2000/2002 Archives
The Goose: A New Way to Fly?
Of course this is well after the fact as far as Oracle is concerned, but we still thought it very interesting, especially for potential future applications. According to what we know, The Goose was a Sitex radar, the same type sold at West Marine, bundled with Nobeltec RadarPC Software. Oracle wasn't using the Nobeltec software; they just wanted the radome that fed directly to a PC. They wrote their own code and used it to develop polar data on their competitors.
Apparently the Goose was actually an idea carried over from America One. The folks at Nobeltec were developing the concept for a sailboat racing feature pack, and one of the features was this very thing: Developing, and maintaining polar data on your competitors, using an assumed wind speed & direction from your own instruments, and the radar unit to track their speed and heading.
The thinking was that this wouldn't be deadly accurate, but it would be pretty good. However, according to sources, Oracle's was indeed pretty damn accurate, as long as there wasn't considerable separation between the boats. However once they had developed sufficient data from close quarters sailing, they could use the process in reverse, when the separation was large, to determine the wind speed & direction that the boats were sailing in. Amazing stuff.
AC Report
Sink or Swim?
By Laurie Fullerton
Auckland, NZ - Speculation about why New Zealand's two best sailors, Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth, left home and country to sail for Switzerland reveal that the two men had no contract with the team's leaders months after they had won the America's Cup for New Zealand in March 2000.
"We would be sailing for Team New Zealand today if we had been given a deal with them," said Russell Coutts. Coutts is now the skipper and executive director of the Swiss-syndicate Alinghi owned by Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli. In New Zealand, Coutts has been vilified as a traitor and a strong campaign against him has threatened his family and has forced him to hire bodyguards.
Coutts and Butterworth now must race against their old team as a showdown between the Swiss Alinghi Challenge and Team New Zealand is set for Feb. 15 when the America's Cup challenge begins. It is speculated that if Coutts and Butterworth win the Cup for Switzerland, the national response to them could be violent.
"I
am well aware of the strong reaction in New Zealand to our decision to
leave," Coutts said. "At the time, Brad and I had been involved
for over two years in very difficult discussions with the people who controlled
the trust that ran Team New Zealand. Our first preference was to stay
with TNZ with what was a fantastic team. It was disappointing to end our
career
with TNZ."
Until today, the public was unaware of the negotiations between an older generation of New Zealand businessmen who controlled the Team New Zealand charitable trust, and the young and talented Coutts and Butterworth who sought to take over the management of the trust but were stalled for years.
Peter Menzies, a trustee for Team New Zealand admitted that Coutts and Butterworth were without contracts or guarantees from TNZ when they signed on with Ernesto Bertarelli's Swiss syndicate in May 2000 and were paid up to $15 million for 10 years.
"When we won the cup in 2000 with TNZ, I was left with a six pack of beer and a t-shirt," Butterworth said."There was complete frustration with the leadership."
According to Menzies, Coutts and Butterworth wanted to take over the management of Team New Zealand, but the conditions obliged the two sailors to assume a debt of $5 million and other liabilities.
"The demand that they take on a debt of $5 million, and other matters were negotiated," said Menzies."But, when Russell and Brad left for Europe we were still in negotations. The trustees had not been able to offer them an agreement yet."
By May 2000, Coutts and Butterworth, two of the best sailors in the history of the sport, were en route to Switzerland.
Coutts admits he did not forsee the backlash against he and Butterworth in New Zealand which has turned into a nasty campaign of hatred fueled by fringe groups.
"Sailors and other team members who had financial obligations and families to support faced uncertain futures," Coutts said. "We repeatedly requested meetings with the trustees to finalize a management deal as promised. We took stock of the situation. We had no contracts."
From the Basin
With the summer sun finally beating down on the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, the Louis Vuitton Cup final is over and a in three-week hiatus exists until the America's Cup begins in early February.
The advent of the America's Cup in Auckland has given the LV winners, the Swiss Alinghi Challenge, time to reflect on the kind of racing that just occurred, and to look towards what they will be up against when they face Team New Zealand on Feb. 15.
Russell Coutts and the amazing Alinghi afterguard of Kiwi comrades-in-arms Brad Butterworth and Murray Jones have been spectacular. But, just as Larry Ellison described the team as a Swiss watch with Kiwi parts at a press conference, heads turned towards two other secret weapons on the team including three-time Gold medallist from Germany Jochen Shuemann who serves as strategist and syndicate head and navigator, Ernesto Bertarelli, 37, who may not have the sailing credentials of Coutts and Shuemann but he has "got it," whatever 'it' is.
While Shuemann had all of Germany watching the LV cup, Switzerland was celebrating wildly as it dawned on them they would be challenging for the America's Cup for the first time in history. Europe, by all accounts, is pumped up about this race and already vying for places to host it. Those loyal to New Zealand, besides the New Zealanders, want this wonderful event to come back here. The Kiwis, of course, feel the same way. It should be a tension-filled series coming up.
But, when it comes to how the Kiwi pride will play out during the America's Cup, the neutral Swiss sailor Bertarelli says, "the movie has to be written. It all begins today. Everyone has a role to play. The defining moment is coming and will tell us a lot about what we all feel about the sport of sailing. The next three weeks will be very important."
In other words, Bertarelli does not want an embarrassment, but a celebration. He is telling New Zealand, don't let nationalism and pride go too far.
There is no question that the legendary sailing abilities of Coutts and Butterworth have a lot to do with the 5-1 finish against Oracle in the LV finals, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the popular and well-liked Bertarelli has become one of the boys as no other syndicate boss has in recent Cup memory.
The handsome and friendly, Bertarelli, 37, who heads up one of the most successful pharmaceutical companies in the world, was candid when asked what he was getting out of this experience.
"I love sailing and I was brought up next to the water," he said. "Sailing brings me down to earth. In corporate life, you don't meet real people. When I am with the other guys out sailing, I am just another person. It allows me to get perspective."
Hours after uttering these words, Bertarelli and his wife were celebrating with the rest of the mob at 3 a.m. at the Alinghi compound. The band had long since gone home, but the dancing didn't stop until 4 a.m.
"We needed the closure and we needed to celebrate the win to get closure and move on to the next challenge," Bertarelli said.
The next challenge will be both a hopeful time for New Zealanders and a wild ride for Switzerland. It is true that the Swiss don't need the America's Cup as much as New Zealand does, as this country has a great deal of investment in the yachting industry and, of course, their Kiwi pride, but even Australian Alan Bond thinks that bringing the Cup to Europe might be good for the sport.
"It is difficult now for Australia to get interested in mounting a challenge, if it stays next door in New Zealand," said Bond, who attended a special 20th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Cup on Tuesday night."I think Australia will launch a campaign if it goes to Europe."
In fact, it looks like Germany, Poland, Spain, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, USA, and Italy will, too.
"We are disappointed there are no Americans in the Cup but we still think this is good for the sport," said Larry Ellison. "The USA had the trophy for a long time and this just shows the globilization of this sport."
Dirty Laundry
This, from yet another down-under source. - Ed
Well since yesterday seems the dirty laundry campaign has been cranked up a notch or 2 here.
After yesterday's revelation of the Coutts / Halcrow letters (e-mails actually), it seems that Mr. Billy Butterworth in his whining to the UK yachting press has started a rare rebuttal by one of the directors brought into the TNZ camp after the 200 campaign.
Coutts
& Butterworth claim they were pushed into leaving TNZ because the
new directors & owners of TNZ did not want them round.
Remember Sir Peter Blake had confirmed his departure for "Blake's
Adventures" and "Raw Meat Taylor, Laurie Davidson, Craig Monk
et al, had all departed or were departing for pastures (read green back)
greener.
In leading up to & shortly after the defense in 2k, TNZ had reorganised it's board & pulled in some pretty astute & honest people, one namely in the shape of Ralph Norris, (ex-CEO of the ASB Bank here in NZ - he turned this from a regional bank into one of the major players attracting a buy-out from the Australians), and lately CEO of Air NZ (seems to be turning this basket case round as well), and Ross Blakwell to name but 2
Upshot is that Mr. Norris is probably about one of the most trusted & dare I say this, "Inspired businessmen" round this place who is a Kiwi version of Craig McCaw - discrete, speaks softly, & takes a lot to rile up.
Tonight TV1 (in the prime news slot) intimates that Mr. Butterworth & Coutts may well be (to use their words) "Re-inventing history" with their version on their collective departure from TNZ.
Seems that 3 weeks before, Mr. Norris had been party to a negotiated deal to retain the duo & was in his own words shocked & stunned by Russell's phone call advising him of the departure.
Credibility for Coutts & Co is lessening by the hour & also there is a major watershed due on the antics over the TNZ reorg that will not sit well with the yachting public of the world, let alone the average Kiwi on the street when this all blows up - I hope after The Cup.
The fact that Ralph Norris came out immediately after the release here of Butterworth's article is due to Mr. Norris placing himself as his word in all of his business dealings & not willing to be dragged into the sparring & innuendo that appears to be strategically released, conveniently this close to The Cup.
Neither side (outside of Norris) appeared publicly to confirm or deny.
As for the teams, Alinghi is on stand down for the sailing crew till the 28th, & TNZ had a day in the shed.
Commentary
Bummed
I have to admit, I was pulling for Oracle. I wasn't always a fan, in fact I was critical of their program early on, predicting a certain state of chaos and underperformance due to Larry Ellison's history of meddling. Oh yeah, and when he announced that he planned on steering, that was a good one. I'm sure the crew really got behind that notion. And then he benched Paul Cayard AND Chris Dickson, I really felt that they were a program gone very awry.
They sort of crept through the early rounds, not much displaying anything that would make us think that they weren't heading for a premature exit. But then Ellison did what he should have done from Day One: He put Dickson in charge. This was the right guy - fast, experienced, and possessing the killer instinct. Not a favorite with the team, but that is of little matter - they needed an internal ass kicking, and they got one.
Perhaps his greatest move as The Man was also his first move: Kick Ellison off the boat. Is there anybody who didn't completely dig the balls on Dickson for that one? Props also to Ellison for recognizing the import of that and for once checking his Katana sized ego at the dock.
Most likely there were a number of changes to the boat from Farr, new sails, and god knows what, but clearly Dickson got their floundering program up to speed faster than perhaps any one else could have.
They got good, fast and one could see the progression. How good would they get? This was great theater made even better when they made the finals to sail against Alinghi. Though the final score doesn't reflect it, it was a great and even compelling series. Had a couple of critical breaks gone the other way, and you've got a series that could have gone right to the wire.
But even if it had, I think we all know that the outcome would have likely been the same. Oracle was just a touch less good in too many areas to beat an incredible team like Alinghi. Still, I liked the way Oracle climbed to the finals, the way they fought, and the way Chris Dickson re-established himself, (in a way that Peter Gilmour, DC and Ken Read, could only hope to), as one of the best sailors in the world.
Oracle should not be bummed about losing to Coutts and Alinghi. Leave that to me.
PS
- Is it too late to jump on the Alinghi bandwagon? Better yet, let me
see who wins race one before I decide!
Big Mo
By Laurie Fullerton
Momentum. That is what Alinghi has over Oracle/BMW going into Sunday's sixth race at match point in the best of nine Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series leading it 4-1.
"A lot of success in this Cup is about momentum," said Alinghi pitman and American Josh Belsky. "The guy with momentum seems to do well. Today it was very important to put a halt to Oracle's momentum. Now they have to win every race and I think we are a better team then one that can't win one out of the next four races."
Alinghi crossed the finish with 13 seconds to spare ahead of Oracle in a race that was both tactically decisive and sailed brilliantly by both teams with Oracle being tricked into jibing a little early just as the wind subsided on the fourth, and decisive leg.
Oracle lost the start but rounded the first upwind mark 28 seconds ahead of Alinghi. The black USA-76 kept the momentum going for the next two legs with a fairly comfortable 30 second lead. On the fourth leg, with Alinghi chewing away at the distance, Oracle fell out of phase and jibed earlier than they needed too. Alinghi seized the moment and tiptoed ahead maintaining a lead and finishing 13 seconds ahead.
"Today, we did pick the worst possible moment to jibe because the wind died," said Oracle afterguardsman Tommaso Chieffi.
When asked why they didn't extend their lead any further, Alinghi strategist Jochen Shuemann said toungue in cheek "there was no need to extend the lead further because we got ahead and we only needed one point."
Chieffi said that, "the scoreboard doesn't reflect the real story and how close it was. We may have been a bit out of phase and that is the way it is. Our crew work is good and we put Alinghi is some tough spots. We can still win it. We should have won. If we do what we can do, we will win races."
