3710 replies to this topic

[kiwi_jon]

Read my post above. TK has screwed up again.

Quite so ... and, in future, I will get a coffee before (not after) going to the Viaduct.

However you can re-post the picture of the Luna Rossa SL-33 as it was the first sight of it.

[Te Kooti]

TNZ is having an open-day on 14 March, 4.30 to 8.30 p.m.

Unwashed masses will be permitted to look into the TNZ/Camper boat.

And talk to the crew.

Deano and the rest of the AC crew will also be on scene.

I am keen to talk to most of them. But most notably Hamish Hooper (who has been very frank about the VOR ordeal).

[Te Kooti]

The weather in Akld has turned into monstrous shit.

Rain, short break, then more rain!

Forecast says March will be ok.

But this has been a crappy summer.

[Te Kooti]

No sweat , eyes on the ground are still a good source of info even if they make a mistake now and then . Better than relying on my local sport pages , NOTHING

As a political candidate I have been a strong advocate of public transit.

But I rarely use it!

However, the parking situation (and associated stress) in Auckland is so bad, I am thinking of taking the train to Volvo festivities.

Have today checked out the free parking at my local railway station.

Will walk to the Viaduct from Britomart.

On March 12 the U of Auckland is hosting a panel discussion on boat design. M/C PJM. Involves Nico, Gio Belgrano, Moose and other notables.

Will be held in the Events Centre at the Viaduct.

I am looking forward that that.

[kiwi_jon]

Looks like Luna Rossa's new SL-33 will be soft sail to start with. The mast was stepped on it today down at the TNZ base.

[Albatros]

As a political candidate I have been a strong advocate of public transit.

Will walk to the Viaduct from Britomart.

how many votes did you get ?

big respect though for your truely olympic endeavour in walking the full 400 odd meters from Britomart to Viaduct Basin, r e s p e c t , you're a hero (that will probably also explain why you will come as unwashed)



wonder what the logic is if Luna's SL-33 starts with soft sails, it isn't like they have not been sailing with a wing yet ?

[kiwi_jon]

^^^

Maybe their wing isn't ready and they just want to go sailing. They could have borrowed the mast and soft sails off TNZ.

[Albatros]

^^^

Maybe their wing isn't ready and they just want to go sailing. They could have borrowed the mast and soft sails off TNZ.

hey now, why make things simple if you can make 'em difficulty too ? and here I was thinking about all sorts of weird reasons and it could be as simple as that, time to start the weekend me thinks

[Te Kooti]

how many votes did you get ?

Fortunately, I easily snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

And did not become the Minister of Education.

So I was well placed to squander my life in a sailing chat room.

[Te Kooti]

Looks like Luna Rossa's new SL-33 will be soft sail to start with. The mast was stepped on it today down at the TNZ base.

Yep, no sign of a wing.

They trundled it over to the TNZ crane to step the mast.

Then wheeled it back to the Prada forecourt and erected a mesh barrier thingo around it.

Only 4 or 5 people working on it.

[kiwi_jon]

Luna Rossa's SL-33 hit the water today and has been out sailing for much of the afternoon.

[Te Kooti]

Yesterday I had a very close-up look at the LR SL33.

If the AC72 turns out to be a scaled-up version of this we are definitely in for a good time.

I am not going to post photos or say too much here.

But, be assured the curvature of the canting daggerboards is wild.

And winglets on rudders look like they expect this baby to get up like a Rohan Veal foiler.

Seeing this I was suddenly struck by the fact it must be a lot of fun to be a designer.

Financed by people willing to pay for wild ideas.

Down at the Viaduct the Volvo welcome is gradually coming together - banners, booths etc.

But what is the order of arrival?

[Te Kooti]

big respect though for your truely olympic endeavour in walking the full 400 odd meters from Britomart to Viaduct Basin

Point taken.

But it is painful to continuously see how Auckland has fucked-up the waterfront.

And today we learn that Mayor Brown (an otherwise decent bloke) has authorised another MAJOR reclamation for the container port.

Why do they now learn from errors of others (eg. HK harbour, SF Bay)?

Containers may have revolutionised shipping. But they sure-as-hell are creating havoc in harbours.

[K38BOB]

big respect though for your truely olympic endeavour in walking the full 400 odd meters from Britomart to Viaduct Basin

Point taken.

But it is painful to continuously see how Auckland has fucked-up the waterfront.

And today we learn that Mayor Brown (an otherwise decent bloke) has authorised another MAJOR reclamation for the container port.

Why do they now learn from errors of others (eg. HK harbour, SF Bay)?

Containers may have revolutionised shipping. But they sure-as-hell are creating havoc in harbours.

Worked ok for Oakland link.
SF? Not so much.

Middle Harbor park link

[Rennmaus]

Dec/Jan issue is out: http://www.ocean-rac...8coqg22ney30z13

AC72 article on pages 36f, AC45 pages 38f, Dean Barker feature on pages 40f, Mark Turner on 42f, BP on the following pages and a lot of other superb stuff all over the mag.

Feb/March issue: http://www.ocean-rac...yz3kncinmsxvi1v
Pages 40ff are about the AC, and of course some bits an pieces all over the mag.

[Te Kooti]

The LR SL-33 was out sailing again yesterday.

[punter]

TNZ is having an open-day on 14 March, 4.30 to 8.30 p.m.

Unwashed masses will be permitted to look into the TNZ/Camper boat.

And talk to the crew.

Deano and the rest of the AC crew will also be on scene.

I am keen to talk to most of them. But most notably Hamish Hooper (who has been very frank about the VOR ordeal).

