America's Cup, Oracle Team USA, Unbelievable!

No matter what happens Wednesday (September 25), this year's America's Cup has been one for the record books -- we may never see anything like these AC72 boats, or the unbelievable comeback by Oracle Team USA, ever again in our lifetimes. If you're like me, the only thing you will be watching Wednesday 4:15 ET (US), is the final America's Cup race from San Francisco either on TV or Live Virtual Eye and audio online at americascup.virtualeye.tv. More info, including TV sources worldwide, at americascup.com. Race Replays at: http://www.youtube.com/user/AmericasCup/videos 

After Comeback for the Ages, a Last Dash for America’s Cup - NYTimes.com: "A week ago, the defender of the trophy, Oracle Team USA, bankrolled by the American billionaire Larry Ellison, trailed by eight races to one and was just one defeat from losing the most prestigious prize in yachting to the challenger, Emirates Team New Zealand. But by winning seven races in succession, including two on Tuesday, Oracle has tied the series at 8-8. Winds permitting, the rivals from different hemispheres will contest one final race Wednesday, winner take all."

May the best team win!

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America's Cup, Oracle Team USA or Emirates Team New Zealand, who will win?

America's Cup, Oracle Team USA: Nail-Biting, the America's Cup Is Not - WSJ.com: "When the America's Cup finals start Saturday, defending champion Oracle Team USA will begin the first-to-nine-wins series with negative-two victories. That is its punishment for illegally adding weights to boats in less-prestigious races more than a year ago. But if history holds its course, the penalty might not even matter: The vast majority of finals have been sweeps. . . ."

As the article referenced above points out, most America's Cup events end up a sweep by the winner, as the "fastest boat" almost always wins (unlike the Olympics where everyone sails the same boat), which puts a premium on boat design and as a result, many innovations have come from America's Cup races. This year, the AC72s are awesome, and a bit terrifying to sail--some say even dangerous--having taken the life of Olympic sailor Bart Simpson in a tragic accident on San Francisco Bay this past spring.  We may never see these boats sailed again in an America's Cup. But competitive sailing catamarans, foiling (airborne on foils), in races on bays or close to shore where spectators have a ring-side seat, are probably here to stay. The AC45s (used in the lead-up World Series races last year) appear to be a safer and less expensive alternative for future America's Cup races.

So who looks to take it all away and emerge victorious? We will all probably have a pretty good idea after the initial races Saturday and Sunday, but having watched both teams, I would favor the Kiwis (Emirates Team New Zealand) to take back to Auckland the Auld Mug.

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