but bloody proud to be a kiwi right now! Great stuff team new zealand i just hope we challenge again
July 4, 2007 at 6:31 am |
I still have little but disdain for Butterworth and his gang of mercenaries. 4 years ago he chose money over pride and patriotism. Once a traitor, always a traitor.
July 4, 2007 at 6:49 am |
Hello New Zealand!
I say bravo, gentlemen. A nice melee (makes me think of another sport where you excel…) but at the end, we narrowly prevailed. Very tight match indeed. However, it would have been quite “unfair” to lose Race no. 7 in such a way. Of course, Team New Zealand also had its share of bad luck with the spi, no questions about it. I think Grant lost the race when he came to the last transition and that silly penalty.
See you in four years in Europe, I suppose! I hope that this time, Alinghi choose a nice Italian sea resort.
July 4, 2007 at 6:52 am |
Hello again.
I’ve just read the comment from “Adrian B”. I must says I disagree totally. Here in Italy, we also have this kind of talk when it comes to great football champions playing abroad. I find it quite silly. Just my 2 cents (of NZD).
July 4, 2007 at 8:22 am |
Gutted.
Boats: pretty even (may be Alinghi half an inch faster)
Management: even. Opposite styles but same goal.
Helmsmen: Barker a mile ahead of Baird.
Afterguard: Butterworth has proven to better than Hutchinson I’m afraid.
TNZ have lost against a somewhat better team. As much as I hate to say it.
It’s been a pleasure to participate in this blog. Thanks to P Lester to set it up.
Regards to Jays, Lee, David G, Vale and Giulio.
See you guys for the next 33th AC. Some of you may be before that. I posted my email previously in case some one wants to contact me.
July 4, 2007 at 8:40 am |
Hey Andy
Ur right, its been a real pleasure talking with all u guys and will see you all “same bat time, same bat channel” at the next AC.
If anyone wants to email me, heres my address: jaysonspeer (at) gmail.com
Go ETNZ for the 33rd AC, we need to save the AC from this egotistical maniac!!!
July 4, 2007 at 9:09 am |
BUGGER! No prizes for coming second in this game.
But what a regatta. What amazing guts and detirmination by ETNZ and of course Alinghi. They were the better team in this competition, as much as it sticks in my throat to say it.
To Grant Dalton, Dean Barker, Terry Hutchinson, Kevin Hall, Ray Davies, Adam Beashel, Don Cowie, Grant Loretz, James Dagg, Chris Ward, Rob Waddell, Jono Macbeth, Barry McKay, Tony Rae, Matt Mason, Richard I’m going for a swim) Meacham, Jeremy Lomas, the B boat team and to all the shore crew, thanks for the wild ride. See you all next time.
Cheers, David G
July 4, 2007 at 9:23 am |
Peter Lester. You’re a legend. This blog has been sooooooo great and has added an extra dimension to this AC for me. Thanks you.
Great camaraderie from all the bloggers (mostly) interesting exchanges of views and some great, heated, passionate and very funny conversations – and some new friendships developing I’ve no doubt.
Great to hear you back on the commentary team again last night too, Peter. Again, many thanks and regards, David G.
July 4, 2007 at 9:25 am |
Hi, another italian here!
I’ve been lurking for a while but now I’ve plucked up the courage to write a few words…
First of all, congratulations to ETNZ for being true champions of sailing, sportmanship and persistence!!! To Deano, Dalts & Co (as if they would ever read my silly post…
), you did a worderful job! Good on ya guys!
Btw: loved this blog too!!!!
See all you guys in Europe for the next AC!
–> Etnz (and Italian) fan from Venice, Italy
July 4, 2007 at 10:03 am |
Hi mates,
!!! Too much for my poor sailing heart.
I’m so sad tonight!
And this is the second time in the present AC (after LR’s defeat..)
But it was really a pleasure, often a real fun, to talk with you all, here in Peter’s blog (Thanks Peter!!)
I think I now have some new friends, just a little bit too far away for a beer together… But who knows?
If you come to Italy for any reason, don’t forget to contact me!!!!
My girlfriend will prepare for us the best dish of “spaghetti con le vongole” you could ever dream of!
Here is my email address: giulio (AT) strider.it
I must admit that this was the best AC final ever seen!
Thanks to ETNZ and Alinghi, two fantastic crews and boats.
And don’t be too angry with the kiwis in the other teams, they too are showing to the world how many fantastic sailors NZ has.
This time you have lost, it’s true, but fighting with honour till the end, and against a really strong opponent.
PS Now Italy vs NZ is 2-1
In he next AC I’m sure it will be 2-2!!!
And it will be our turn trying to send the Swiss back to the Alps skiing…
I hope TNZ and LR will continue their campaign!!!!!
If this blog will remain online you will find me here again.
If not, in the Luna Rossa forum, there is a always a section in English..
Bye
Giulio
Ah, sorry for my poor English! Writing and reading here was also a good exercise!
)
(I hope..