There may be a re-schedule on that. They have 3700nm left to go still and a doldrums to get through.

http://www.sail-world.com/Asia/Volvo-Ocean-Race:-Too-tight-to-call-in-late-running-Leg-4/94396

[Rennmaus]

Not really news from the Viaduct, but from Lake Pupuke. Has anyone of you seen this, Sir Russell, Bad Ben and Eye Candy Deano in one team: http://www.murraysba...-hour-race-2012

And many other AC knowns around as well.

[Te Kooti]

Not really news from the Viaduct, but from Lake Pupuke. Has anyone of you seen this, Sir Russell, Bad Ben and Eye Candy Deano in one team: http://www.murraysba...-hour-race-2012

And many other AC knowns around as well.

Lake Pupuke is where Roy Dickson used to drop his two sons - with a boat each.

At the end of the work day he would swing by the lake to pick them up.

Guess what Chris and his brother did to fill up the day?

[Rennmaus]

Not really news from the Viaduct, but from Lake Pupuke. Has anyone of you seen this, Sir Russell, Bad Ben and Eye Candy Deano in one team: http://www.murraysba...-hour-race-2012

And many other AC knowns around as well.

Lake Pupuke is where Roy Dickson used to drop his two sons - with a boat each.

At the end of the work day he would swing by the lake to pick them up.

Guess what Chris and his brother did to fill up the day?

Wasn't is also Lake Pupuke where DB got lost on his first outing with a sailboat?

[Kiwi Spy]

Everyone used to do that on the North Shore during the school holidays - dropped off at the beach at 9 with our boats and picked up again at 6. When it was winter we sailed off the beach or the lake. And not a mommy boat or coach or race official in sight.

RG

[~Stingray~]

new
--
Not better, not worse, but very different …

Coach Rod Davis, who did his first America's Cup in 1977, blogs on a something that was very different…..

I was 21 years old on my first America's Cup, a bowman on Enterprise one of three American boats, in the defence trails. A time rich in history and tradition and the New York Yacht Club's 130-year winning streak meant something extraordinary.

...

[eric e]

Wasn't is also Lake Pupuke where DB got lost on his first outing with a sailboat?

lost?

it's a small round volcanic crater lake

about 1km across

if he got lost in that

no wonder he doesn't do offshore

[Te Kooti]

Quite a few of my relatives work in film and some are in Warkworth shooting scenes for "The Emperor"

It is about the Japanese emperor sitting on his throne at the end of WWII (Nagasaki/Hiroshima).

If it is anything like Clint Eastwood's masterpiece on Okinawa, I will want to see it.

The film crew are using an old cement works near the Mahurangi marina at Warkworth.

During lunch breaks they sit near "lots" of blokes in Oracle shirts.

Who, by the way, are building something major up the road at Core.

Mmmmh ... where is the CIC these days?

[Rennmaus]

Wasn't is also Lake Pupuke where DB got lost on his first outing with a sailboat?

lost?

it's a small round volcanic crater lake

about 1km across

if he got lost in that

no wonder he doesn't do offshore

"lost" was an euphemism for what happened...

BTW, he did the one or other Transpac, no? A Fastnet maybe also, but I'm not sure about that.

[JWR]

Mmmmh ... where is the CIC these days?

Neutered to benefit your beloved New Zealand's economy. Pick a side.

[Te Kooti]

Today I have been at a seminar about the Rena.

Interesting papers about volunteers who insisted on doing the clean-up, what science shows about poisoned shelf fish and destroyed birds.

The community spirit in Tauranga/Mt. Maunganui is commendable.

But there are still too many "lost" containers out on the Volvo race course.

Already, 1 fishboat has had a collision and sank in mysterious circumstances.

Today's newspaper speaks of a weather "bomb" about to hit northern NZ.

Lucky the Volvo boats are still far away.

[~Stingray~]

^ Are all the lovely punch-above-their-weight locals still scavenging the beaches for loot to steal, or has that opportunity ended?

[Te Kooti]

^ Are all the lovely punch-above-their-weight locals still scavenging the beaches for loot to steal, or has that opportunity ended?

Nope!

Focus is now on shellfish.

Maori do not believe the scientific "all clear" (concerning kaimoana - seafood).

For good reasons.

Also, salvors keep barging containers in from the bit still on the reef.

But tomorrow's big weather has the potential to create new problems.

The Regional Council speaks of raising and removing the wreckage.

But it is a major task.

My contribution was to blast the notion of arrresting and convicting the captain (accomplished yesterday).

I suggested the main guilt lies with capitalist excess (and the danger of cutting back maritime services). Had a pilot been on board, it would not have happened.

Blaming the under-paid Filpino captain is, in my view, short-sighted.

[eric e]

even a colon has more self awareness

than the man they call the kooki

pilots are no guarantee you won't end up on the rocks


http://christchurchc...illermontov.asp

http://www.nzmaritim...z/lermontov.htm

[Te Kooti]

even a colon has more self awareness

than the man they call the kooki

pilots are no guarantee you won't end up on the rocks


http://christchurchc...illermontov.asp

http://www.nzmaritim...z/lermontov.htm

Yea, but pilots know their local waters.

They are there for good reasons.

[~Stingray~]

Richard Meacham, good one

[~Stingray~]

Another new vid

[Te Kooti]

Finally, a fine day.

Volvo village is operating.

Empty cradles await the VO70 boats.

Had a look in all the pavillions this morning and scored several free (but normally expensive) magazines. Am not about to buy a Volvo digger. But could use a new sterndrive!

Jeez, North Sails even gave me a bottle of water.

The VOR 3D movie is technically interesting. Although the blah, blah commercial aspects are tiresome. Almost makes one wish for a retirn to the corinthian days.