Races is the operative word as the Golden Gate Yacht Club must win the next four to stay in the driver's seat until Tuesday.
When asked why Alinghi looked so good on the downwind legs today, Shuemann gave the credit to his opponent.
"Oracle has helped us and they do sail smart downwind and we learned from that," he said. "So, we are doing more of what they are doing."
Both teams agree that although the breeze has been fickle on the Gulf throughout the series, "the gains and losses have been based on whose done a better job managing the lanes of pressure," Belsky said. "We talked well today and our guys are processing and planning the next strategy like a chess game. Murray Jones spends most of the time looking upwind. Brad Butterworth processes all the information. He gets a constant stream from Ernesto [Berteralli, who is both the syndicate head of Alinghi and the team's onboard navigator] and we have all improved by developing continuity on the boat."
"Both our team and Oracle now have a lot of continuity on the boat, but Oracle's boat has been moded so that now they are getting the boat speed they want," Belsky said.
Oracle's explanation for their performance may come down, in part, to having to learn to sail the boat again and again due to the mode changes they have gone through as they have tried to perfect boat speed. Or, at least that is what Belsky thinks.
"Oracle has improved their boat all around. When the round robin started, they were moded for heavy winds and had a small mainsail and a deep keel. It turned out there were some light air periods during the round robin and Oracle got clobbered in light air. They have now shortened the draft and gotten quicker. The crew has upped their skill level but perhaps Alinghi was fortunate to have our designer and crew produce a good all around boat early on."
As one insider who did not want to be quoted said,"Alinghi is just a few clicks faster in stronger breeze and as the wind built over 14 knots, I think she just became those few clicks faster."
What Oracle fans should pray for is a light air day, for the next four races.
Game On!
By Laurie Fullerton
A line of BMW's with headlights flashing lined the Viaduct of Auckland harbor this evening; Larry Ellison was smiling aboard his yacht Tatana with his main squeeze on his arm, and Peter Holmberg, not Chris Dickson, drove Oracle to a decisive 2 minute and 13 second win, making it 3-1 in the best of nine Louis Vuitton Cup series. It seems that all is finally right with the world for Oracle/BMW racing At least for today.
Oracle pulled off its first win of the best of nine series over Alinghi with its long, impressive lead in five out of the six legs of today's race. The infallible Alinghi who sail with Swiss precision and Kiwi magic seemed vulnerable, and beatable today for the first time in the entire Louis Vuitton Cup series. Buoyed by the win, Oracle rules advisor Tom Ehman mentioned that because they had changed configurations on the USA-76 prior to the series, they were pulling it all together now and finally sailing her well.
Today's conditions seemed to favor Oracle who is decisively faster downwind. If the team can sail as flawlessly and tactically well as they did today, without errors, the LV finals could prove to be anyone's game.
"There were very fluky conditions out there and we are glad we were able to score that point against Alinghi," said Oracle tactician Ian Burns.
The boys of Oracle sailed a strong race and were finally given a break as they navigated through a minefield of fluky winds. They picked the favored side of the course on the second leg after trailing on the first mark rounding by 37 seconds. Their gain put Oracle in the hunt after they quickly gybed left on the second leg, caught a lefthand breeze first and put the hammer down. They gained three boat lengths over Alinghi and stretched it into nearly a one minute advantage as they rounded the upwind mark to start on the third leg. In classic match racing style, and with a huge shift to the right, they sustained their lead so as they rounded the final mark they were 2 minutes and 34 seconds ahead of Alinghi, with a finish time of 2 minutes and 13 seconds.
"We always knew that Oracle had potential," said Alinghi tactician Brad Butterworth. "And, this is the Louis Vuitton Cup finals. You are seeing a very high standard. I relish it. If we don't race at this level how are we going to meet the defender and sail competitively."
Butterworth, Coutts and the Alinghi afterguard had little insight into their performance to offer today and are not accustomed to seeing the back of any boat. Butterworth noted "it was very shifty and difficult to read. We wanted to go left at the start and when we rounded the top mark we were aiming for the mark. But, at that point, we probably should have gybed. It was a tough day in terms of the shifts. They are difficult to read and my hats off to Oracle."
Three-Zip
By Laurie Fullerton
The most competitive yacht race of the entire Louis Vuitton Cup series left San Francisco's Oracle/BMW with a heartbreaking 1 minute 1 second loss to the Swiss-team Alinghi who now lead the best of nine challenger finals by 3-0.
Patience was a virtue in a race dominated by Oracle but won by Alinghi for strictly hanging in when it counted most. While much of the race was a true tacking duel with classic match racing tactics upwind, downwind it was so close that it became an umpires' game where Oracle raised the flag 13 times and Alinghi raised it a handful. It was not until Oracle was actually sailing clearly behind and did not have an overlap that they made their crucial error.
Rule 15 was broken when Oracle, astern of Alinghi, made contact between the two boats.
"They made an error by being impatient," said Alinghi mainsail trimmer and member of the afterguard Murray Jones.
The penalty did not stop Oracle who moved in front downwind and led it at the second leeward mark by 8 seconds for the first time in the Louis Vuitton finals After rounding the third windward mark 29 seconds ahead of Alinghi, Oracle went right and had more pressure and extended their lead over Alinghi. With speed and four or five boat lengths of distance, observers thought they should have taken their penalty turn at that moment and no later.
Murray Jones said, "at one point, we thought they would get it in [the penalty turn] on the upwind. But, we figured they were thinking they could get it in downwind if they were faster downwind."
But, Oracle didn't count on the wind pressure dying downwind and the patience of Alinghi.
"We had just hung in there," Jones said. Alinghi hung back by four boat lengths on the final downwind leg; waiting for Oracle to make there delayed penalty turn. In the end, Oracle took a shot of making the turn after crossing the finish line but lost it by one second behind Alinghi, To add insult to injury, they hit the mark and had to do a second penalty turn losing the match by 1 minute and 1 second.
In hindsight, we should have done it [the penalty turn] before," said afterguard Tommaso Chieffi of Oracle. "We didn't realize it would be lighter downwind."
Oracle's performance was strong all day despite the penalty and Chieffi said they were "satisfied with the calls by the umpires today. The results show we are more competitive than people gave us credit for and we are very pleased with our performance."
Chieffi said, "the afterguard gelled very well together including Peter [Holmberg] driving, Chris Dickson making some great tactical calls, Eric Doyle in the back and Cameron Dunn up the rig. It is not time to write us off yet." Chieffi said it was initially too light to have a 17th man, syndicate head Larry Ellison.
Oracle, the stealthy black boat with a lot of heart in these final days of the Louis Vuitton Cup is emerging as the underdog on the Hauraki Gulf and has the support of the New Zealand people. Today, she looked and raced like the thoroughbred she is, and the team's performance was only shadowed by too much adrenaline or testosterone causing a fatal misstep in an otherwise supreme race.
"It was a tough race and it could have gone either way all around," Jones said.
Two-Zip
By Laurie Fullerton
Roy Disney, an heir to the Walt Disney fortune is in Auckland checking on his new "Pyewacket" being built by Kiwi boat builders (Yank designers, R/P), and while out watching the second day of the Louis Vuitton Cup finals on the Hauraki Gulf a TV commentator asked him who he thought would go up against Team New Zealand in the America's Cup. Disney, the name most of the world, like it or not, equates with America, didn't miss a beat when he said, simply, "Alinghi will win it." So much for happy endings.
Alinghi beat San Francisco's Oracle/BMW Racing by 40 seconds in day two of the best of nine series of the LV finals, extending the favored Swiss-team's advantage by 2-0. Today's race was extremely close before disaster struck Oracle. On the downwind leg, Oracle had closed the game and was trailing by two boat lengths. A topping lift slipped through the jammer, the spinnaker pole snapped and as Disney put it, Oracle "dropped the whole shooting match in the water."
As the spinnaker slid under the bow and wrapped around the keel fast moving crew sliced the lines, freed the boat and stayed in the leg rounding 48 seconds behind Alinghi, but that was all she wrote.
"We had a slight edge, we made a gain and made them pay," said Alinghi afterguard Murray Jones.
For
tactician Ian Burns the turning point in the race came a lot sooner. "I
think the turning point came when Alinghi lee bowed
us on the first legand moved into a commanding position. That gave them
a three or four boat length difference. Then, with gear failure, and a
broken pole it was hard to recover from that," Burns said.
When asked if Jones was disappointed that the racing wasn't closer, he looked perplexed and smiled broadly.
"We are not disappointed [with Oracle's performance," said Alinghi afterguard Murray Jones after the race."We are happy with the way things are going." Jones added that Oracle is quick downwind and "we might have an edge upwind. We could have some pretty good races still."
Both Alinghi and Oracle sailors maintain that Alinghi has a slight advantage upwind and Oracle has a slight advantage downwind.
"If we can get out in front of them downwind than it will be a different story," Burns said.
Throughout the past two races, Alinghi has sailed higher and faster, and puts the squeeze on Oracle upwind at every chance. Tactical misjudgements and unforced errors put the question to Oracle if it is wise to have the helmsman, skipper and tactician be the same man, Chris Dickson.
"Chris is the skipper, he likes to have the final say. That's not a bad thing and the combination has been working pretty well to date," Burns said. "Our time around the course isn't that different and its been going well downwind.
The gods almost favored Oracle in the last five minutes of the race when
Alinghi, aiming to gybe found that the spinnaker sheet was over the bow
and they had a problem. Butterworth was overheard saying, "that's
how easy it is for something to go wrong." But, it was a snafu and
not a race changing event, closing the window of opportunity on Oracle
with Alinghi winning handily by 40 seconds.
We lost a sheet under the bow, there was a little extra action on the bow for awhile but we took care of it," Shuemann said.
Auckland, NZ- First blood went to Alinghi today when the Swiss-team beat San Francisco's Oracle by 1 minute and 24 seconds in the first race of the best of nine series at the Louis Vuitton Cup finals.
This critical first race appeared to be won on the first upwind leg due to Alinghi's staying power on the disadvantaged windward position where they were granted a right hand wind shift for their patience. While Oracle took the left hand side of the course at the start and dominated the first five minutes of the first leg, "we were in the right location for the shift. The breeze helped us. I can't understand why Oracle didn't follow it," said Alinghi helmsman Jochen Schuemann.
"Oracle started really well and I was keen to tack away," said Alinghi tactician Brad Butterworth recalling the first leg of the race. "Then we got a nice bit of pressure on the right side and I was glad to take it." When asked if he expected the critical wind shift that powered Alinghi ahead, Butterworth said, "No," and when the audience laughed he said, "really. No. We didn't expect the shift."
Despite Butterworth's image as a tactical wizard, sometimes a sailor just gets lucky.
"It's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes," he said.
Alinghi was praised for holding the windward position for a good part of the leg, which Butterworth said "was a real 'muscle up,' If you can go forward in that situation you will have a slight advantage. If you roll forward it changes the game."
By the time Alinghi reached the first mark, they were 47 seconds ahead of Oracle. As is Alinghi's style, they covered Oracle tack for tack the rest of the race and increased their lead as they went.
Without error or mishap on either team, it was strictly boat speed and boat handling that eventually gave Alinghi a top lead of 1 minute and 36 seconds narrowed down by 12 seconds on the fourth leg but still not enough to close the gap at the final time of 1 minute 24 seconds at the finish .
"We were disappointed with today, and it is disappointing to lose. But, we gained on three out of six legs, lost three out of six legs. There was a 30 degree shift to the right. Once out in front, unfortunately, Alinghi stayed in front," said Oracle skipper and helmsman Chris Dickson.
"Oracle has great sailors and it is difficult to undo what they had at the start but we had a little better pace. Our finishing time doesn't really reflect how close the race was," said Butterworth.
For the first time in Louis Vuitton Cup history, both boats had an umpire on board, crammed into a space in the very stern part of the boat. While Oracle also had a 17th man aboard, syndicate owner Larry Ellison, Alinghi did not sail with a 17th man today.
While there were no calls on board by the umpires, both sailors said they were glad they were there.
"I think having an umpire on board is a good step forward for the sport," Butterworth said. "It is great to have them there. My hats off to them."
Butterworth added that he really didn't notice the umpire, "but he did have a lot of gear on and he must have cooked," referring to the intense New Zealand summer sun.
When asked whether or not Chris Dickson will drive the boat tomorrow, he said, "I usually drive when we are behind. I don't drive when we are in front so hopefully I won't be driving tomorrow."
