443 replies to this topic

[hurrisailor]

Valencia Blog facebook feed is discussing a potential new GBR Americas cup team (with virgin backing??)

Whats the story??

[eric e]

http://forums.sailin...0

[Te Kooti]

Valencia Blog facebook feed is discussing a potential new GBR Americas cup team (with virgin backing??)

Whats the story??

What's the story?

They are late!

And so are you.

[dogwatch]

http://twitter.com/#!/search/users/valencia%20sailing

Credible? As for Branson, I know people who have worked directly for him who have interesting stories to tell. I can't say I'm a fan.

[Presuming Ed]

Oh, I do hope not. If Branson's involved, it will be all about him self promotion for him - probably by being draped in leggy blonds - and the sailing team won't be given enough money to buy a pot to piss in.

Attached Files

•  richardbranson2.jpg   113.62K   300 downloads

[Rennmaus]

Oh, I do hope not. If Branson's involved, it will be all about him self promotion for him - probably by being draped in leggy blonds - and the sailing team won't be given enough money to buy a pot to piss in.

Like that girl hasn't been given enough food...

Have a good last day of the year and a great celebration, folks!

[Albatros]

Like that girl hasn't been given enough food...

Have a good last day of the year and a great celebration, folks!

in the spirit of the season I'd provide the girl with all the meat she can take

noel bonanee to you too.

[MAHGUAH_SCALPS_PILGRIMS]

London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition Notice Of Race now online
Sail World
The London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition's Notice of Race has now been released. The competition is set to get underway on 29 July and run through 11 August at Weymouth and Portland, Great Britain. The Notice of Race states the key conditions for ...

[MR.CLEAN]

Rumors bubbling up again...

[Rennmaus]

Video not yet listed, AFAIK:

Wow!




EDIT: Bit strange that it is hosted on Oracle Racing's YT account.

[Monster Mash]

Video not yet listed, AFAIK:

Wow!

No worky
says video is private.

[~Stingray~]

Wow!

EDIT: Bit strange that it is hosted on Oracle Racing's YT account.

What was the subject?

[Rennmaus]

Wow!

EDIT: Bit strange that it is hosted on Oracle Racing's YT account.

What was the subject?

Just a slide show showing well-known ACWS pictures, the Cup in front of the GGBridge etc. AND... a rendering of an AC45 in "Ben Ainslie Racing" livery (plus a pic of Bad Ben himself).

Edit: Oh, I see it is gone. Good to have a YouTube downloader. Lol.

[~Stingray~]

Wow!

EDIT: Bit strange that it is hosted on Oracle Racing's YT account.

What was the subject?

Just a slide show showing well-known ACWS pictures, the Cup in front of the GGBridge etc. AND... a rendering of an AC45 in "Ben Ainslie Racing" livery (plus a pic of Bad Ben himself).

Edit: Oh, I see it is gone. Good to have a YouTube downloader. Lol.

Wow is right!

'Ben Ainslie Racing' - Verrry interresting..... If you have it downloaded can you please post a frame shot of that? Quite a scoop!

[Tony-F18]

I came accros this earlier today, although it is probably irrelevant: http://www.virgin.co...with-ted-turner

[Tony-F18]

http://www.whois.net...slieRacing.com
domain: BenAinslieRacing.com
created: 09-Dec-2011

[Rennmaus]

Wow!

EDIT: Bit strange that it is hosted on Oracle Racing's YT account.

What was the subject?

Just a slide show showing well-known ACWS pictures, the Cup in front of the GGBridge etc. AND... a rendering of an AC45 in "Ben Ainslie Racing" livery (plus a pic of Bad Ben himself).

Edit: Oh, I see it is gone. Good to have a YouTube downloader. Lol.

Wow is right!

'Ben Ainslie Racing' - Verrry interresting..... If you have it downloaded can you please post a frame shot of that? Quite a scoop!

 BAR.jpg   49.96K   483 downloads

[theycallmegod]

If one of the rumours was correct, the challenge will be unveiled tomorrow at the London Boat Show.
Anyone going to be there?

[SW Sailor]

http://www.whois.net...nslieRacing.com
domain: BenAinslieRacing.com
created: 09-Dec-2011

Not sure what if any the implication is, or who Peter Jones is.

[~Stingray~]

Dang, there must be something happening after all, at the very least an ACWS campaign proposal.

Classy design! Nice catch

[pjfranks]

Dang, there must be something happening after all, at the very least an ACWS campaign proposal.

Classy design! Nice catch

Is this an OR surrogate? Can the defender play both sides of the game?

[seis]

Dang, there must be something happening after all, at the very least an ACWS campaign proposal.

Classy design! Nice catch

Is this an OR surrogate? Can the defender play both sides of the game?

Read the answer in the Jury document about the Oracle's questions.

[valenciasailing]

The official press conference will take place on Tuesday, 10 January at 10am UK time. It will be streamed LIVE on VSail.info

[Te Kooti]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

[pjfranks]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

Is Oracle the name of a yacht club or country?

[~Stingray~]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

Is Oracle the name of a yacht club or country?

That BAR has the British flag indicates that, IF they challenge for the Cup not just the ACWS, then they will sail for a British YC.

My guess is it IS a full blown challenge but wouldn't bet on this one.

[Tony-F18]

I kind of hope Draper is involved with this, IMHO he is as British as they come

[Tornado-Cat]

TK, is ETNZ a YC ?

[Te Kooti]

My guess is it IS a full blown challenge but wouldn't bet on this one.