Arrival predictions vary. But, one way or another, Groupama will get here Saturday night.

Camper will appear about 24 hours later.

VOR organisers have almost as many volunteers as spectators.

In the meantime, I am going surfing.

[knarly34]

What's the name of that cream that camper ETNZ use to stop chafe. Fucking quiz thing is doing my head in

[Martin X Moleski SJ]

What's the name of that cream that camper ETNZ use to stop chafe. Fucking quiz thing is doing my head in

Some cyclists in the U.S. recommend "Bag Balm" which is (or was) sold in farm-supply stores for chapped udders on cows.

Dunno if the same kind of product is being used by ETNZ.

Marty

[nav]

Before this turns into another Volvo thread...


Muscling up: http://www.youtube.c...d&v=x9BWJr2bzeI

[Te Kooti]

ETNZ open day tomorrow (Wednesday).

Volvo + AC crews on-scene.

And a chance to see below decks on Camper.

[bluesea]

In the meantime, I am going surfing.

We have the Aotearoa Film Festival tonight.

[Indio]

^ Are all the lovely punch-above-their-weight locals still scavenging the beaches for loot to steal, or has that opportunity ended?

Beats Seppo soldiers murdering Afghanistan women & children in their sleep.....real macho!!

[Te Kooti]

AC organisers could learn a lot from the VOR.

Over the last 3 days shore crews have been working on the 6 Volvo boats.

With the exception of Camper (in a shed) they are all outside - only 6 or 8 feet from interested spectators.

Several people closely observed the Groupama mast disassembly process. About 6 or 10 G4 shore guys doing it.

Only feet away, the atmosphere around Sanya is tranquil. Only 1 (maybe 2) guys working on the mast.

At first G4 put a lot of effort into concealing their wound (or were they just keeping it dry?). Anyway, by late yesterday afternoon it was there for all to see.

Sanya is parked right behind G4 and, by walking up the ramp at the Events Centre, it is possible to see what distinguishes an early-generation VO70 from the current (G4) model.

Must be frustrating for Moose etc to know they do not have a chance.

I have spent plenty of time in the Sanya tent trying to get answers to the following:

• Will you be in the next VOR race?
• If so, will you have a new boat?

Pretty soon, there will be a Q & A session (with crew members) on the Puma stage and I might ask these questions there.

In the meantime the Camper open day starts in 2 hours and, thank god, it feels like summer in Auckland.

I have backed off on my criticism of the Viaduct. They are having a hard time getting people down there mid-week (on a work day) but, in general, this stopover has been a big success.

According to my new (and VERY lovely) mates in the VOR organisation, the Auckland stopover has been MUCH better than the one in Sanya.

Soon after the start of Leg 5 boats will head around Coromandel and across the Bay of Plenty. Where there are still too many undetected Rena containers floating around.

Whatever G4 hit off the Whangarei Heads gave them a big shake-up. A container would pretty well take out the forward bow section, the keel, daggerboards and rudders.

The more I look at G4 and see Cammas running around, the more I think they will win this. It is also good to know they will be in the next iteration of the VOR.

If you are in Auckland and have not been to the trade show on the ground floor of the Events Centre, go and have a look. Those people are friendly and there are impressive products on display. Also, magazine publishers are handing out free copies.

[knarly34]

Its been pretty impressive all around I must say down at the Race Village. I hope this race comes back here, Im sure it will grow even more.

It has not hummed like this since the AC days.

[Te Kooti]

The ETNZ/Camper Open Day was a huge success.

Spoke with GD, Nico, Roger Badham, Minoprio, Trae, Bannatyne and numerous other worthies.

Lines of visitors snaked out onto the street but syndicate members lingered nearby and spoke with waiting crowds.

Hordes of people clambered onto Camper (very much the stripped-down race machine).

Heard some good gossip but the outstanding thing for me was the fact GD had a Ngati Whatua sausage sizzle right in the compound at the top of the ramp.

Thirty years ago many of my mates were hauled into police cells for defending the Ngati Whatua right to their land.

Today they have a partnership with TNZ and young Maori kids are learning to sail (Firefly and Optimist).

For reasons too lengthy to explain here, this is a thrill. So I gave them a donation.

One day we will see Maori on AC boats and in the Volvo. It cannot come fast enough.

Grant understands the meaning of Team "New Zealand".

In VOR race gossip, Roger Badham expects 50 k winds soon after the start. Adam would love to steer the in-port races but it ain't going to happen. While in the shed there were no changes to the hull. But the boat got new standing rigging. Trae still has sore ribs, Mike Pammenter got a bridge in Capetown but will need more dental work after the race (although his current teeth look good). Stu Bannatyne is chatty but tired.

Perhaps the most controversial thing I heard was this.

Grant thinks Clean (Alan Block) might have some intelligence.

[bluesea]

^ Are all the lovely punch-above-their-weight locals still scavenging the beaches for loot to steal, or has that opportunity ended?

Beats Seppo soldiers murdering Afghanistan women & children in their sleep.....real macho!!

Real taliban, actually. They do it to themselves more than anything else.

[Indio]

^ Are all the lovely punch-above-their-weight locals still scavenging the beaches for loot to steal, or has that opportunity ended?

Beats Seppo soldiers murdering Afghanistan women & children in their sleep.....real macho!!

Real taliban, actually. They do it to themselves more than anything else.

I suppose this is Taliban!! Or did you mean Teletubbies, ya fuckwit!

[yachtyakka]

honest Grant if we don't win we're gone, all over, unless someone wants to step up and pay the 10's of $millons it costs per year to keep it going

[GauchoGreg]

honest Grant if we don't win we're gone, all over, unless someone wants to step up and pay the 10's of $millons it costs per year to keep it going

Anyone believe him? What BS.