It is predicted that for the second race of the Louis Vuitton Cup finals there will be wind speeds of 11 to 15 knots with the wind on the Hauraki Gulf coming from the northeast
Who is Oracle “Goosing” (Still!) and Why?
Sailing Anarchy broke “The Goose” story weeks ago, and within hours the other scribes here in Auckland were scurrying around to write copycat stories and calling it “The Goose” even before Oracle confirmed that this was the name they had given the weird white pod hanging in the back of their boat. And now the mystery deepens.
While the other Cup reporters scratch their heads, we did some serious sleuthing. In yet another world exclusive, we give you the latest Goose poop. Here is what we have been able to piece together so far.
The Goose has been swinging by its neck off the back of Oracle’s boat since the beginning of Round Robin 1. (We have found pictures of it going back to their very first race against Prada.) At the time no one thought it was anything special, just another antenna of some sort.
During Round Robin 1, the technicians who install the TV gear on each of the race boats asked Oracle about the nature and purpose of The Goose to ensure it would not cause interference with their TV gear. Basically Oracle told them to bugger off.
During Round Robin 2 we began to realize that none of the other boats had any device similar to The Goose among the clutter of aerials, TV cameras and electronic boxes sprouting off the “roll bar” (as the teams call it) that each yacht is required to have on its stern for the sake of the TV show and Virtual Spectator.
During the Quarterfinals, the TV people complained that The Goose was intermittently interfering with the transmission of TV signals off the boat. They determined the interference was not due to radiation from the device. They tell us that weren’t even sure if it emits any signals. Instead, it was determined that The Goose’s size and material (thought to be carbon) were at times blocking and/or absorbing the line-of-sight TV and telemetry signals that are sent from aerials on the each yacht’s roll bar to the Sky Tower and then by landline to the broadcast center.
The Goose started to get a lot of attention during the Semi-finals when SA first broke the story that it was being questioned by OneWorld who, facing elimination by Oracle, were desperate to find something – anything – to protest Oracle about. OneWorld submitted a set of questions to the jury about radar, and began publicly raising questions about The Goose. OneWorld thought it was perhaps a secret, military-spec radar or other high tech device capable of gathering information beyond normal marine radar. Regardless, OneWorld wanted to find out what Oracle’s Goose was, and try to get it outlawed.
By the way, at the same time someone anonymously delivered doctored documents to the media center purporting to show that Oracle had bought design information from America One when they bought 49 and 61 from Cayard’s old team. It is now widely believed at the Media Center to have been a OneWorld dirty trick, and a stupid one at that. It was exposed a day later when Oracle produced for the New Zealand Herald the notarized sale agreements for those boats showing that design and performance information was specifically excluded from the sale.
The semifinals ended with Oracle sweeping OneWorld 4-0. The next day the jury issued answers to the OneWorld radar questions. Much to the surprise of all the teams, including OneWorld, the jury ruled that laser guns and radar are illegal. This despite wording in the Protocol that all the teams thought permitted laser guns and radar to “ping” their opponents in a given match. Until now every team has used radar and/or laser guns during this Louis Vuitton Cup and, for that matter, in Cup racing as far back as 1983. But no one could be disqualified retrospectively -- the interpretation came after the end of the last series of racing.
So now what?
The jury thought that Alinghi and Oracle (and Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup Match – the ban on laser and radar applies to the Match, too) would quickly agree to a new rule that explicitly permitted Laser Guns and Radar for the simple purpose of tracking the opposing yacht in match. The jury even offered a draft new rule. But at this stage in any Cup regatta it is nearly impossible to get the teams to agree on the time of day, let alone a significant new rule.
We hear that Alinghi proposed to Oracle that just laser guns be permitted, and expected Oracle to counter with, “all or nothing.” This gambit, Alinghi hoped, would suss out whether or not Oracle was in fact using radar. (Oracle have never confirmed or denied that the Goose is a radar or that they even use radar.) Instead, we are told by Oracle people, they said they are happy to stick with the jury’s decision. Hmmm!
So as we go into the LV finals, it is déjà vu all over again. Shades of 1980, apparently the navigators will be using hockey pucks (hand bearing compasses), stadimeters, and lines on the deck.
By saying no to radar and laser guns, obviously Oracle are up to something, but just what is not yet clear.
The answer may be as simple as Bertarelli vs. Burns. The Swiss billionaire who backs Alinghi, Ernesto Bertarelli, races with Coutts and Butterworth as navigator. By all accounts he is a fine sailor, but still he is an amateur. And now instead of just pointing and shooting the elegantly simple radar gun, his job becomes significantly more challenging. Is Ernesto up to the task? It is well known on Halsey St that he made one or two blunders in earlier rounds. Having just flown back to Auckland from Switzerland and with little time to practice, how good is he going to be with a “hockey puck” and stadimeter against Oracle’s professional, highly talented navigator (and naval architect) Ian Burns?
But this little intrigue doesn’t end there.
On Monday the USA-76 and SUI-64 were given their LVC Finals measurement certificates and began the “no change period.” This means the yachts cannot be changed now through the end of the Finals.
Then at Tuesday’s unveiling ceremony, much to the surprise of the media and VIPs assembled, especially Alinghi’s, there in plain view on Oracle’s roll bar was The Goose! So it seems clear that the Goose, whatever it is, is still legal, and that Oracle will be racing with it on Saturday.
Two other points. We are told Oracle has a large and highly regarded team of “sparkies” (syndicate-speak for communications/electronics specialists). This includes Rodney Ernst, who was a member of the notoriously “efficient” America-Cubed (Bill Koch) electronics team in 1992. Also, Ian Burns’s back-up as navigator on Oracle’s B-boat is Harvard-graduate electronics wiz Matt Wachowicz. We hear he joined the team fairly late in the program, as apparently did The Goose.
OK, so if it is not a radar, what in hell is it??
One obvious possibility is that before the jury’s ruling it was housing a radar, and now is empty. But how likely is that given the fanatical attention that all teams pay to the reduction of weight and windage? Surely if The Goose does nothing they would not have measured in with it let alone drag it around the race course come Saturday.
TV New Zealand commentators had speculated that it was a Doppler radar to detect windshifts up the course. But that seems highly unlikely given that there has long been an explicit bad of “LIDAR and similar” on Cup yachts as a cost-cutting measure. Besides, few believe a Doppler radar could be that small. Regardless, a ban on radars would preclude that possibility now.
(OneWorld was said to have an expensive shore-based LIDAR overlooking the course area. They must be wondering why they pissed away so much money on it – obviously it didn’t help them much.)
Another school of thought is that The Goose could be some sort of low power transmitting antennae (hence its size) for sending extremely high speed and high bandwidth data to a satellite in geosynchronous orbit. This would allow a huge amount of data to be sent, via the satellite, in a continuous stream directly to the oft-acknowledged Oracle team super-computer in the States for immediate analysis and turn-around to the shore-based technical team in Auckland.
Formula One Teams, we are told, now do this routinely. Is it just a coincidence that BMW is not only a sponsor of Oracle, but also the title sponsor of the BMW Williams F1 Team? Moreover, we hear Oracle designer Bruce Farr is a huge F1 fan and we hear has been to at least two F1 Grands Prix this year as a guest of BMW.
Magnetometer? We are tracking down a lead from a posting in the forum of an America’s Cup website that it may be some sort of a metal detector, like a magnetometer, that tracks the other yachts keel! If UN weapons inspectors in Iraq can carry them around, why not a Cup yacht? Maybe not as far-fetched as it might at first sound.
Finally, one of our best Auckland sources connected with a team now eliminated says they have photos of an early version of The Goose with a web address on it, but could not make it out. If anyone has old photos of Oracle training or racing, and can spot that URL, needless to say we would be very interested to have it (send to editor@sailinganarchy.com).
So just who is Oracle still goosing, and why?
Face to Face
By Laurie Fullerton
Dubbed the two best skippers of their generation, two boyhood rivals Russell Coutts and Chris Dickson faced off at a press conference in Auckland today and while the subject of their considerable talents was discussed, Dickson, who will give the helm of USA-76 to Peter Holmberg at the start of tomorrow's Louis Vuitton Cup finals said "Alinghi is the favorite and we don't have a lot of choice but to be the underdog. We know what we can do and what we have to do. We will come out ready to go racing and we will address the fact that we are the underdog . Tomorrow."
Oracle/BMW syndicate head Larry Ellison was in the audience and although he would not comment if he will be on the boat or not he said, "I am very optimistic about our chances. We've made a lot of changes and I am optimistic."
The final round of the LV Cup begins tomorrow and for the first time ever; an umpire will be aboard each boat as an observer. According to Bryan Willis, chief umpire, "this is something that the challengers asked for and it is a better system. It was invented around here about 10 years ago."
Coutts agreed that having umpires on board is "a very positive move. It doesn't stop the game and it allows the competitors to know what the real situation is."
The idea of on-board umpires was not introduced earlier in the event because some of the challengers were against it. But, Oracle and Alinghi support it.
Dickson said they like the umpire on board because in tight manuvering situations they have better quality of information and the games goes on with better certainty.
"We have always been in favor of having umpires on board," Dickson said.
Both Coutts and Dickson spoke for their syndicates when asked about the new "hula hull" introduced by Team New Zealand earlier this week. Amidst speculation that there would be inquiries and protest by challengers against TNZ, Coutts said, "it is a good innovation and I say full marks to them. You won't get any protests from us."
Dickson said, "we haven't protested and we have no plans to protest. The TNZ boat is very innovative and it is not a surprise to us."
The favored boat, Alinghi, may have the psychological advantage over Oracle, but the word around the Viaduct is that in the right conditions, Oracle will be faster downwind and her design is more innovative than Alinghi's more conventional configuration.
Coutts agreed that the racing would be close and that "we have a lot of respect for their team. They are stacked with talent and they have made a lot of improvements. We are looking for a real battle this time."
Dickson who remains both skipper and helmsman said that Peter Holmberg will be driving at the start. The sail number of USA-76 is the same but after that the similarities disappear significantly. We've been a team improving all along. We are late optimisers but everything has come together this past month."
Coutts agreed "Oracle looks like a damn good boat to me."
01/10/2003
Alinghi's
subtle attack, via cleverly constructed questions to the jury, on Team
New Zealand's "Hula" was revealed two days ago by Sailing Anarchy.
Oracle and TNZ had until 17.00 tonight to make any submissions to the
jury on the questions raised by Alinghi.
Now we have obtained a copy of Oracle's response to the jury which, it
should probably come as no surprise, supports Alinghi's technical challenges
but adds a new twist: is the "Hula" legally even an appendage?
If not, and if the "Hula" is determined to be a part of the
canoe body, i.e. hull, what would that mean? Perhaps we can get friend-of-SA
and designer cum Cup expert Bob Perry (or any of our other technically
accomplished readers) to give us the scoop on where Oracle is going with
this line of questioning (see below).
By the way, off the record many media down here still delight in referring
to the "Hula" as the "Kiwi Strap-On," credit to SA's
increasing influence as the Drudge Report of the sailing world. And you
gotta love Bruce Farr's quote on the front page of the NZ Herald this
morning: "The 'Hula' -- that's the name now is it? Is that because
its a dance around the rules or something?"
We hear that no formal protests were filed by any of the three teams before
the deadline of 1500 today. But are Alinghi, with support now from Oracle,
on some other tack?
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Ehman
To: Bryan Willis
Cc: Patricia Sheehan ; Hamish Ross ; Russell Green
Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 4:59 PM
Subject: Q&A 12 -- The "Hula"
Thanks for the opportunity to comment....
1. First, Oracle BMW Racing does not necessarily believe that the false-hull
device TNZ calls the "Hula" is a "close-hull appendage"
per se. Indeed, we are not sure that it qualifies as an appendage at all,
and we are looking into that issue. It looks to us more like an integral
part of the canoe body of the yacht which, under the class rule, means
it is "hull" not "appendage." ACC rules 2.4 (c) and
(j) refer. Our comments below, therefore, in no way should be taken as
support for any interpretation that the "Hula" qualifies under
the class rule as an appendage.
2. Whether or not it qualifies as an appendage, we agree with the concerns
expressed by Alinghi in their paper to the jury ("Q&A 12")
in connection with the Technical Director's Confidential Interpretation
no. 5 issued 8 October, 2001.
3. Specifically, we believe it is not acceptable to rely on assurances
from a competitor that it does not touch the inner hull. The dynamic and
variable nature of the operating environment of these yachts is such that
one can never encounter a "representative" range of conditions
to prove that the "Hula" will never touch while racing.
