America's Cup

[magentawave]

I thought one of the biggest advantages for the huge wings was in there ability to be tuned to exactly suit the current conditions but I guess at some point you just have to go with less surface area, eh?

I got excited about Conners cat just because I've been a multihull fan since I was a little kid but it was a stupid race and he obviously sand-bagged it because he could have sailed literal circles around the other boat. San Diego's light wind and having the races far offshore is something I hope they never return to though. For me, the races in SF bay with state-of-the-art multi's was the AC I've been dreaming about forever. Seriously, my pulse quickens whenever I see those boats! I wish they could make em more affordable so more countries could participate but "affordable" and huge doesn't mix.

[KiwiSupGreg]

The affordability issue means that Team NZ might not be able to challenge again...we basically have 2 weeks to secure our people and technology....before we loose them to the Billionaires...

[magentawave]

Are you saying that all challengers must make their decision within the next two weeks of they can't compete in the next AC? And what do you mean lose them to billionaires? Was the NZ campaign funded by taxpayers?

The affordability issue means that Team NZ might not be able to challenge again...we basically have 2 weeks to secure our people and technology....before we loose them to the Billionaires...

[KiwiSupGreg]

No the challenger's don't need to put their hands up in the next 2 weeks, but the feeling from Team NZ management is that they will loose the crew soon if the teams future is unknown for too long.

The Tax payers put up 34 million for this last challenge..

[magentawave]

The Tax payers put up 34 million for this last challenge..

Well thats not right.

[KiwiSupGreg]

Plus we gave Tax cuts to boat builder and technical industries...ironically Oracle used a lot of our technology and people in NZ.  Without Tax payer money we simply wouldn't be able to have an entry...all NZ America's cup challenges have been tax payer funded...(propped up with sponsorship of course)..

Its why its Called TEAM NZ 

[Just Cruising]

The Tax payers put up 34 million for this last challenge..

Well thats not right.

The Americas cup captivated the WHOLE nation in NZ.  Racing was during peak hour traffic for us and the motorways were free flowing.  During the weekends not a car or person was to be seen.  As one person put it at a bit over $10 a head it was the best value entertainment we have ever had.

The other justification is the massive profile it generates for NZ and its marine industry which is a significant money earner for us.  For example this is parked up in Auckland at the moment.  Excuse the terrible ad before the video.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11134415