[~Stingray~]

^ probably talking VOR. Nice piece by him here
http://yachtyakka.co...5th-march-2012/

edit, no.. he's quoting what GD says about TNZ in the video at the link.. a way to motivate the guys??

[bluesea]

^ Are all the lovely punch-above-their-weight locals still scavenging the beaches for loot to steal, or has that opportunity ended?

Beats Seppo soldiers murdering Afghanistan women & children in their sleep.....real macho!!

Real taliban, actually. They do it to themselves more than anything else.

I suppose this is Taliban!! Or did you mean Teletubbies, ya fuckwit!

You judge all seppo soldiers based on the actions of how many, fuckwit? Best you just stfu and go back to your whining and bitching about the little cup the world doesn't care about.

[~Stingray~]

http://i.stuff.co.nz...-not-a-must-win

Consistency is what is crucial for Camper at this stage of the game, Bannatyne believes.

[Indio]

^ Are all the lovely punch-above-their-weight locals still scavenging the beaches for loot to steal, or has that opportunity ended?

Beats Seppo soldiers murdering Afghanistan women & children in their sleep.....real macho!!

Real taliban, actually. They do it to themselves more than anything else.

I suppose this is Taliban!! Or did you mean Teletubbies, ya fuckwit!

You judge all seppo soldiers based on the actions of how many, fuckwit? Best you just stfu and go back to your whining and bitching about the little cup the world doesn't care about.

I judge them on the same criterior spinray used to comment on the "scavengers": what's your excuse, dipshit!?!?

[kiwi_jon]

honest Grant if we don't win we're gone, all over, unless someone wants to step up and pay the 10's of $millons it costs per year to keep it going

Anyone believe him? What BS.

Who got up your nose Grouchy? TNZ has always finished it's campaigns on the bones of it arse, every last cent spent. It has only been due to a few private benefactors that have stumped up a few million here and there that has allowed TNZ to keep its top team members on the payroll while looking for sponsors.

I have no doubt that if TNZ do not win AC34 then they will struggle to survive. There will be no Govt sponsorship and I suspect we are seeing the last of Emirates as a sponsor.

[GauchoGreg]

honest Grant if we don't win we're gone, all over, unless someone wants to step up and pay the 10's of $millons it costs per year to keep it going

Anyone believe him? What BS.

Who got up your nose Grouchy? TNZ has always finished it's campaigns on the bones of it arse, every last cent spent. It has only been due to a few private benefactors that have stumped up a few million here and there that has allowed TNZ to keep its top team members on the payroll while looking for sponsors.

I have no doubt that if TNZ do not win AC34 then they will struggle to survive. There will be no Govt sponsorship and I suspect we are seeing the last of Emirates as a sponsor.

TNZ has been, arguably, the most successful team across various racing for years, and have a great institution going. First of all, why would you be so negative about government sponsorship, or that of Emirates, and why not believe there wouldn't be others willing to step in? ETNZ did not win last time, and yet they secured sponsorship. Grant's comments were so definitive, I just don't buy it. Seriously, I love how pretty much everyone outside of NZ, even those of us that don't otherwise get along, has the same impression of Grant being a whiner, and also being detrimental to the smaller teams efforts to secure sponsors, with the significant appearance that it may be strategic to limit the amount of challenge ETNZ has to overcome. Calling BS about what Grant said does not make me grouchy, just critical.

[ro!]

honest Grant if we don't win we're gone, all over, unless someone wants to step up and pay the 10's of $millons it costs per year to keep it going

Anyone believe him? What BS.

Who got up your nose Grouchy? TNZ has always finished it's campaigns on the bones of it arse, every last cent spent. It has only been due to a few private benefactors that have stumped up a few million here and there that has allowed TNZ to keep its top team members on the payroll while looking for sponsors.

I have no doubt that if TNZ do not win AC34 then they will struggle to survive. There will be no Govt sponsorship and I suspect we are seeing the last of Emirates as a sponsor.

TNZ has been, arguably, the most successful team across various racing for years, and have a great institution going. First of all, why would you be so negative about government sponsorship, or that of Emirates, and why not believe there wouldn't be others willing to step in? ETNZ did not win last time, and yet they secured sponsorship. Grant's comments were so definitive, I just don't buy it. Seriously, I love how pretty much everyone outside of NZ, even those of us that don't otherwise get along, has the same impression of Grant being a whiner, and also being detrimental to the smaller teams efforts to secure sponsors, with the significant appearance that it may be strategic to limit the amount of challenge ETNZ has to overcome. Calling BS about what Grant said does not make me grouchy, just critical.

GD's job is to win the 34 Americas Cup...not to help any other team beat tnz..so why should he do any thing to help china or korea secure sponsers?and if you are to be believed sponsers are about to drop millions into tc and tk...oh I forgot it's GD's fault that didn't happen...

You seem to be a bit grumpy with any one who doesn't buy into the 'russelvision is the only way forward for the AC' which you and the oracalites espouse...

[Rennmaus]

(...)
I have no doubt that if TNZ do not win AC34 then they will struggle to survive. There will be no Govt sponsorship and I suspect we are seeing the last of Emirates as a sponsor.

Depends on what they sold (read: promised) their sponsors.

[GauchoGreg]

honest Grant if we don't win we're gone, all over, unless someone wants to step up and pay the 10's of $millons it costs per year to keep it going

Anyone believe him? What BS.

Who got up your nose Grouchy? TNZ has always finished it's campaigns on the bones of it arse, every last cent spent. It has only been due to a few private benefactors that have stumped up a few million here and there that has allowed TNZ to keep its top team members on the payroll while looking for sponsors.