4. Our research clearly indicates that the gap required for good performance
is small, in the neighborhood of 3-6 mm. It is, therefore, extremely difficult,
if not impossible, to guarantee that the false-hull "Hula" does
not touch the inner hull.
5. A 100% proofing system is necessary on a day-to-day basis. It is practical
to install a such a system, and any user of a false-hull "Hula"
device should be compelled to do so, and be subject to post-race inspection.
Probably the only reliable solution is that the "Hula" be instrumented
at very fine intervals around the edge of the device, or any other part
of it which could touch the inner hull, sufficient enough to resolve if
contact has been made.
Respectfully submitted,
ORACLE BMW Racing
Our gal on the spot, Laurie Fullerton, took some shots (along with reader Alan Moore) and filed this report on the Dropping O' The Skirts. The title of this article is not hers! -Ed Read on (Lots pics)
Sequel to The Shitfight at the AC Corral: The "Kiwi Strap-On"
In late November, the Halsey St pundits-in-residence were pooh-poohing the possibility of any protest being mounted against OneWorld at that relatively late stage in the regatta. However, Sailing Anarchy correctly predicted then that a protest of OneWorld was forthcoming, and we were even able to bring to our readers, in a world exclusive, the document (the Omo email) that many later said was the "smoking gun" which led to the "Shitfight at the AC Corral" protest by Team Dennis Conner and Prada.
Well, folks, once again we break the unhappy (for our sport) but intriguing news that another AC protest appears to be right around the corner. In fact, it could turn out to be the mother of all AC Protests. Here's how the plot to the Shitfight Sequel unfolds, our best sources in Auckland tell us:
= Earlier today, as required by the Protocol, the two remaining challengers (Alinghi and Oracle) declared which boats they will enter in the Louis Vuitton Cup final which starts Saturday. The rules require the winner to use the same boat in the AC Match that they use in the LV finals. Both chose their tried and true steeds used from the start of the LVC -- Alinghi's SUI-64 and Oracle's USA-76. This seems to confirm what many have suspected for some time now, that Alinghi's supposed rocket-ship SUI-75 was a screw up and would not measure in, and that Oracle's newer boat was simply better than their first boat USA-71 from the get go. Besides since September all their team clothing has said "USA-76" with nary a mention of 71.
= Team New Zealand also had to declare today, except that their homer rules allow them to declare two boats and choose, just before the AC Match, which one they are going to use after they see whether Oracle or Alinghi win the LVC. Of course TNZ declared their two latest boats NZL 81 and 82. Some level playing field, huh?
= Tonight, this document (see document below) was filed with the International Jury by Alinghi. It is not a protest, but rather lays the groundwork for one against Team New Zealand over a "close-hull appendage." This filing asks a series of clever questions designed to cast doubt over the legality of the device said to be under the stern of their boat(s) and which TNZ previously admitted they have been testing.
= Tomorrow (Tuesday, NZ time), all three remaining teams will "unveil" -- the rules require them to ceremoniously drop the skirts from the declared boats and show the world their bottoms and appendages.
It seems obvious from their filing tonight with the jury that Alinghi do not have a "close-hull appendage," and that they expect tomorrow to see one on TNZ's 81 and/or 82, and perhaps Oracle's 76.
But why not wait to see what is unveiled tomorrow before going to the jury with these possibly theoretical questions? Because, dear readers, under the byzantine AC rules the cutoff time for protests about any then-apparent class rules violations by any of the three remaining teams is 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the day after tomorrow's unveilings. And, no doubt, Alinghi wants to get the jury -- and the rest of the AC community -- thinking and talking about the legality issue and not be taken by surprise if and when Alinghi file a protest before Wednesday's deadline. Besides, there seems no doubt in anyone's mind down here that at least TNZ will unveil tomorrow with such a device.
The bigger question is probably not whether Alinghi (and perhaps Oracle if, indeed, they do not have one), will protest TNZ over their ass-treatment, but what to call the damn thing?
The newspapers in Auckland have dubbed it the "Kiwi Clip-on." That's better than Alinghi's boringly-Swiss "Close-Hull Appendage." We have also heard it called, variously, a "Hustle" (a bustle that is a con-job? to say nothing of a stupid 70s dance-step); "J-Lo" which, of course, is the popular nickname for the big-assed Jennifer Lopez; "Second Skin" (maybe TNZ needs to be circumcized?); "Preparation H" (another ass-treatment?); a "False Bottom," and simply "Falsie."
After thinking about this long and hard -- for at least 30 seconds -- we checked our Sailing Anarchy forum for recent postings on the subject. Sure enough, we found our Anarchists had already come up with the the perfect name: "Kiwi Strap-On." What better name for a dodgy device designed to allow a boat that measures shorter to look and act longer?
The jury document.
Q & A 12
Close Hull Appendages
The jury has received the following questions on 6th of January from a syndicate regarding Close Hull Appendages.
We would be grateful for comments from Alinghi, Oracle and Team New Zealand by 1700 on Wednesday 8th January.
1. Background
RRS 78.1 states as follows:
“Compliance with Class Rules; Certificates
78.1 A boat’s owner and any other person in charge shall ensure the boat is maintained to comply with her Class Rules and that a measurement or rating certificate, if any, remains valid.”
America’s Cup Class Confidential Interpretation No.5 issued by the America’s Cup Class Technical Director on 8 October 2001 pursuant to ACC Rule 3.1 provides as follows:
“Rule 19.8 limits the fitting of appendages to within the “hollows permitted” zone as described in Rule 16.1(a). That is, within the defined transfer limits between the forward end of MWL and AGS. In the Measurement Condition there is no limit to how close to the hull parts of an appendage may be, provided they do not make contact with or attach to the hull outside the “hollows permitted” areas. If an appendage was designed to deflect to touch the hull whilst racing it would contravene Rule 16 and Rule 19.11 as a flexible contrivance.
Any contact between an appendage (including any fairing strips) and the hull outside the “hollows permitted” area would contravene Rule 16.
If an appendage was designed to be close to the hull outside the “hollows permitted” area, the Measurer shall be satisfied that there can be no contact of the appendage, including any fairing strip and hull at any time whilst racing.”
The critical and fundamental element legitimising the use of a close hull appendage is that it does not touch the hull outside the hollows permitted area. The consequences, should an appendage touch the hull outside the hollows permitted area, would be a breach of RRS 78.1 occurs and the yacht must be disqualified.
For close hull appendages to operate effectively, they must be fitted very close to the hull within several millimeters. Otherwise, a wider gap results in hydrodynamic drag and slows the yacht. The very close proximity of an appendage to a hull greatly increases the prospect and chance of touching occurring whilst racing, particularly during pre-start manoeuvring and in moderate to strong wind speeds and rough sea conditions when the hull is deformed by the rig loads and the hull and appendages are exposed to high water pressure loadings.
The specifications and measurements of ACC yachts are rigorously and systematically checked by the Measurement Committee to ensure compliance with Class Rules and interpretations. Many Class Rules are able to be policed by competitors during a race. Appendage compliance cannot. For this, reliance is placed on post-race measurement by the Measurers as to a yacht’s compliance with Class Rules during racing. This is not possible to check compliance with the no touching interpretation for close hull appendages unless additional requirements are imposed. It is important that the usual stringent measurement standards for the Class and America’s Cup are not relaxed for close hull appendages and that the same strict standard of measurement and assurances are provided to competitors that a close hull appendage has not touched the hull outside the “hollows-permitted” zone during racing.
There is a strong risk of a breach and disqualification, if there is movement by as little as 2mm. The standard of evidence and proof required that a close hull appendage has not touched the hull during racing, in breach of the Rules, be to at least an equivalent standard to that imposed on other measurement criteria. Indeed, it needs to be stronger, given the strong possibility of non-compliance is much greater than other measurement issues and given compliance cannot be checked by a competitor or a Measurer during a race or after a race.
2. Questions
The Jury are asked the following questions:
(a) What of standard evidence is required to satisfy the Jury that an appendage has not touched the hull outside the “hollows-permitted” to ensure compliance with RRS 78.1?
(b) Is it reasonable, where there is a risk of non-compliance, to rely on a simple assurance from a competitor that it did not touch, unsupported with any evidence, sufficient?
(c) Is it reasonable to rely on some form of test carried out some weeks before in a range of conditions, that the appendage did not touch during a race?
(d) Is it appropriate for a competitor to be required to demonstrate in some manner, that the appendage did not touch the hull during racing as part of the Measurer’s post-race checks?
(e) Is it appropriate, where there is a real risk of non-compliance, to develop and install some form of system approved by the Measurement Committee, such as an electronic device or contact colouring for post-race checking that demonstrates that an appendage did not touch during a race?
By Laurie Fullerton
If the world of yacht racing has a glass ceiling, 1999 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Dawn Riley of San Francisco is probably bumping her head up against it now.
Although she is the only American - man or woman - to sail in three America's Cups and two Whitbread- Round-the-World races and manage an entire America's Cup syndicate, Riley is not involved in any of the racing syndicates competing for the America's Cup in Auckland today. At 38, with the depth of knowledge that would benefit any America's Cup syndicate, her talents are not being utilized within the inner circle of this regatta.
A champion sailor, Riley is a pioneer woman in a male-dominated sport, and is probably best known as the skipper of the women's America's Cup team in 1995, who competed on Bill Koch's America3, nicknamed"Mighty Mary." In 2000, Riley was the head of the America True syndicate but was unable to get the funding and sponsorship to launch a campaign in 2002. Although she is negotiating a possible deal with a French syndicate for the next Cup, it must be difficult not to be sailing in a sport where a greatskipper can earn $1 million and a yacht designer double that. Clearly, a lot of great sailors miss out on the golden opportunities, but Riley is a veteran, and a professional in her own right. She just isn't one of the boys. She notes that although women are"slowly but surely making the inroads in this sport, most men racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger to the America's Cup have never sailed with a woman at this level."
And, if the balance of influence remains at its"pre-1992 level," these men probably never will.
"Men have to get comfortable racing with women. And, the key is to do everything we can to increase the credibility of women in the sport . the results will trickle up," she said. Meanwhile, men are in career building positions and forging reputations along the Auckland waterfront, getting the opportunity to start young and grow with a syndicate. Within the America's Cup circle today, women are currently very much on the sidelines and may not even know there are doors to knock on.
Within the syndicates here in Auckland, women are most often seen at reception desks or working in the retail shops. One of the few exceptions to this is Julia Harrison-Lee, whose father, Peter Harrison, was the major financial backer to Britain's GBR Challenge in the Louis Vuitton Cup. While syndicates carry on extensive research and development, yacht design, engineering, graphics, web design, the women are primarily carefully placed around the syndicates in public relations or reception roles. The men do the high profile work.
However, doors have opened up for Riley as a sailing commentator and perhaps her competitive nature, expertise and winning smile make television broadcasting a great avenue for a women sailor of her caliber.
Currently, Riley is commentating on the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series for Outdoor Life Network. The broadcasting opportunity is a first for her, and she is currently based in a small office in Auckland's Viaduct Basin.
Riley's job with OLN is one she is "incredibly grateful for," and she notes, "I had no idea how much fun this would be."
Her deal with OLN wraps up as soon as the Louis Vuitton Cup finishes in mid-January; and ESPN television moves in with commentator Gary Jobson, but the coverage by Riley is fresh and lively and incorporates her expertise. But, the America's Cup races will be covered exclusively by men, raced by men, reported primarily by men and funded by men.
"We already proved women could do it," she notes."Perhaps what might be best is just to get some women on a mixed boat and see it open up men's minds. They, too, will see that women can do it and it is not just about having a fast boat. In fact, if I hear one more person say that Mighty Mary [the all women's boat raced in 1995] must have been a fast boat, I will scream. It had something to do with the sailors on board, too."
By Laurie Fullerton
 |
It looks like it will be Alinghi vs. Oracle in the semi finals on Jan. 11 as Seattle's OneWorld lost its final bid to stay in the Louis Vuitton Cup today after leading for the first two legs of the fourth and final match of the semi final repechage. On the third downwind leg, OneWorld was ahead and halfway down the course going straight for the mark while San Francisco's Oracle sailed away from the mark and towards the shoreline along the north shore of the Hauraki Gulf. Suddenly, Oracle's tactician spotted a puff and soon they were sailing in 13 knots of breeze while OneWorld lagged in nine knots of air. While OneWorld had nine knots and the rest, as they say, is history. When Oracle finished one minute and four seconds ahead of OneWorld, there was little, if anything, to say about who dominated this regatta.