July 4, 2007 at 10:06 am |
eh eh eh eh
ops
NZ vs Italy is 2-1 …
July 4, 2007 at 10:12 am |
Doesn’t anyone find it kind of suspicious that there was no over-head shot of the finish line as the boats crossed, or that the lady in the committee boat had the blue flag ready in her hand (and not a yellow one just in case) ready to be raised?
July 4, 2007 at 10:21 am |
Yeah I agree that was suspicious but on the overhead shot before they cut to the surface camera you could tell that Alinghi were going to cross just ahead.
July 4, 2007 at 10:27 am |
Whew it doesn’t come much closer, from the flavour of this blog its arriveducci from me guys, its been fun talking to you all.
See ya’s Andy, Daniel, David, Guilio, Jays and Vale.
I have been really touched by the supporters of our team from Italy, thanks.
At the end of the day we got beaten by a fractionally better boat gulp, (you dont know how hard it was to write that) and a fair bunch of luck/experience.
1 second / shakes head.
Congratulations to Team NZ, you guys did well.
Guilio I will take up that offer if I am ever in Italy yes! Your english is good!
leewilkinson@xtra.co.nz
Whangarei Heads, New Zealand
July 4, 2007 at 10:34 am |
Hey all u Italians on this board.
if ur ever in Wgtn, email me (address above) for dinner!
July 4, 2007 at 12:20 pm |
This blog has really enhanced the AC experiance for me, its great to be able to disscuss, “argue” and have a bit of fun with people passonate about the same thing.
lets hope TNZ stay alive and we can do it all again in a couple of years time!
July 4, 2007 at 12:28 pm |
Well Daniel, the govt have already given them $10 million.
PLUS, they have indicated that they will give MORE than the $34 million that they gave last time.
It still won’t make me vote for Aunty Helen and the “Big Brother Brigade”, but it just might (MIGHT) stop me from running her down in the streets of Wellington next time I see her!
July 4, 2007 at 1:02 pm |
Here’s the shot. So close! http://bp0.blogger.com/_1CDZ7Ya8Ni0/Roq0V9TlOrI/AAAAAAAAAXY/bchJ0B3EBKo/s1600-h/Untitled-2.jpg
July 4, 2007 at 1:35 pm |
Thats fantastic news Jays, if TNZ can keep the team largely intact that should ensure a very strong team next time.
Seeing Dalts get a bit emotional on the phone at the end when talking about the kiwi support was a special moment, there’s no doubt where his loyalty lies, he really is an inspirational leader.
July 4, 2007 at 1:56 pm |
Oh yeah! They shud Knight him just like they did Blake.
I don’t give a toss if they didn’t win, what he did was an even greater achievement in my book, cos he started out with such a “mess”.
Won’t it be lovely to see Ernie cry when he finally loses this thing?
July 4, 2007 at 2:38 pm |
Alinghi’s boat and sailing team was better. There was very little in it; we could’ve still won if we’d been lucky. The spectacle was wonderful. And it may turn out to be even better for us if it remains in Europe.
July 4, 2007 at 2:52 pm |
Ernie doesn’t cry, he just gets angry. I agree, Dalton should get a Knighthood (or whatever they call it now). I mean, the guy was a legend long before ETNZ anyway.
July 4, 2007 at 2:55 pm |
I reckon they shud seriously consider giving some sort of honour to Matteo De Nora as well.
That guy was a saviour of ETNZ and aint even a kiwi!!!
July 4, 2007 at 5:59 pm |
Another Italian guy…
July 4, 2007 at 7:01 pm |
BR form a spanish fan!
I just want to thank the kiwi team such a great AC final! Every match has been a fantastic day! I saw yesterday the last match from the sea, i can’t express with my poor english how exciting was the last moments in the race.
I had a divided heart during these days. My head wanted Alinghi to win (hey!, they took AC to my city! And probably the will keep it here for next time!), but my heart was with New Zealand. I can tell you that this feeling was shared with almost all my friends here.
I hope the kiwi supporters that came to Valencia had a good time here. With a bit of luck, we will see you back here, at the other side of the planet.
Thanks ETNZ!
Antonio
PS: Next time we will see Desafio in the Louis Vuitton final!
July 4, 2007 at 7:27 pm |
Peter – you are the best commentator in the world. Brilliant job yesterday (apart from the finish of course when no one knew what was happening). I just want to thank you for giving such amazing commentary these last few months. You brought the best sport in the world to life!!
Well done, Bob
July 4, 2007 at 8:10 pm |
Gidday Guys!!! Here we are… today I am very sad…I spent a strange night dreaming about the race…ehmmmm.
I am leaving for Valencia today in the afternoon..but the spirit is different from yesterday before the race…
I would like to thank everybody in this blog…I spent so nice time talking with you about ragattas…Maybe, I am going to email you in one month once in Auckland…it could be nice to meet all together, guys, to have a beer talking about ETNZ.
SPECIAL THANKS TO PETER, ‘CAUSE HE GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SOMETHING MORE ABOUT SAILING WITH THIS FANTASTIC BLOG.
GUYS, KEEP IN TOUCH!YOU ARE TOO FUNNY!!!
KIA ORA!
VALENTINA