I have no doubt that if TNZ do not win AC34 then they will struggle to survive. There will be no Govt sponsorship and I suspect we are seeing the last of Emirates as a sponsor.

TNZ has been, arguably, the most successful team across various racing for years, and have a great institution going. First of all, why would you be so negative about government sponsorship, or that of Emirates, and why not believe there wouldn't be others willing to step in? ETNZ did not win last time, and yet they secured sponsorship. Grant's comments were so definitive, I just don't buy it. Seriously, I love how pretty much everyone outside of NZ, even those of us that don't otherwise get along, has the same impression of Grant being a whiner, and also being detrimental to the smaller teams efforts to secure sponsors, with the significant appearance that it may be strategic to limit the amount of challenge ETNZ has to overcome. Calling BS about what Grant said does not make me grouchy, just critical.

GD's job is to win the 34 Americas Cup...not to help any other team beat tnz..so why should he do any thing to help china or korea secure sponsers?and if you are to be believed sponsers are about to drop millions into tc and tk...oh I forgot it's GD's fault that didn't happen...

You seem to be a bit grumpy with any one who doesn't buy into the 'russelvision is the only way forward for the AC' which you and the oracalites espouse...

His job may be to do that, but that certainly makes it reasonable to call bullshit on him when he makes statements that appear to be nothing more than efforts to sabbotage those other teams, rather than honest comments about the reality around his team.

There is no REQUIREMENT that they spend what they are spending, but rather the inevitable situation whether the boats are 72' winged cats, or 40' skiffs with cloth sails, the big teams are going to be pouring obscene amounts of money into the effort to secure any advantage they can. It is entirely possible to spend dramatically lower amounts of money than ETNZ is doing, just as it is entirely possible for a team to spend $80 Million on a project with 40' skiffs with cloth sails.

I am not grumpy, but I will call Bullshit when I see it.

[ro!]

His job may be to do that, but that certainly makes it reasonable to call bullshit on him when he makes statements that appear to be nothing more than efforts to sabbotage those other teams, rather than honest comments about the reality around his team.

There is no REQUIREMENT that they spend what they are spending, but rather the inevitable situation whether the boats are 72' winged cats, or 40' skiffs with cloth sails, the big teams are going to be pouring obscene amounts of money into the effort to secure any advantage they can. It is entirely possible to spend dramatically lower amounts of money than ETNZ is doing, just as it is entirely possible for a team to spend $80 Million on a project with 40' skiffs with cloth sails.

I am not grumpy, but I will call Bullshit when I see it.



It may be sabatage to an oracalite but it could be he was just answering a question he was asked...

He will spend within the confines of his budget everything to win 34...the obscene amounts are of the unlimited budgets of the defender and his cor Bil...

Funny how you only see the bullshit from TNZ but not daily bullshit from larry, russ, the bad eggs and ehman...or the 80M 40'skiff project...

[yachtyakka]

Mike Sanderson

[GauchoGreg]

It may be sabatage to an oracalite but it could be he was just answering a question he was asked...

He will spend within the confines of his budget everything to win 34...the obscene amounts are of the unlimited budgets of the defender and his cor Bil...

Funny how you only see the bullshit from TNZ but not daily bullshit from larry, russ, the bad eggs and ehman...or the 80M 40'skiff project...

As long as the America's Cup is not a one-design sailing competition, but rather a pretty open competition of both design and sailing, you are going to see those with tons of money spending what they want to spend, regardless of what the boat is. But GD is constantly whining about these boats, as if Oracle and Artemis would magically spend less than the can or want to spend if the boats were different. I'm not buying it.

[maxmini]

It may be sabatage to an oracalite but it could be he was just answering a question he was asked...

He will spend within the confines of his budget everything to win 34...the obscene amounts are of the unlimited budgets of the defender and his cor Bil...

Funny how you only see the bullshit from TNZ but not daily bullshit from larry, russ, the bad eggs and ehman...or the 80M 40'skiff project...

As long as the America's Cup is not a one-design sailing competition, but rather a pretty open competition of both design and sailing, you are going to see those with tons of money spending what they want to spend, regardless of what the boat is. But GD is constantly whining about these boats, as if Oracle and Artemis would magically spend less than the can or want to spend if the boats were different. I'm not buying it.

30,000 man hours to build one wing and no idea of the repair costs when they go over , he may have a point .

[dogwatch]

Grant thinks Clean (Alan Block) might have some intelligence.

Clean's intelligence isn't in doubt but the "Closed Shop?" thread showed his judgement to be almost heroically woeful where SA impinges on the real world. I'd advise you to check it out but you can't because it has just been removed.

[Tony-F18]

Google Cache: http://webcache.goog...l&client=safari

[dogwatch]

^

Yes but that's only the beginning of the developing train-wreck.

[Te Kooti]

Despite the magnitude of their two projects, TNZ people are friendly.

Everyone was on scene for the open day and Gio was hjappily chatting with the unwashed masses.

Impresive performance all round.

[Rennmaus]

Despite the magnitude of their two projects, TNZ people are friendly.

Everyone was on scene for the open day and Gio was hjappily chatting with the unwashed masses.

Impresive performance all round.

Why are you Kiwis always unwashed? No soap around? Ever heard of shampoo?

[Te Kooti]

Despite the magnitude of their two projects, TNZ people are friendly.

Everyone was on scene for the open day and Gio was hjappily chatting with the unwashed masses.

Impresive performance all round.

Why are you Kiwis always unwashed? No soap around? Ever heard of shampoo?