Although OneWorld led the start and it looked like a win was within their grasp, they needed to win five races and remained minus one race throughout this event. "It was tricky because they had the left," said helmsman for Oracle Peter Holmberg referring to the right hand breeze that gave them the win. "We had Cameron (Dunn) up the rig and he saw it and we had faith in it and we took it," said helmsman for Oracle Peter Holmberg of their decision to take the far right hand side of the course.
Covering Oracle would have meant that OneWorld would have to sail across a huge hole in the middle of the course so they hung left, headed for the mark and paid dearly for it.
OneWorld's skipper Peter Gilmour conceded that they didn't sail as well during the semi final repechage and he, like helmsman James Spithill were hard hit by the 4-0 showing.
"Given everything we have gone through, we have a fabulous team," Gilmour said. "Oracle was an absolute road block and we simply weren't good enough to beat these guys."
"The ingredients were all there," said Oracle helmsman Peter Holmberg. "Chris Dickson did a great job [at the helm and as tactician] and his personality is one of decisiveness and strength. We still have a long way to go. Alinghi is the benchmark. We have the technology gains but the Haruaki Gulf is more of a sailboat race than people realize."
The International Juy is still considering a question from OneWorld regarding the use of Lidar and Radar. Lidar works on the same principle as Radar, but uses light instead of radio waves. The jury has asked for more information from the syndicates and may reach a resolution on the issue later tonight.
12/23/2002
The Big Split?
How many times in his AC career has Peter Gilmour snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by doing the "Big Split"? Too many times to count let alone mention. And he did it again in race #1.
After clawing their way back into the race against Oracle on the third weather leg, OneWorld rounded just a few meters behind Oracle with plenty of pace on. But instead of doing a conservative bear-away set and staying right on Oracle's ass, and waiting for an opening to pounce, Gilmour rolls the dice for a big gainer. He tells poor Jimmy Spithill (who got another brilliant start) to do a gybe set and then -- we should not be surprised -- calls yet another "Big Split."
The wind backed, Oracle gybed, and in a matter of minutes One World had gone from 5 metres behind to almost 500 behind, giving Oracle their first-ever light air win and a huge psychological boost.
OneWorld are now down two races to Oracle (because of the penalty point imposed by the Arbitration Panel), and Oracle seems quicker to boot. Certainly they are going better than ever in the light.
For yet another astonishing performance in today's race, Sailing Anarchy is pleased to award Mr Gilmour our inaugural "Shit for Brains" award.
Alinghi vs. TNZ Already?
We try not to gloat, but once again Sailing Anarchy has scooped the AC world when we correctly predicted two days ago that a major story would soon appear in a British newspaper about an alleged financial scandal at Team New Zealand and involving its yacht club/parent the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
The
story appeared today in the Independent (UK) newspaper:
http://sport.independent.co.uk/general/story.jsp?story=363968
OK, so we got the paper and reporter wrong, but we had the stomach-turning gist of it all too right. Apparently the Attorney General in the State of New York, legal overseer of the Cup's 19th century Deed of Gift, is investigating TNZ/RNZYS's long-rumoured abuse of its "charitable trust" and the finances of Team New Zealand in both the current and previous campaigns.
Very reliable sources down here, inside both TNZ and Team GBR, indicate that Alinghi is behind this and has for months been developing the attack against TNZ while publicly disavowing any connection to it. To wit, our soruces say, the 15-page legal "paper" outlining the case that the article refers to was written by Alinghi's legal advisor Hamish Ross. Mr Ross is said to have tried repeatedly to get other teams to join Alinghi in some sort of legal or protest action against TNZ/RNZYS. We understand New York Yacht Club has been most vocal in their opposition to Alinghi's plan. But then maybe they, as a former trustee, have something to hide as well? We hear Oracle and Prada have also declined to participate. OneWorld, however, is still plenty sore at Team New Zealand for throwing their support behind Prada and Team Dennis Conner over the Reevesgate controversy, so OneWorld is ready to join in the Alinghi-led fray (though that sounds unlikely now that Oracle has sent them home for Christmas).
Breaking story -- stay tuned.
The AC Arbitration Panel's Written Decision...Finally.
Here is the document you've all (okay some of you) have been waiting for: The Arbitrations Panel's ruling on the Prada and TDC vs. OneWorld dispute. It is interesting reading. Did someone say something about a dead horse?
12/22/2002
Auckland, NZ- While the titans of the West Coast duked it out on the Hauraki Gulf today, One World dropped their inquiry into any Protocol breaches by Oracle so that the final showdown between the two teams will be decided on the water.
"We are dropping all of that and we are going to resolve it on the water," said OneWorld executive director Bob Ratliffe.
Reports that a complaint to the Arbitration Panel against Oracle was in the offing stemmed from an allegation that the syndicate bought design information from America One when they bought America One's boats and gear.
"We have resolved it and dropped it," Ratliffe said.
Seattle's OneWorld lost the race at the start today, receiving a penalty for not giving Oracle enough room in the pre-start and crossing the line early within seconds before the start of the race. Although OneWorld fought back and closed in on Oracle, the San Francisco-based team gave them little to work with.
Oracle is now 3-0 over OneWorld, who must win five races in order to stay alive and win this semi-final repechage.
In reflecting on the days racing, OneWorld skipper Peter Gilmour said, "Being early at the start is a fundamental error. Looking back, the races have all been very interesting and even though it is challenging to race knowing we have to win five races, the best is yet to come. There isn't a tremendous difference in the boats and decisions have to be made.
When asked if he was going to take James Spithill off the helm for what could be the last race for OneWorld, Gilmour said, "Spithill is a superb talent. I have faith and trust in him as an individual. He is a talent for today and a talent for tomorrow. He excels under fire and once the racing is finished for today, he is already thinking about tomorrow."
Spithill not only is a superb talent and, at 25, is the youngest helmsman in the America's Cup, he also has a younger teenage brother, Tom, who can call a wind shift from the press boat. The freckled face redheaded little brother could well be the next Cup sailor to look out for.
Chris Dickson, who seems to jump on and off the"handlebars" more than any Cup skipper currently racing explained, "I am not having fun out there. It is hard work and we can't put a foot wrong. We are trying to match them tack for tack but we have fantastic crew work."
By Laurie Fullerton
12/22/2002
Hung Out To Dry
OneWorld just surrendered at the post-race press conference on the Oracle design info shit-stir they were doing. It was sad because Peter Gilmour got hung out to dry... he was on the podium and had not been told that OneWorld manager Gary Wright had called off the shit stir and apologized to Oracle people during the race today... so Gilmour was prattling on during tonight's press conference about it until OneWorld's flack Bob Ratlife sitting in the audience grabbed a mic in and interrupted Gilmour to say that, oh, sorry, Peter has been racing and did not know that Gary Wright has made his amends to Oracle. Talk about bad prep work. How embarrassing. Hard not to feel badly for Gilmour who looked like death warmed over. Get stung on the race course, and by his own people on shore.....
So once again SA had it right, or at least the AC Dope was right!
Apparently NZ Herald has the whole shit-stir story including proof that Oracle never bought the design info to those boats, and OneWorld are going to take it in the shorts again in tomorrow morning's paper...at least that's the goss at the media center tonight.
12/21/2002
Yeah Sure, We Believe You
One of the funniest things (and there have been plenty of them) that we have heard during the press conferences was the beauty uttered the other day by Eric Doyle from Oracle. When asked about Dickson steering only some of the time, Doyle said that decision is not made in advance. When pressed further about who makes the decision regarding who will steer, Dickson or the team, Doyle said the team! And he said like we were all supposed to believe it.
God damn, that's a riot. Can you imagine "the team" telling Dicko that he won't be driving? Hahahahahaha! Oh that's fresh. This is Dickson's show now, of that there is no doubt. And he runs it the way he wants it run. Period. But just for the hell of it, let's go with Doyle's make-believe story for your reading entertainment:
Dicko: "I'll take the wheel now."
The team: "No, you're not steering."
Dicko: "Okay."
Yeah, that's believable. Hey Eric, got anything else for us?
12/21/2002
OneWorld has just filed with the America's Cup jury thinly-veiled questions obviously aimed at the mysterious device on the back of Oracle's USA-76 which they call "The Goose." The other (remaining) teams have been given until Sunday evening to give their views on the questions asked by OneWorld. It will be interesting to see what Oracle's responses to the questions are, or whether they try to duck (pun intended) answering them through some fancy procedural maneuvering.
Yesterday afternoon someone anonymously dropped off shit-stirring documents to the media center alleging that Oracle got design information from AmericaOne when they bought 49 and 61. One theory holds that perhaps this is not likely, because: (a) if Oracle had gotten the design info they would have been able to fix the lame-ass AmericaOne keels both of which, you will recall, fell off; and (b) if they were legit documents OneWorld or whoever is spreading them around surreptitiously would have likely long since gone to the Arbitration Panel with it. Or would they? Timing can be everything in these dark corners. Media down here have greeted the story with a big yawn. We shall see. Sailing Anarchy might have information to the contrary.
Leading British yachting journalist Tim Jeffrey is said to have a "bombshell" article about to run in the Daily Telegraph (London) on a financial scandal at TNZ concerning America's Cup money in both the current and previous campaigns. Remember that under New York law the America's Cup is technically a "charitable trust." The story is apparently so huge that the New York State Attorney General is said to be investigating, and Jeffrey is said to have the scoop.
Finally, OneWorld strategist Ed Smyth may be in line for the "Peter Isler Award" for incredibly stupid comments within range of the on-board TV mics. OneWorld has long been suspected by the other teams of somehow receiving weather information during the race from off the boat (strictly verboten!). Yesterday's TV tapes have Mr. Smyth clearly saying to Charlie McKee (up the mast) as they neared the pivotal third weather mark, "Charlie...Charlie...Charlie...something about the run. Short term look good for a gybe set. Got some pressure coming out the channel. Just keep an eye when you go up, there's a southerly change coming." The Rangitoto Channel was at the time many miles to the south of the racing yachts, and certainly not visible from the deck. So just where did Mr. Smyth get that information? And, indeed, there was a southerly breeze in the channel then though it was blowing out of the north on the race course. How, just how, did OneWorld know that?? The media are all over this like a cheap suit. Stay tuned....
12/21/2002
Laurie Fullerton is the newest member of the Team here at Sailing Anarchy. Freelancing down in NZ, we have grabbed her to add a fresh perspective to the AC scene. Admittedly less edgier than some of our other AC stuff, we like her style and we like her content and find it a refreshing change of pace. Hope you do too. -Ed
Auckland, NZ - Dean Barker made a brief appearance around the Viaduct Basin today (Friday) along with his teammates from Team New Zealand. Besides signing autographs, they had to pick up their Omega Regatta Racer watches. The timepieces were designed, in part, by Barker and are considered to be "America's Cup friendly."
The watches are of course expensive and beautiful but most importantly are geared for timing the starts typical in Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup racing. While most timepieces are easier for match racing use, Barker said, this special watch "makes a big difference. It is all about timing."
Barker, whose baby blue eyes and chiselled good looks earn him points as one of the handsomest sailors involved in the Cup today, noted that getting the timepieces, something the team has been looking forward to, means "we are moving in to our racing stage now. We are done with testing."
While young Barker bears the burden of his entire nation to successfully defend the America's Cup (which may explain the dark circles), the legacy of Russell Coutts has been effectively "airbrushed" out of the Team New Zealand roster. Any newsreels around Auckland replaying the day in 2000 that Team NZ successfully defended the America's Cup keep Coutts out of the picture. It is always Dean Barker holding the Cup, and Dean Barker commanding the helm. When you get a close up look at the kindly, boyish face of Barker, one senses he does not aspire to match the legacy of the late Sir Peter Blake or be the much-maligned traitor that Coutts is perceived to be in the eyes of New Zealanders. Chances are, he just wants to successfully defend the America's Cup. The possibility that he will carry the footnote in New Zealand history as the man who lost the America's Cup may explain the deepening dark circles under his eyes.
Back in 2000, other syndicates were fast recruiting Barker after Team New Zealand fell into disarray. Many sailors from TNZ were scouted, and many taken, and it goes without saying that there are loads of Kiwis on Oracle and OneWorld. The teams that did not fair well in the Louis Vuitton Cup challenge, GBR Challenge, Team Dennis Conner, Victory Challenge, Mascalzone Latino and Le Defi Areva only had one Kiwi among them, who was aboard GBR as the strategist. These numbers don't include the yacht designers and much of the brain trust that were recruited away from TNZ in 2000. As many locals will agree, if TNZ loses the Cup this year, they don't have the money, and probably won't have the sailors, to put a winning team together. The sailors will probably pursuing professional opportunities abroad, like Coutts and Butterworth before them.
