America's Cup won by....the SWISS?????

[Thrillhouse]

Now, honestly, I couldn't care less WHO wins the America's Cup, and yachting is NOT a sport. But I have two questions:

#1 Why would the Swiss be competing in ANYTHING? Aren't they neutral? Does that mean when they won, they didn't react any differently than if someone else had won it?
#2 WTF is a LAND-LOCKED country doing participating in a YACHT RACE?

 

[ExLimey]

It is pretty ironic isn't it.

I'm wondering why you think it's not a sport?

 

[morninggirl5]

I've always wondered how a yacht race that's held all over the world came to be known as the America's Cup.


I've never wondered enough to find out the answer though.

 

[LukkyKnight]

#2 WTF is a LAND-LOCKED country doing participating in a YACHT RACE?

WTF is up with a Jamaican Bobsled team, or NHL franchises south of the Mason-Dixon line?

 

[Thrillhouse]

I've always wondered how a yacht race that's held all over the world came to be known as the America's Cup.


I've never wondered enough to find out the answer though.

IIRC, it was won by Americans for 100+ years, and its nickname became the official name.

 

[Thrillhouse]

It is pretty ironic isn't it.

I'm wondering why you think it's not a sport?

It doesn't pass my personal sport/not a sport test. It's kinda long and complicated, but I'll get into it if you insist.

 

[LukkyKnight]

If you think yachting is long and complicated you should take in the latest wrinkles in pre-nups.

 

[Guest]

Alingheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[teddybear4play]

With the profits from the banking and holey cheese industry, the Swiss can do anything. I believe, in places tourists never visit, they're planning to take over the world.

TB4p

 

[Firesprite]

Speaking as a New Zealander, It kinda sucked that we had our asses whipped by a landlocked country, but keep in mind the skipper on Alinghi was our skipper on the last two races, so we lost a great tactical mind. There are 15 nationalities represented on the Alinghi yacht, which is owned by one man. Yes you could say the swiss won, but IMHO I think the best crewed boat won.

Loyal to the bitter end.

 

[QuickDuck]

IIRC, it was won by Americans for 100+ years, and its nickname became the official name.

Wrong

It was named after the first boat to win it.

125 years (i think) it was held by the US until in 1983 (again i think thats the right date), it was won by Australia II and the now famous winged keel.

Even more remarkable was that Australia II came back from being 3 - 1 down, to win the next 4 races and take the cup.

The defense was held in Perth three years later, when it was won by New Zealand who have held it ever since.

Now it was won by Alingi, 5 - 0 ... but Kiwis can at least take heart in knowing that the skipper was a New Zealander.

/wave
QD


p.s. It most definately IS a sport.

 

[Draco]

Slight correction:

Quoted by Quickduck:
"The defense was held in Perth three years later, when it was won by New Zealand who have held it ever since."

Sorry but you are wrong. Dennis Connor won it back for the San Diego Yatch Club in 1983 in Freemantle (Perth) They held it until 1995 when Team New Zealand, led by the late Sir Peter Blake and skippered by todays winner, Russell Coutts, took it off them with a 9-0 victory spree. We defended the cup succesfully in 1999 in Auckland and now Alinghi have taken the cup from us.

The better prepared and financed team won on the day, and credit were credits due, we didn't stand a chance. BUT, it has put New Zealand firmly on the map in terms of the sea-faring industry. Our ship yards and boat-builders have won many multi-million dollar contracts building racing yatchs, pleasure yatch and super yatchs.

We'll just hunker down, and build a better boat next time, and fight Alinghi for OUR cup back.

FYI, the next defense will be held on Lake Geneva. Possibly in 2007. Before it was re-named the "America's Cup", it was originally called the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy. Named after the English tea baron.

 

[chanaud]

Speaking as a New Zealander, It kinda sucked that we had our asses whipped by a landlocked country, but keep in mind the skipper on Alinghi was our skipper on the last two races, so we lost a great tactical mind. There are 15 nationalities represented on the Alinghi yacht, which is owned by one man. Yes you could say the swiss won, but IMHO I think the best crewed boat won.

Loyal to the bitter end.

It's actually become a joke that the Swiss are proclaiming their victory. Everyone in the sailing world knows the one who has the most money bought the best crew. Still a win is a win.

It will be interesting as to where the Cup will be held next year, since Switzerland doesn't have any coastal borders.

<waves hello to ExLimey> I haven't seen you in a long time. Are you still sailing?

 

[Draco]

Speaking as a New Zealander, It kinda sucked that we had our asses whipped by a landlocked country: Loyal to the bitter end.

Hi Sprite, long time no see....

I have to agree.....but, we'll be gracious in defeat...and look at what the "America's Cup" industry has done for NZ's economy. Its been very good to NZ, and we should be thankful for that alone.

While I have mixed loyalties about Coutts, I will say...well done Alinghi....

 

[ExLimey]

<waves hello to ExLimey> I haven't seen you in a long time. Are you still sailing?

We've got several feet of snow on the ground and the bay we race on is frozen over and now inhabited by ice fishermen

Spring will be here soon which means I need to schedule a Club meeting and send out dues notices (ugh). I believe our first race will be mid to late May.

Please don't rub it in, I'm sure you can sail all year round right?

Thrillhouse, I'm still interested in the long version of why it's not a sport. Please share, I insist!

 

[Touch1]

Though there are some who question whether or not sailing is a sport, the America's Cup trophy is the oldest trophy in sports.

 

[QuickDuck]

Sorry but you are wrong. Dennis Connor won it back for the San Diego Yatch Club in 1983 in Freemantle (Perth) They held it until 1995 when Team New Zealand, led by the late Sir Peter Blake and skippered by todays winner, Russell Coutts, took it off them with a 9-0 victory spree. We defended the cup succesfully in 1999 in Auckland and now Alinghi have taken the cup from us.

Damn... I forgot Conner getting it back...you're right though.

hmm the 9-0 win, that was with the Cat wasn't it?

Thanks Draco

 

[Firesprite]

Just a general note - there is never a 9-0 win.. it is best out of 9, or to put it another way, first team to 5 wins.

Hi Draco!
good to see you! I agree.. NZ economy has had a boost. I don't blame Coutts for following his wallet.