Here are some pics from TNZ Open Day

Attached Files

•  CU, Camper Steering, Akld, 2012, Compd A-.jpg   169.42K   55 downloads
•  Deano + Winston McF, TNZ Open Day, March, 2012.jpg   848.1K   53 downloads

[Te Kooti]

More ....

Attached Files

•  Camper Mast Foot, Compd, March, 2012.jpg   182.09K   55 downloads
•  Sanya Mast + Boat, Akld, March 2012, Compd, B+.jpg   167.03K   49 downloads

[Te Kooti]

The freeze dried is loaded and they getting set to go.

Gun goes about 3 hours from now.

[scassani]

TE writes: "The freeze dried..."

My God I came to hate that stuff. Either I under-prepared it and the meal partially reconsituted in my gut, with no moisture left to help me underway in the morning, or I boiled it to the texture and flavor of library paste. Finding it hard to make any other mistake I took to eating at every meal the only batch I could prepare half right some of the time. Two weeks of spaghetti and something the author called meatballs. Darn stuff doesn't deserve to be called 'food'. Yarks...

[Te Kooti]

Just drove past Cooksons.

Kia ora to what is inside their shed.

[Te Kooti]

Why are you Kiwis always unwashed?

Kiwis are not more filthy than others.

But, in Marxist terminology, the proletariat is typically unwashed.

[Te Kooti]

Now the Volvo boats are gone and the VOR tents etc are being packed, it is the morning after the night before at the Viaduct.

They got out of here just in time.

Because it is now cold and pissing rain.

Even so, it was a tremendous thrill to be up North Head as they fled for Brazil.

Is on my list of favourite places in the world.

VOR have two sets of gear. The Auckland stuff will be shipped to Miami. Itajai tents etc will have come from Sanya.

A sort of leapfrog shipping process.

[Albatros]

Why are you Kiwis always unwashed?

Kiwis are not more filthy than others.

But, in Marxist terminology, the proletariat is typically unwashed.

all animals are unwashed but some are more unwashed than others

great to see that good old communism is still alive and kicking somewhere, appropriately located in one of the most remote corners of the globe, sort of like a reservation area.
What the Galapagos are for animals, Kiwistan could become for communism, according to Hastings.

back on topic ... so for the next couple of decades nothing will happen at the Viaduct ?

[yachtyakka]

there will be lots of news from the viaduct - no matter what happens in SF

[coxcreek]

Okay Albatross, I'll bite: you're not advocating US "it will balance itself" (joke) open market, bankster/taxpayer bailout socialism as an example of enlightened US Ann Rand religiosity, by any chance? And you already owned by communist China. By the way Ann Rand was a US immigrant from ... Russia. She preached open market BS to the disciples until she aged ... and then demanded social welfare and health benefits. No shit. You're not suggesting anything like that, are you Albatross?

[Albatros]

Okay Albatross, I'll bite: you're not advocating US "it will balance itself" (joke) open market, bankster/taxpayer bailout socialism as an example of enlightened US Ann Rand religiosity, by any chance? And you already owned by communist China. By the way Ann Rand was a US immigrant from ... Russia. She preached open market BS to the disciples until she aged ... and then demanded social welfare and health benefits. No shit. You're not suggesting anything like that, are you Albatross?

Dunno what you have been smoking or boozing, but don't think I want any of that. Lighten up Francis, just having the usual pop at good ole' Hastings, aka Tea Kootie , also known as The Last of The Taniwha Believers (soon to be put in a jar of formol for posterior research), also known as "he who solved the Britomart to Viaduct riddle", after all he's the one bringing up the unwashed commie thingmybob connotation, and I for one couldn't care less about Ayn fucking Rand, Iosif Vissarionovitsj Dzjoegasjvili or other sons of Wen Qimei.

p.s. it's Albatros with one s, 2 ss'es is for the capitalists with more money.
p.p.s. but a country with bus companies having names like Naked Bus could well be suspected of being slightly left of center, no ?

[Te Kooti]

The weather in Auckland is wet and blustery.

Very wet!

[Te Kooti]

"he who solved the Britomart to Viaduct riddle",

As it turned out, the VOR parking situation was not as bad as expected.

Besides, I have returned to my old squabble with Mayor Len Brown (the need for a pedestrian crossing at the Avondale race course).

Akld is NOT a pedestrian-friendly city.

[thetruth]

Hey Bro. Can you explain how the "prediction of $30.3 MILLION" went to an estimated $13 MILLION whilst the Volvo was here? Sucked GD off lately or is he still angry at the world?

"he who solved the Britomart to Viaduct riddle",

As it turned out, the VOR parking situation was not as bad as expected.

Besides, I have returned to my old squabble with Mayor Len Brown (the need for a pedestrian crossing at the Avondale race course).

Akld is NOT a pedestrian-friendly city.

[Te Kooti]

Hey Bro. Can you explain how the "prediction of $30.3 MILLION" went to an estimated $13 MILLION whilst the Volvo was here?

I do not know what are talking about.

Besides, I think Len Brown has more important things to worry about.

Like national government (Wellington) attempts to erode the ability of cities to foster social development.

I am corresponding with him on these issues.

And am also not impressed with unwarranted attacks on waterside workers unions.

[Te Kooti]

Now the Volvo show has packed its tents and fled, it is interesting to reflect on why it works and the AC45 circus is mired in uncertainty and crisis.

Perhaps the biggest difference is the fact the VOR knows what it is doing. Ports and dates are announced well ahead of time. Hence, unwashed proletariat can buy an air ticket and, if they so desire, join the fun.

This is not the case with the AC45 show. Even Te Kooti - a most rabid fan - is no longer certain of the dates and venues.