There is a slight indication that the attitude against Coutts may now be shifting. Although his words are often skewed in the press, he is slowly, possibly, winning some converts back among his countrymen. It appears that Kiwis finally understand what was at stake for Coutts and Barker in February 2000. If Coutts stayed on with TNZ, Barker would probably be sailing for Alinghi, Oracle, or OneWorld today.
Maybe like Barker, it is time to put on the timepiece for the upcoming America's Cup race, and put the past behind them. Maybe it is time for New Zealand to put Coutts back in the history books for helping to put its sailors on the world map today.
Laurie
Fullerton
12/19/2002
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Arrivederci
This is the end for Prada. All that god damn money, and their reward is a trip home. Their performance must be considered as very disappointing. It is hard to imagine that the bean counters will have thought this was a good way to spend $80 million dollars. And probably will think it is even less so for the next time. This has got to be the last we see of Prada, doesn't it?
Photo by Laurie Fullerton
Thin Skin
We hear that Oracle has been discussing the "second-skin" concept for at least a couple of years. As intriguing as it has been, the concept has been rejected in several reviews due to turf wars in the design team and a tendency to dismiss things that were not originated by Kiwis, particularly those who are ex-TNZ. Such is the way when people are busy protecting their position in Larry's inner circle (and around his checkbook).
The point of this is that it is not some TNZ innovation that nobody else thought of. The irony is that Oracle could be the only remaining team not to try it, despite the existence of a near-complete design.
12/17/2002
AC Report
We normally don't do traditional news, but this submitted story was thorough, complete, and far better than anything we could cobble together. Just don't get used to it. - Ed
By Laurie Fullerton
Auckland, NZ - The Italian team Prada, who captured the hearts of New Zealanders in 2000 and continued to be the popular favorite in the Louis Vuitton Challenge were beaten 4-2 in the semi-finals today by the Seattle-based One World. The results put OneWorld and San Francisco-based Oracle into the semi-final repechage starting Dec. 20 where the best of seven races will send one of the American teams to the Louis Vuitton Cup finals to face Alinghi on Jan. 9.
Although the Yacht Club Punta Ala's Prada won their last race today, postponements left them with a race schedule today that necessitated two races and two wins. The weather Gods did not cooperate and the race was delayed until 4 p.m. The one race, which Prada won, was not enough to keep them in the event.
"With what has been going on off the water for OneWorld, it drives us even harder to win," said helmsman James Spithill of OneWorld of their victory today. "It shows the character of the team because a lot has been going on but we have stayed tight."
With a shortened course, and the delays, it was in OneWorld's right to ask that the race be cancelled. But the team hung in and let the results be decided on the racecourse. "This shows that we are here to race on the water," said Spithill. "It shows the character of the team. Prada sailed a great race."
The irony is that the challengers themselves set up the wind limits and with winds over the week at 22 to 23 knots, it was difficult to watch the event slip out of Prada's reach because of delays. "The last Louis Vuitton Cup we raced in much more wind," said Francesco de Angelis, skipper and helmsman of Prada. "The fact that this time around all the challengers selected these conditions. I think if we went back now we might change things and we would all probably decide differently."
For the popular Italian syndicate, Prada had their last day on the Hauraki Gulf today and the Louis Vuitton challenger series is set for a semi-final repechage between Oracle and OneWorld starting Friday. OneWorld begins the repechage one point down due to a penalty imposed on them by the America's Cup Arbitration panel.
"It is tough starting with a point down, but this will only make us stronger," Spithill said.
Meanwhile on land, Team New Zealand spoke about a letter sent to the challengers addressing the Protocol on what yacht must be used during the finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Team New Zealand syndicate head and design coordinator Tom Schnackenberg said the intentions of TNZ were to point out the discrepancy in the Protocol and the Challenge of Race so that the challengers were aware that they might not be able to switch yachts mid-regatta.
"It was an issue of note and we just made a neutral declaration about it," he said. "It's fun to pull their tails on the issue, I guess."
Schankenberg acknowledged that the Team New Zealand boats are different and he said "we would rather keep it secret until Jan. 7." He did note that he realized other challengers had probably tried to implement the design, and he said it did not surprise him. Schanckenberg added that any of the teams could develop an appendage similar to theirs, but what would set them back would be the time needed to test such a thing. However, "they will have their work cut out for them and will need time. However, as we know all the time problems can be solved with money."
"We know we will have a real battle on our hands," added Schnackenberg. "And, we have a good chance of defending successfully."
Team Alinghi skipper and executive director Russell Coutts acknowledged today "the idea of an appendage was muted during the last cup in different form so it's not a new concept. It's something that we discussed with the design team as far back as September 2000."
Schnackenberg acknowledged that other syndicates have caught on to their unique design, which is fast being referred to the Kiwi clip-on. The clip on is a completely separate piece of hull that counts as an appendage under the America's Cup class rule. This radical second skin effectively lengthens the hull, so the boat sails faster.
12/17/2002
Let's
go fly a kite
Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite
And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!
--song from “Mary Poppins”
Yesterday it was Team New Zealand’s “false hull.” Today it is Oracle’s “kite.” Things are finally getting interesting in Auckland.
For many months Sailing Anarchy has been hearing rumors that an AC team or two may have been working intensively to develop a kite-sail to fly in lieu of the conventional gennaker or spinnaker.
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No, the photo as right is not a trick photo. Today on the Hauraki Gulf, in 6 to 8 knots of breeze, Oracle launched and flew this kite for all the Cup world to see. It flew for nearly 30 minutes as Prada and OneWorld, and the media and TV boats assembled for that match, bobbed around under postponement not too far away.
Our sources tell us that such a kite-sail, if it has been perfected, could be a huge advantage because:
a kite is aerodynamically more efficient than a standard spinnaker -- it doesn’t just pull like a spinnaker, but “sails” back and forth at the end of its tether(s) thereby increasing the apparent wind it “sees.”
a kite is deployed aloft where there is more wind than the surface winds in which normal sails operate; and
for the purposes of the racing rules, i.e. “overlaps” and the “definition of finishing,” the kite’s “normal position” can be several hundred metres out front of the yacht. In theory, a yacht flying a kite could cross the finish line well before a yacht four or more boat lengths ahead but flying a conventional spinnaker. We hear it is legal under AC Class rules.
The only drawback seems to be launching and retrieving it, but Oracle would appear to have somehow solved those problems. The other problem is keeping it flying once launched. It reminds us of the old saw about senior-citizen kite-fliers: “I can get it up, but can I keep it up?”
Why would Oracle make such an obvious spectacle of their new kite if it is a secret weapon? Our sources tell us the development time is so long-lead that any team that does not have it perfected by now will not have a chance in the time remaining. Perhaps Oracle figured they had better give it a final real-time shakedown on the Gulf for possible deployment in the upcoming sudden-death Semifinal Repechage. Or is this kite-thing really just a “red herring” to send their remaining opponents off on a wild goose chase?
Speaking of a goose chase, Sailing Anarchy has learned that “The Goose” is the code name Oracle has given the mysterious white pod swinging off the antenna frame on the back of their race boat, USA-76. We are working on The Goose story, but Oracle is among the least leaky syndicates on Halsey Street so it has been slow going. Alinghi, on the other hand, like their neighbor OneWorld, is starting to leak like a sieve. So much information is now coming out of Alinghi via Team New Zealand sources that it is widely speculated that a former Team New Zealand member now with Alinghi has “gone bad” and is passing Alinghi info to his Kiwi mates next door at TNZ.
Stay tuned; the “false hull,” the kite and “The Goose” seem to be only the beginning of the techno tango emerging downunder.
12/17/2002
Beating a Dead Horse
We know - the OWC/Sean Reeves/Cheating/Penalty saga is behind us, (or is it?), and of course it was we who showed you at lease part of the smoking gun with the incriminating e-mail. We came across a couple more, so here they are for your amusement. - the Ed,
12/14/2002
Court AC
OneWorld Minus OnePoint
Apparently it doesn't pay to cheat, but it does pay to whine. The complaint brought forth against OneWorld by TDC and Prada has resulted in The America’s Cup Arbitration Panel (ACAP) deducting OW one point in each remaining series it sails in the LVC and America’s Cup. They also have to pay $65,000 in penalty, the alleged cost to the Panel for this particular dirty dance.
The decision reads in part, "OneWorld Challenge has been in breach of the Protocol in that a designer employed by OneWorld Challenge had in his possession a computer file, a ZIP disk and a computer that contained design information that was the property of Team New Zealand, facts that were not disclosed in the previous application ACAP 01/08.”
Well they couldn't hardly kick them out after already hearing and ruling on this back in September, now could they? It would however appear that this verdict removes any doubt about whether they cheated or not. Not like there ever was any doubt, mind you.
And now, as if winning any of the remaining rounds wasn't going to be tough enough, this surely is the turd in the punchbowl for OW isn't it?
If it makes them feel any better, all other charges brought against them were dismissed. Good times.
12/8/02
Crack, Indeed
As
we were commenting yesterday about maybe cracks showing in Alinghi, lo
and behold, they dropped their rig as you will know -- and on their race
boat SUI 64 no less. The curse of Sailing Anarchy? Naw. But they may get
a reprieve to effect repairs to their mast, and egos, as may be too windy
to race today. Alinghi is for the first time looking vulnerable?
Additionally, it was reported at the skipper's meeting Friday morning that when Alinghi proposed upping the wind limits, Oracle and the race committee agreed, then Alinghi backed out. They look like wimps after campaigning for higher wind limits during the last series, but probably smart given the rig failure they suffered today.
We have been informed by an alleged OneWorld team member that we may not have had the winch damage report right yesterday, but they did have some significant breakage. And if not winches, it was something. They didn't deny that.
12/07/02
We're Famous. Uh, Make That Infamous.
One hears Sailing Anarchy made the BIG TIME - at least historically speaking, when SA was mentioned prominently at the Arbitration Panel hearings concerning OneWorld. Designer Bob Perry was apparently called to testify by One World to say that he had examined the Laurie Davidson design package. He is said to have testified that the LD design package sold to OneWorld was NOT the same design as NZL 57/60. Then the lawyers for TDC/Prada tried to discredit him by presenting SA forum postings this week by Perry saying he was on his way to Auckland at the request of OneWorld because "they need my help again." This indicated he had some sort of biased, insider relationship with Davidson and/or OneWorld. Asked by the lawyers who "they" was, Perry initially said "OneWorld" then retracted to say it was no one in particular, just "they." Pressed again by the lawyers, Perry said "they" was, well, "just them." We hear it caused one of the few laughs during the two days of long, tense hearings. Maybe Perry was just taking a page from President Clinton's book when he told the grand jury that it "depends what the meaning of 'is' is."
Quick Hit
Rod Davis
Way, way back in the day when Rod Davis used to work for North Sails in So Cal, he was sometimes snidely referred to, (and not without some jealousy by those commenting), as Rod "I am God" Davis. That he has proven to be one of the better sailors the US has produced is undeniable, but might he also turn out to be Prada's Savior?
We think what will be interesting is to see how Davis ultimately delivers in this next series, and perhaps beyond. He did an excellent job getting them off the line against Victory, and now appears ready to mix it up with the Big Boys. After all, he can rightly be considered to be the biggest, if not the oldest, of those Big Boys. He is a true veteran with loads of experience and is a very savvy sailor. Anybody who knows any of the Davis' (father Whit, brother Geoff) knows they are all a bit strange, but that doesn't detract from Rod's ability - he's not likely to make many mistakes, but is likely to force someone else into making one.
Prada has been routinely criticized for their weak aftergaurd in the beating they took at the hands of TNZ during the last Cup, and rightly so. Davis though, shores up their poor tactical decision making, and brings a clever and steady starting presence that they did not have before. This is one of those intriguing elements of the series that for sure bears watching.
12/07/02
The Horses Are At The Gate
We are told Oracle will use 76 in the next go around. They had a near miss yesterday in their practice racing in 20+ knots, but their boats don't break and everyone else's (except TNZ's) do. Alinghi broke their gooseneck yesterday and OWC had major winch breakages. Prada had TWO prangs which put their race boat, 74, back into the shed for major repairs on the eve of the critical Semi Final match with OWC. Not exactly how you want to go into the round of your life.
