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The America's Cup might just happen
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BMWO's BOR90 BKA DOGzilla
The America's Cup is quickly becoming more legal match than sailing match. Some would say that's all it's ever been and they may be right, but I still want to see some sailing. Normally, the America's Cup is a sailboat race with good PR, people follow it more closely because it's the America's Cup but the racing isn't even necessarily better than any other Gran Prix style race in the world. This time it will be different.
Why? These gigantic multihulls you see pictured here. Though neither is likely to be the final iteration of boat sailing in the Cup in February 2010, they give you an idea of what we have in store for us. Fast, big boats that could implode NASCAR-style at any moment. BMW Oracle has a 90'x90' trimaran affectionately named DOGzilla (the DOG is shorthand for deed of gift). This boat has been training in its two iterations down in San Diego for over a year, reportedly hitting speeds of 40 knots (that's ~46MPH for non-sailors). It's so fast and the sailors are up so high that they wear helmets!. (Editorial note: that's a good idea for anyone who sails if you think about it ... ever seen an accidental gybe?).
Alinghi countered with a monster catamaran, named Alinghi 5 (catzilla and cheesezilla were the prime options for their nickname, cheesezilla "won" out). This boat is a progression from Alinghi's Le Black, a legendary 40 foot catamaran. It's light, fast and though they haven't sailed in much wind yet, the rumors are 2-3x windspeed. Apparently, this boat is lighter than DOGzilla and can give it a run for its money if the wind is light.
But there is controversy. Cheesezilla has an engine to help the sailors trim, hoist and furl the sails. The sailors sit in the cockpit and push buttons...you know, sort of like a video game. I guess they will still have to tail the line (unless they get some cool titanium robots to do that!). That's an idea: robot ninja sailors!
Back to reality, though, as grim as it is. What we have is the NY Supreme Court saying that Alinghi's rules are valid and engines are allowed. So, Dogzilla has to be modified or replaced to be on equal footing with Cheesezilla; they will both probably have engines. As sad as that is, at least there's certainty and we are going to get to see these beasts race. For me, at least, that is the best scenario there is.
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