The commercial aspects of the VOR are in the foreground. And annoying. But not as ridiculous as the "fastest boats, best sailors" message of the AC45 circus. The capsize, over-hyped, soundbite nature of AC45 racing cannot be compared to the enduring physical challenge and psychological drama of a VOR.

Also, the AC45 show really is a circus.

The VOR is the Whitbread on steroids. Whitbread fundamentals are still there.

The VOR is a major adventure. The idea of racing big boats around the world - through storm, tempest and doldrums - is right up there with the halcyon days of Antarctic exploration (cf. Shackelton) and Everest (cf. Hillary).

VOR sailors should be admired for their courage, audacity and tenacity.

I am not sure the same applies to Larry Ellison et al.

[maxmini]

Now the Volvo show has packed its tents and fled, it is interesting to reflect on why it works and the AC45 circus is mired in uncertainty and crisis.

Perhaps the biggest difference is the fact the VOR knows what it is doing. Ports and dates are announced well ahead of time. Hence, unwashed proletariat can buy an air ticket and, if they so desire, join the fun.

This is not the case with the AC45 show. Even Te Kooti - a most rabid fan - is no longer certain of the dates and venues.

The commercial aspects of the VOR are in the foreground. And annoying. But not as ridiculous as the "fastest boats, best sailors" message of the AC45 circus. The capsize, over-hyped, soundbite nature of AC45 racing cannot be compared to the enduring physical challenge and psychological drama of a VOR.

Also, the AC45 show really is a circus.

The VOR is the Whitbread on steroids. Whitbread fundamentals are still there.

The VOR is a major adventure. The idea of racing big boats around the world - through storm, tempest and doldrums - is right up there with the halcyon days of Antarctic exploration (cf. Shackelton) and Everest (cf. Hillary).

VOR sailors should be admired for their courage, audacity and tenacity.

I am not sure the same applies to Larry Ellison et al.

To put it in Hollywood terms the VOR is a feature film compared to a
made for tv "reality" show .

[~Stingray~]

At ETNZ

http://etnzblog.com/#!2012/03/its-a-hard-grind-getting-ready-for-the-big-cats

From July this year life will never be the same for the men who make their livings racing yachts in the America’s Cup.

That’s when they start sailing the massive AC72 catamarans. And that’s when they’ll begin to learn how truly physically demanding it will be to race the big cats.
....

[~Stingray~]

'Good ideas and Garden ornaments'

[Te Kooti]

Coutts favours nationality rules in the America's Cup.


http://www.nzherald....jectid=10795651

Tried to bring them in for AC34 but other teams (eg. China, Korea) opposed them.

However, the writing is on the wall.

And about time too.

[Te Kooti]

"Personally, I think it'd be a better event if you had a nationality component in the crews .... I think it'd be better because it'd give fans more to engage with, which I think would be good, and I also think it'd be better for the development of sailing. If we were forced to use Americans, we would be forced to develop those sailors," said Coutts


http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10795651

[Tony-F18]

Luna Rossa boon and burden for Team NZ

http://www.stuff.co....am-NZ-in-Naples

[kiwi_jon]

Meanwhile back at the viaduct TNZ appear to prepping the base for the AC72. Lot's of work going on reconfiguring floating docks. The Travelift pier was removed yesterday.

[Te Kooti]

Although the LR AC45 victory in Naples was an artifact of the points-weighting system, it does put TNZ on notice.

This "Italian" syndicate might be good.

It will help both when they have a pair of AC72 to play with.

And I very much support the LR/TNZ partnership.

However, is it possible because of some unexpected - or maybe completely predictable - occurrence, the red and white boat prevails?.

It always gets interesting when the apprentice starts nibbling the heels of the master.

[sunseeker]

Although the LR AC45 victory in Naples was an artifact of the points-weighting system, it does put TNZ on notice.

This "Italian" syndicate might be good.

It will help both when they have a pair of AC72 to play with.

And I very much support the LR/TNZ partnership.

However, is it possible because of some unexpected - or maybe completely predictable - occurrence, the red and white boat prevails?.

It always gets interesting when the apprentice starts nibbling the heels of the master.

Prada is good and your boy dalton is just a crying wanker too often.

[KiwiJoker]

Although the LR AC45 victory in Naples was an artifact of the points-weighting system, it does put TNZ on notice.

This "Italian" syndicate might be good.

It will help both when they have a pair of AC72 to play with.

And I very much support the LR/TNZ partnership.

However, is it possible because of some unexpected - or maybe completely predictable - occurrence, the red and white boat prevails?.

It always gets interesting when the apprentice starts nibbling the heels of the master.

Prada is good and your boy dalton is just a crying wanker too often.

Prada is good and Dalts is Dalts!

[SW Sailor]

Although the LR AC45 victory in Naples was an artifact of the points-weighting system, it does put TNZ on notice.

This "Italian" syndicate might be good.

It will help both when they have a pair of AC72 to play with.

And I very much support the LR/TNZ partnership.

However, is it possible because of some unexpected - or maybe completely predictable - occurrence, the red and white boat prevails?.

It always gets interesting when the apprentice starts nibbling the heels of the master.

Prada is good and your boy dalton is just a crying wanker too often.

Since the GD AC gag order, the last public bashing of MB and Camper's structural issues, he's been conspicuously quiet. At first he was a man of few words and all action, then it turned to all words and no action, and now we're back to silence.


He's also learned to smile in front of the camera, since this hit the press.

Attached Files

•  6539214.jpg   33.49K   0 downloads

[KiwiJoker]

Although the LR AC45 victory in Naples was an artifact of the points-weighting system, it does put TNZ on notice.