We
are also getting word on the Alinghi carve to 75 -- the "superboat"
turns out to be a turkey that did not measure and now it is in the shed
for major surgery, as Couttsie admitted at his press briefing yesterday.
Might they be showing a crack or two, figuratively speaking?
12/7/02
Sound Off!
This sound clip (you need a program that plays mp3 files)is of the F-Bombs dropped by TDC during the last weather mark rounding against OneWorld where the kite hit the mark. Submitted by a reluctant fan going by the handle DoomDog, apparently the true audio value of this clip is best heard wearing headphones. Good Times
The only sound better than this would be the one with Isler talking about which rule they would use to throw the race against Oracle before it even started. If anybody has that, we'd like to have it. .
12/05/2002
Big Toys and Bad Boys
Down in Kiwi Land news has spread that Paul Allen's 300 foot mega yacht Tattoosh has been kicked off the new finger pier the lays outside of the viaduct where Larry Ellison's yacht Katana now sits. The reason for this is Allen's boat was busted spying on the Prada camp right across the way. Apparently as soon as Tattoosh arrived cameras were placed on deck of Tattoosh and were filming the Prada camp day and night. The Prada team alerted security and now Tattoosh sits at the Naval base across the harbor. Really did we expect anything less? The only surprise is that it took this long.
12/01/2002
Shitfight at the AC Corral
Three weeks ago Sailing Anarchy revealed OneWorld's "maybe we are breaking the rules?" email sent to teammates by their mast designer Scott Vogel. If we were humble, we would not remind you that Sailing Anarchy suggested then it could be the "smoking gun" that led to new filings against OneWorld.
Sure enough, that email, along with two affidavits from former OneWorld general manager and disgruntled ex-employee Sean Reeves (which, to put it mildly, paint OneWorld as thieves, liars and cheats) became the key pieces of evidence in the protests against OneWorld filed Sunday by Team Dennis Conner and Prada.
So goes the latest "Shitfight at the AC Corral," as we hear one Cup wag has tagged it.
A current joke on Syndicate Row in Auckland goes, "OneWorld say they smoked but didn't inhale, and their prime accuser not only inhaled but moved on to harder drugs." This latter reference is, of course, to Mr Reeves, not the much maligned Scotty Vogel. Vogel is widely regarded as one of the more honest and decent persons in the Cup.
Reeves, on the other hand, is now seen by many as the baddest actor in the history of the Cup. That's some achievement, considering the Cup's 150-year run of skullduggery.
The previous unofficial title-holder was the Earl of Dunraven. In 1895, the Earl's challenger, Valkyrie III, won the second race of the series, but was disqualified by the NYYC race committee for a starting foul. Enraged, he deliberately defaulted to lose the third race and his chance at the Cup. Dunraven then charged that the American boat, Defender, had been illegally ballasted. His protest was quickly disallowed (yes, by the same-self NYYC race committee which, in those days, also served as the measurement committee and jury).
Dunraven continued to complain so vociferously, including publicly accusing the NYYC of fraud, that he was stripped of his honorary NYYC membership.
Reeves, by comparison, makes Dunraven look like a boy scout. In the summer of 2001, Reeves evidently tried to sell OneWorld design secrets, plus whatever design info OneWorld had stolen from other teams, to the GBR Challenge, Oracle and Team DC.
Oracle, to their everlasting credit, immediately informed OneWorld of the approach from Reeves; otherwise "Reevesgate" and OneWorld's protocol breaches probably would have never come to light.
Strangely, GBR and TDC only came forward about Reeves much later, when it was clear they might get caught in the increasing crossfire between Reeves and OneWorld. This has led more than a few keen observers to wonder if in fact GBR and/or TDC actually were toying with the idea of buying whatever information Reeves was offering.
At least someone has a sense of humour about all this. Months ago the militantly pro-TNZ "BlackHearts" group in Auckland "went negative" on OneWorld. This week, Team Dennis Conner, who of course represent the New York Yacht Club, are pitted against OneWorld both on and off the water. The BlackHearts, in turn, are keeping alive the old Arabian proverb, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Check out the BlackHearts' latest posting:
[insert the PDF from http://www.blackheart.co.nz/downloads.html]
New York Yacht Club always wanted to be loved, but by the BlackHearts?
11/28/2002
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If
This Turns Out
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Prada Quits - Sort Of
Knowing that they had zero chance of winning four straight against an obviously superior opponent, Prada pulled out of the remaining races of their quarterfinal series with Alinghi.
By saying, "nessuno più" - no more - Prada conceded the series to Alinghi who became the first challenger to advance to the semifinals of the LVC. Alinghi now gets to wait for the inevitable series with Oracle BMW Racing who is almost sure to defeat One World. That will be the match we are all looking forward to!
This quitting thing may actually turn out to be smart for Prada, as it gives them extra time to prepare for their next series. But, by losing the quarterfinal series, Prada now has to sail in the quarterfinal repechage, scheduled to begin November 23rd. They will have to go up against one of the two winners from the quarterfinals of the boats that finished in the lower half of the early rounds. Although Prada has been going better, this perhaps seems to simply be delaying the inevitable.
11/15/2002
BlackHearts Take Heart Fom Sailing Anarchy?
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One hears the BlackHearts in Auckland have taken heart from Sailing Anarchy's posting of the scandalous OneWorld email. The acclaim of Sailing Anarchy in today's European Scuttlebutt also did not go unnoticed. So do not be surprised if the next billboard to go up in Auckland quotes from the Sailing Anarchy email and looks like this....
11/13/2002
The "Omo Effect" -- Will it kill OneWorld?
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Chaos theory contends that complex and unpredictable results will occur in systems that are sensitive to small changes in their initial conditions. The most common example of this, known as the "Butterfly Effect," states that the flapping of a butterfly's wings in China could cause tiny atmospheric changes which, over a period of time, could affect weather patterns in New York.
Without going quite that far afield, Sailing Anarchy now presents a stellar example of the Chaos Theory at work in the sport of sailing.
We will call it the "Omo Effect," and it states that flapping jaws and loose fingers (on computer keyboards) of disgruntled former employees could result in atmospherics on the opposite side of the world and causing very heavy weather for, if not sinking, an America's Cup team....
Sailing Anarchy, in yet another world exclusive, has been provided with the email the OneWorld Challenge hoped beyond hope would never see the light of day -- the email containing the shockingly plain admission by their mast designer Scott Vogel, previously with Omohundru before he joined OneWorld full time, that OneWorld was "essentially copying TNZ designs." Read the raw, naked truth for yourself [click the image].
As if this were not enough, what other ugly revelations might soon emanate out of Minden? Has the "Omo Effect" provided the smoking gun that will kill OneWorld?
11/10/2002
No Dopes
It had to happen sooner or later. Sailors competing in the America's Cup will be drug-tested for the first time, race officials announced Friday. New Zealand's Sports Drug Agency and the International Sailing Federation are close to reaching an agreement on measures to urine tests for both performance-enhancing and recreational drugs on the International Olympic Committee's banned list. Cup defenders Team New Zealand and eight remaining challenge teams from six countries have welcomed the move to bring the 151-year-old sailing event into line with other international sports. Well of course that is what they are going to say!
Drug agency executive director Graeme Steele said Friday that testing would mostly take place in-competition, though some spot testing could occur. A provision allowing testing had already been written into race conditions, challenger regatta director Dyer Jones said. Teams would not be penalized if one of their sailors tested positive, unless it was found they had provided a drug or endorsed its use. A sailor returning positive A and B tests could be banned from racing and referred to international and national sailing bodies for disciplinary action. A and B? Not A or B? You have to be high both ways before you get the flick? I suppose we understand the performance-enhancing portion of the test (hey grinders, hope you ain't on the juice!), but who cares about the recreational part? What, do we think that being stoned on weed or jacked up on blow, or tripping on ecstasy is going to make them better sailors? Hell, if you can win the America's Cup while high, then good for you. I've sailed high, stoned and even drunk, and I'm pretty sure all it did was make me suck more than usual. Why do you think they call it dope?
America's Cup challenger racing resumes Tuesday in the quarterfinals, with eight teams competing in best-of-seven races. Don't forget the piss cups.
Those Wacky Frogs
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Prada and Team New Zealand are sporting smaller multiple-rod (twin) sidestays on their new masts for lower windage. Now the hapless (so-far) French Le Defi Areva are rumoured to be trying to go one better by developing triple-rod shrouds.
In a world exclusive, Sailing Anarchy has obtained a top-secret drawing of the Frogs' tri-rod design.
11/03/2002
Whoever said this is not a nationalistic competition only needs read the latest jingoism from the BlackHearts. Is this just good fun? Elevating Cup psychological warfare to a new level? Highly embarrassing to fair-minded Kiwis? Likely to so piss off the challengers that it will boomerang and help bring down Team New Zealand? One thing is for sure -- it is putting some extra external pressure on Alinghi and OneWorld. They even take credit for OneWorld's downfall in Round Robin 2. No wonder the Aussies like to say that most Kiwis are well-balanced -- because they have a chip on both shoulders.
Captain's log (2045 hrs, 31-10-02)
The main red herring you will encounter from the apathetics is about all syndicates having foreigners, even Team New Zealand. In the face of such comprehension problems, carry the fight. The nationality of personnel is incidental unless they defected with design secrets.
Look at the sum of the parts, as far as nationality goes. Team New Zealand are funded by patriotic support and genuinely represent a nation, unlike the syndicates funded by heavyweight tycoons, whose egos are the main motivation. Paul Allen's private boat arrived in town this week, proudly announced as two feet longer than Larry Ellison's. It looks as if some of the world's wealthiest men are engaged in a pissing contest. What Team New Zealand wouldn't give, to have access to that sort of funding instead of needing to sell tee-shirts every time they want a new sail!
We are campaigning principally about theft. Except for the Independent (a very well-named paper), the media have practically ignored the big story. Short of ending up in a courtroom facing a vengeful billionaire, we will do everything we can and our point will be made. The defending yacht club being pillaged by chequebook warfare every time would kill this competition.
As far as negativity goes, correct them pre-emptively. We are positive that Team New Zealand needs unwavering support. We are positive a home ground advantage will help. We are positive that the interests of the competition are best served by challengers adhering to the rules.
Round robin two stalled for almost a week in wildly varying conditions. It wasn't until Thursday that they managed to get in two flights per day. And when they did, Oracle gave OneWorld their second loss of the regatta. It looks as if Chris Dickson has made a big difference. Bruce Farr will be grateful, because for a while there it looked as if he and his expensive slug would have nowhere left to hide from Larry's blowtorch.
OneWorld hit back that afternoon, narrowly beating Victory Challenge, but for some reason they aren't the force they were in round one. I hope our billboard didn't spook them. Prada, on the other hand, are improving steadily and carried on their unbeaten run in round two - six from six so far (although with Alinghi and OneWorld still to face).
Alinghi beat Stars and Stripes, and I had the misfortune to be watching with a big gangly weak-chinned Australian who had been totally seduced by the Swiss. Like all Aussies, he was backing the favourite, and even thought they were good enough to take it off us in February. I kept silent about February, pitying him with his neutered lap-dog take on the whole event, and concentrated on the race in hand. I was cheering for New York, of course. He failed to see my logic (I have lightbulbs brighter than this fellow) when I outlined the merits of their legitimate challenge as opposed to the Swiss. Imagine my frustration as Alinghi slowly worked Stars and Stripes over. He sensed I was taking it rather hard, and as the Swiss crossed the line he appealed to my sportsmanship. "Oh come on, give them a clap, that was pretty impressive sailing."
For crying out loud, man, I'd sooner be staked out with ruddy bamboo growing through my body!
Black Magic 81 and 82 were further offshore, and my eyes were irresistibly drawn that way despite the racing on the course behind me. Can you picture the two black boats, with Rangitoto in the background? They tacked back and forth, locked together in good breeze out past the channel, and my chest swelled with pride as I watched. Many of the challenging boats have chosen black as their principal hull colour, but it only symbolises something great on one team, something that says Snell and Nepia in the same breath, Kupe, Cook and Blake.
Deep in the genetic and geographic heart of this land is a happy mystery, to do with the perfect mix of naturally beautiful islands and a totally immigrant population. It's called hybrid vigour. We're purpose-built for such a privileged environment, and have a spiritual bond with the land and sea.
Recently the winning versus participating debate was put front and centre in this country, mainly because Australia began winning at rugby instead of being willing to participate in the annual slaughter that they used to. In Fremantle, though, they practically gave the Cup back on a plate, and I'll tell you right now - the reason they're not contesting the Louis Vuitton in Auckland is because they couldn't win if they were.