This "Italian" syndicate might be good.

It will help both when they have a pair of AC72 to play with.

And I very much support the LR/TNZ partnership.

However, is it possible because of some unexpected - or maybe completely predictable - occurrence, the red and white boat prevails?.

It always gets interesting when the apprentice starts nibbling the heels of the master.

Prada is good and your boy dalton is just a crying wanker too often.

Since the GD AC gag order, the last public bashing of MB and Camper's structural issues, he's been conspicuously quiet. At first he was a man of few words and all action, then it turned to all words and no action, and now we're back to silence.

He's also learned to smile in front of the camera, since this hit the press.

The tea leaves provide you with rich pickings, don't they!

[SW Sailor]

Although the LR AC45 victory in Naples was an artifact of the points-weighting system, it does put TNZ on notice.

This "Italian" syndicate might be good.

It will help both when they have a pair of AC72 to play with.

And I very much support the LR/TNZ partnership.

However, is it possible because of some unexpected - or maybe completely predictable - occurrence, the red and white boat prevails?.

It always gets interesting when the apprentice starts nibbling the heels of the master.

Prada is good and your boy dalton is just a crying wanker too often.

Since the GD AC gag order, the last public bashing of MB and Camper's structural issues, he's been conspicuously quiet. At first he was a man of few words and all action, then it turned to all words and no action, and now we're back to silence.

He's also learned to smile in front of the camera, since this hit the press.

The tea leaves provide you with rich pickings, don't they!

But few in the open public read the tea leaves of the AC.

[DixieEdison]

Today they are playing with Bielker's latest idea - a mooring.

[thetruth]

I guess it comes back to the age old question of the effect of having the Americas Cup in your city. Quite frankly I asked for information from the "tight five" in 95 when I was doing an MBA in HK. No one had the information before or after. Needless to say if the event was so fucking profitable and "important" then every city/country in the world would fall all over each other and possibly go to war. There is no return and the sooner the better you realise this the better.



[

Hey Bro. Can you explain how the "prediction of $30.3 MILLION" went to an estimated $13 MILLION whilst the Volvo was here?

I do not know what are talking about.

Besides, I think Len Brown has more important things to worry about.

Like national government (Wellington) attempts to erode the ability of cities to foster social development.

I am corresponding with him on these issues.

And am also not impressed with unwarranted attacks on waterside workers unions.

[Te Kooti]

Today they are playing with Bielker's latest idea - a mooring.

Not exactly his latest idea.

He tried that when the first AC45 was launched at the Viaduct.

Contrary to justifiable worries, the AC45 behaved nicely at its mooring.

[Te Kooti]

I guess it comes back to the age old question of the effect of having the Americas Cup in your city. Quite frankly I asked for information from the "tight five" in 95 when I was doing an MBA in HK.

Yes, well, we now realise the tight-5 were not homogenous. Not so "tight" after all.

Coutts has finally realized defecting from his homeland was not alright. And not so simple. Was not just a "business" decision.

And, having thought about it, has gone looking for (and received a fair bit of) redemption.

Butterworth was never the brightest light on the Xmas tree. And, despite the allure of lifelong learning, has yet to demonstrate much understanding of what he did.

Murray Jones is an alright bloke and few NZ'ers resent him.

"My drink was spiked" Daudney. Well, say no more! Being a farming nation, the average kiwi knows bullshit when they see it.

Fleury? See the entry for Jones.

THe "tight-5" have never spoken clearly about what happened. They mostly side-step the questions.

Tom Schnack's book should clarify the matter.

[ro!]

I guess it comes back to the age old question of the effect of having the Americas Cup in your city. Quite frankly I asked for information from the "tight five" in 95 when I was doing an MBA in HK.

Yes, well, we now realise the tight-5 were not homogenous. Not so "tight" after all.

Coutts has finally realized defecting from his homeland was not alright. And not so simple. Was not just a "business" decision.

And, having thought about it, has gone looking for (and received a fair bit of) redemption.

Butterworth was never the brightest light on the Xmas tree. And, despite the allure of lifelong learning, has yet to demonstrate much understanding of what he did.

Murray Jones is an alright bloke and few NZ'ers resent him.

"My drink was spiked" Daudney. Well, say no more! Being a farming nation, the average kiwi knows bullshit when they see it.

Fleury? See the entry for Jones.

THe "tight-5" have never spoken clearly about what happened. They mostly side-step the questions.

Tom Schnack's book should clarify the matter.

Until the book... some would go with your Blackheart opinion...

russel, murray jones and fleury get a free pass...

friar tuck and coke boy...traitors..

[thetruth]

Having done drugs with some of them and sailed with all of them I guess I could comment. You are in no position to judge so fuck off. Go and help all your bro's on the waterfront.

I guess it comes back to the age old question of the effect of having the Americas Cup in your city. Quite frankly I asked for information from the "tight five" in 95 when I was doing an MBA in HK.

Yes, well, we now realise the tight-5 were not homogenous. Not so "tight" after all.

Coutts has finally realized defecting from his homeland was not alright. And not so simple. Was not just a "business" decision.

And, having thought about it, has gone looking for (and received a fair bit of) redemption.

Butterworth was never the brightest light on the Xmas tree. And, despite the allure of lifelong learning, has yet to demonstrate much understanding of what he did.

Murray Jones is an alright bloke and few NZ'ers resent him.

"My drink was spiked" Daudney. Well, say no more! Being a farming nation, the average kiwi knows bullshit when they see it.

Fleury? See the entry for Jones.

THe "tight-5" have never spoken clearly about what happened. They mostly side-step the questions.

Tom Schnack's book should clarify the matter.