Don't let the same thing happen to us!
Nothing further to report at this hour - Blackheart signing off.
11/03/2002
AC Dope
The French did a mode change and went out Saturday with the ass end of their boat shrouded, so they will be trying what is rumored to be some aft winglets that try to keep the flow attached further aft on the hull. Based on the beating received by Oracle, this appears to be something less than successful.
Speaking of Oracle, they also did an overnight mode change for yesterday's last and meaningless day of racing. Betting is they did a wing-angle change.
At Saturday's press conference, Brad Butterworth said Alinghi might choose as their QF opponent their strongest competitor, not who they perceive as the weakest between OneWorld, Oracle, and Prada. Reason being to beat them and force them down into the QF repechage so they have to sail an extra series and burn up more sails. Clever bullshit that -- it is way too risky to choose who they really think is their toughest competitor and increase the odds of getting themselves beaten and relegated to the QFR; but it is a great psyche job on all three, giving an undeserved big head to the one they choose and making the other two feel like shit. Of course, we now know that they chose Prada, who they will destroy, but it was interesting gamesmanship nontheless. Gamesmanship of course doesn't mean shit if you can't back it up on the water. There is little question that Alinghi can indeed deliver. This also means that it will be Oracle vs. One World; Victory against Le Defi; and GBR vs. TDC. This is going to be good.
11/03/2002
DC/ Prada Updates
-
We all know by now of the DC rum-fueled blow up/blow out, but one also hears Stars & Stripes privately apologized to Oracle, and Oracle dropped the protest. Interesting, too, to note that the flight with the make-up race between S&S and Oracle was scheduled this afternoon -- out of the normal re-sail order -- when the forecast is for the same wind as the day S&S had their "breakdown" that they failed to report for four hours.
-
The Arbitration Panel has this morning issued new directions and an order to Prada, full text below. Ominous for Prada is point 3(c) which implies that Mr Peterson must in fact remain an Italian national through the Cup even after being fired. The rules gurus on Halsey Street say this he can only do by living in Italy since he does not have an Italian passport.
THE AMERICA’S CUP ARBITRATION PANEL
|
ACAP 02/10 In the matter of the Protocol Governing the 31st America’s Cup And In the matter of an application filed by Yacht Club Punta Ala/Prada Challenge for the America’s Cup 2003 seeking a ruling under Article 22.3[a] in respect of Article 11 of the Protocol |
ORDER AND FURTHER DIRECTIONS OF THE AMERICA’S CUP ARBITRATION PANEL
1. The Arbitration Panel has received no submissions from any other party in response to directions issued on 12 October 2002.
2. The Panel has received a submission from the applicant dated 22 October 2002. It seeks an order pursuant to Rule 9 of the America’s Cup Arbitration Panel Rules 2001 that evidence and documents supporting this application be kept confidential to the members of the America’s Cup Arbitration Panel and its Registrar.
3. The Panel directs that the applicant file with the Registrar of the Panel evidence in affidavit form with appropriate documentation annexed in support of its application by Friday, 15 November 2002. Such affidavits shall:
a. identify the designer and the basis upon which his Italian nationality was asserted;
b. annex any written document or documents constituting or evidencing the terms of the designer’s engagement, and the terms of any termination of that engagement;
c. set out facts relating to the termination of the designer’s engagement and what steps, if any, have been taken to preserve his Italian nationality following termination.
4. The Panel orders that the affidavit and documents referred to in the above direction shall not be disclosed to any persons other than Panel members and the Panel Registrar without further order of the Panel.
Dated at Auckland this 1st day of November 2002
For and on behalf of the America’s Cup Arbitration Panel
JM Foster JP
Registrar
10/31/2002
More Dicko
According to some of our sources, one reason Stu Argo left the Oracle program is that when Dicko got broomed out of the program last time, Stu told him, to his face, that he'd sooner roll around naked on a bed of broken glass than ever sail with him again. Now, there is basically nothing in the program which Dicko is not in charge of. So Stu figured it wasn't going to work out, and did what he said he was going to do. At least he stuck to his word. Hope he doesn't regret it now that Oracle is getting squared away!
10/31/2002
Stars and Stripes Cheating. Again?
Halsey St. is abuzz with the chutzpah shown by Stars & Stripes in trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the jury by claiming they had broken down in their first race of the day (loss to Sweden) and, therefore, should be excused from racing Oracle in the afternoon race.
Trouble is that Stripes did not ask the umpires to inspect their "breakdown" until one minute before the sequence began for their race with Oracle -- and that was nearly four hours after the end of their race with the Swedes.
Even worse, apparently Stripes not only sailed around with no problem during that four hour period (and never said anything to the umpires), at one point they happily went along with a start sequence begun by the race committee -- but in 12 knots of breeze. That sequence was stopped when the wind did not cooperate. But when the RC tried to get a start off an hour later -- this time in 17 knots -- Stripes suddenly claimed a breakdown in the first race.
Obviously Stripes did not want to race Oracle in a fresh breeze -- and everyone down in NZ knows Stripes' is slow in a blow and Oracle goes.
Oracle protested, but strangely that hearing which was to be heard yesterday has been postponed to today pending, one hears, an ongoing investigation by the jury. One bit of evidence, or so we hear from TV New Zealand commentators, is that Peter Isler was heard to say over the TV mics in unguarded moment aboard S&S yesterday, "we're just trying to figure out which of the two rules is going to kill the race...." Nice job Isler - in one minute you finally made up for all of the hours that you have sucked on TV!
Yesterday poor Billy Trenkle got sent to the wolves (press conference) to try to sluff off their deceit. See the Yachts and Yachting story at http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/default2.asp?section=11&article=8280 which includes the surprisingly bluntly-worded protest by Oracle.
Sounds like the real breakdown yesterday was in the sporting values and morals of Stars & Stripes.
10/30/2002
Deja Vu All Over Again.
Here is the latest and last filing by Prada in their seemingly desperate attempt to discredit Doug Peterson and keep themselves from getting penalized or booted out entirely from the Cup. Notice too that in this document they admit to terminating "with immediate effect all agreements with the designer...."
Note also the bit about using a password (yes, they did) to try to keep a widely circulated and non-confidential document from getting published. But that did not stop Sailing Anarchy from getting at The Truth.
Hard as they tried to get themselves disqualified by suing Oracle, don't forget Prada as Challenger of Record appointed two members of the Arbitration Panel, so don't count them out.
The Challenger of Record function has ALWAYS been the kiss of death -- no COR has ever won the Louis Vuitton Cup let alone the America's Cup. Deja vu all over again?
10/24/2002
The Dick gets Dicko; Hopes Not To Get Dicked
We said long ago that Ellison was making a huge mistake by booting Chris Dickson and Paul Cayard from the Oracle afterguard. Especially. Dickson - he's an aggressive sharpshooter who does indeed know how to get the most of a boat. There are damn few who have seemingly all the ingredients to win at this level. He is one of them.
We also said long ago that this program would have huge amounts of strife that not even Ellison's fat wallet could stifle, and so it comes to pass.
The word is that Dicko is indeed back on the boat and doing what he should have been doing all along - driving. It is also thought that John Cutler and Peter Holmberg have been given the flick, which apparently is causing no small amount of grief within the team.
Anybody who knows anything about Ellison's history in the hiring and firing of top level people at the Oracle Corporation, knows that this is business as usual for Larry. It speaks volumes about his temperament, and also helps explain why he is such a feared and generally disliked figure.
Of course none of this latest round of nonsense would be happening if the Farr drawn Oracle boat wasn't as off the pace as it seems to be. Add to the fire the fact that Dicko is also thought to be a bit of a prick to sail with and this could be a beauty of a flame when this is all said and done!
10/23/2002
Truth in Advertising?
 |
Doubtless you have all read of the Anti-TNZ expatriots BlackHeart ("Staunch and True") campaign in Auckland. Their website is www.blackheart.co.nz.
Here is a shot of the first BlackHeart billboard, which appeared on Friday. It has a prime location on Fanshawe St., and anyone coming into Auckland across the Harbour Bridge from the upmarket North Shore can't miss it. Many of the OneWorlders live there, so it must have been an interesting commute in to the City for them this morning.
We hear a future BlackHeart billboard will read "Coutts & Co, Mercenary Bankers, Geneva, Since 2000."
10/21/2002
Kiwi Dirty
Tricks:
How to Piss
off the Challengers and make NYYC/SDYC look good.
 |
We hear that those lovable Kiwis are making the challengers run the Louis Vuitton Cup races in the Red Green and Blue courses, while keeping the Yellow area all for themselves. The last AC was held in the Yellow course area, and it certainly looks to be the same for 2003. Nothing like a little home court advantage, eh?
Who can blame 'em? I'd try to do exactly the same thing if I were them.
10/17/2002
Prada's Peterson Problem
You may have seen this elsewhere, but Prada has a big problem, not the least of which is a boat that is off the pace, a nut holding the check book (or what is left of it), or a panicked aftergaurd. According to AC protocol, now that Doug Peterson has been fired by Bertelli, Doug must return to Italy now that he is neither sailing or designing with the team, and must stay there through the "first race of the Match" (Protocol 11.2 refers). If Doug says "fuck it and fuck you Bertelli" (which I think a lot of us are hoping he does), Prada could find their dago asses over a barrel. See the Official Document.
10/17/2002
Yachting: The Corinthian Sport
 Alinghi crewman Josh Belsky showing what he thinks of OneWorld? |
10/16/2002
The Bitch With the Brits
 One World |
 Prada |
The teams up and down Halsey St. are angry that CORM are allowing GBR to place their CORM-supplied telemetry equipment below deck, while all the other teams are required to have them mounted on the rack in the back in a high windage position. Oracle were expected to fly a red flag during their match against GBR yesterday but strangely did not. OneWorld and others have expressed their angst about it, and you can expect a bumfight about it if CORM continues to allow GBR to do it in RR2. CORM of course is the same organization that does such a wonderful job of picking the "match of the day" for TV.
 GBR |
10/12/2002
We printed what we knew and heard about TDC's apparent Protocol violation. Well, here for all of you who can actually read through this kind of stuff, is the actual official communication and application by TDC on behalf of NYYC.
Lot's of "we didn't know" here, but we know this: Somebody is bullshitting somebody.
Both
are in PDF format
The
Application filed 9/26/02
Follow
up communication filed on 9/28/02
09/28/2002
More Prada
 Louis Vuitton Cup 2002 - Round Robin 1, Day 1: Prada Challenge ITA-74 vs Oracle BMW Racing. Oracle won by 42 seconds.Byline: © Paul Todd / outsideimages.co.nz |
Here's the word on what happened with Gavin Brady: We understand that he got his walking papers from Bertelli direct via a letter the other day, which Bertelli couldn't legally do since Gavin had a contract! Bertelli did a quick about face, and Gavin was back on the boat as it left the basin today.
Jesus, what in the hell is Bertelli doing? Those on the inside say he is a complete loose cannon, and think that morale is plummeting fast. Could it already be over for this team?
10/03/2002
Peterson Gets The Flick
Yes, it is true - Dougie P was given the flick by Prada, or more specifically, Patrizio Bertelli. Berttelli has run out of Prada money to spend and now that it's coming from his own pocket, he is getting rather stingy and trying to figure ways to reduce his outrageous payroll. Perhaps he should have thought about this earlier and stuck to budget.
One solution that has been brewing from resentment for a long time is that most of the white boys (anyone non-Italian) is being given the heave-ho.
They have also gotten rid of three other American designers and Gavin Brady. At least Rod Davis has learned how to properly service his Italian Boss . . .
Wow, Prada has apparently got much of it wrong this time, evidenced by the trouncing that TDC laid on them in race two. What in the hell has happened here? We'll hope to get much more on this from Deep Throat.
10/03/2002
Connergate, Again?
Jesus H. Christ, does this fucker ever learn? Some of you may have already read this, but for those who have not, we hear that Team Dennis Conner is about to submit to the Arbitration Panel an admission that they have breached the Protocol by hiring one of the declared designers and crewmembers of the defunct illbruck AC team. This is prohibited under the Protocol and was reinforced by a recent decision of the Arbitration panel.
"Breach the Protocol?" Isn't that the pc way of saying that you cheated? Let us not forget that TDC was nailed a point for using an illegal rudder during the last Cup, and was also about to have their ass handed to them for using an illegal mainsail before they were eliminated.
What in the hell is this all about? As Ricky Ricardo might have said to Lucille Ball: "Hey Lucy, chu got some 'splainin' to do!"
09/26/200