It is interesting how the cult of celebrity has crept into the AC.

John Bertrand got into enormous shit for writing a book ("Born to Win") which made it sound like he won the AC for Oz.

Even the book title was foolish.

Team sports are one the foundations of UK life and, if Ainslie lets this go forward with the spotlight on him, he is committing another error of judgment (on top of the "I am here to punch out the fuckin' cameramen" of a few weeks ago).

Here is a prediction.

If this thing is being organised around Ainslie-As-Celebrity it will fail.

You will notice that, despite the large number of star sailors in Aotearoa, our outfit is "Team New Zealand."

TK, is ETNZ a YC ?

Nope. But the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron is.

And TNZ is their representative.

[~Stingray~]

^ Yep, it would be the only AC level syndicate ever that I can think of with one man's name. Unusual for sure.

Percy is attending the LBS next week too, I wonder if he would jump ship?

[PeterHuston]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

Is Oracle the name of a yacht club or country?

Was Alinghi the name of a yacht club or a country?

[Le Shark]

I have to say - As much as I would love there to be a serious UK based cup effort... I really hope they dont run with that name.

Ive got huge amounts of respect for Ainsley, and theres no doubt he would be a key part of any team but to imply the whole team IS him is a shame.

[~Stingray~]

Gladwell is guessing an ACWS team

http://www.sail-worl...re---Live/92636

ex:
Given the timing, it is believed to be unlikely that an AC72 effort would be slated for the 2013 America's Cup, however with the restructured competition an entry in the America's Cup World Series involving a single AC45 is more of a possibility.

Such a program would build a lower level platform from which a full America's Cup program could be built for the 35th America's Cup and would provide a basis on which to attract sponsors on a lower level on investment, than for a full-blown America's Cup program.

[WetHog]

Was Alinghi the name of a yacht club or a country?

Its a name EB made up as a kid for his junk.

All joking aside, it is a name EB made up, but I don't remember for what. Maybe for his first race team on Lake Geneva.

WetHog

[KiwiJoker]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

So other than the graphic treatment how does Ben Ainslie Racing differ from Dennis Conner Sports?

All we know thus far is that Ainslie may be kick-starting an AC campaign. And he's trading on his name and reputation.

Still plenty of time to pull in some big-money names, sponsors and a challenging yacht club.

[maxmini]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

So other than the graphic treatment how does Ben Ainslie Racing differ from Dennis Conner Sports?

All we know thus far is that Ainslie may be kick-starting an AC campaign. And he's trading on his name and reputation.

Still plenty of time to pull in some big-money names, sponsors and a challenging yacht club.

Your talking AC 35 correct ?

[KiwiJoker]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

So other than the graphic treatment how does Ben Ainslie Racing differ from Dennis Conner Sports?

All we know thus far is that Ainslie may be kick-starting an AC campaign. And he's trading on his name and reputation.

Still plenty of time to pull in some big-money names, sponsors and a challenging yacht club.

Your talking AC 35 correct ?

Nothing would surprise me. All we know for now is that BA appears to be chucking his hat in the America's Cup ring. And the implications I draw from it is that he's doing it it in a deliberate, structured fashion where he presumably controls the purse strings just as Dennis Conner did before him.

And he certainly has time on his side. Two or three decades to make a career of it and salvage British pride. Hasn't even finished with the Olympics yet

Speaking of DC, he actually operated as Team Dennis Conner and as Dennis Conner Sports, although the latter was/is more directed to his marketing activities.

[~Stingray~]

I agree with KJ that if there is a backer in relatively short order then this could quickly become a viable campaign. The design could be either ACRM, Oracle, or Artemis sourced. How is it much different from LR's timing, a team probably most of us think has an excellent shot at the Cup.

RG based the skepticism on the timing but he may be hearing the normal ETNZ line, which has it that nobody else can possibly, possibly compete, yadda yadda 1 Boat Teams need to get building by March/April to my reckoning; but even June might work.

What suggests in favor of it being AC34 intentioned:
- The rumors last week it would be, even including that Simmer might be involved
- The previous rumors that BA was headed to a proper AC34 campaign
- BA's own statements he wanted to be in AC34. Given those why would he intentionally aim instead for only the ACWS?
- Longstanding rumors of another AC team still to announce; possibly British based

Maybe arguing against:
- The name of the syndicate is not AC typical
- No Origin (SKM) or Virgin graphics on what we've seen (edit, wait, do they look Origin'ish?)
- Is being announced at a boat show, not a YC
- Much of ex-TO is already on other teams
- The 'too late' argument
- A relatively short announcement, suggesting no big rollout of big plans for a big team

Or, could be an 'in betweener' somehow; prove yourselves in the ACWS and then sign for the big ticket on an AC team come 2013?

[PeterHuston]

There's a bunch of ways Angry Ainslie could go with this.

Just look at his list of personal sponsors - there are two sponsors of Cup teams already - Corum and Prada. So is he hooked up in some sort of training thing would Energy, or adding to the mix with Luna Rosa?

Then there is JP Morgan. They alone could probably fund an entire AC program, maybe not for $100 million, but for sure he could instantly have funding that would be necessary to be instantly credible, if he is getting someone else design and build package.

And he's probably got an open door to just about any big company in the UK he wants to talk to.

He will be a great addition to the mix - because he isn't exactly a saint, and people will be hounding him forever about his little physical altercation with a media boat driver. Like others have said, he'll be the McEnroe of sailing.

[eric e]

 BARf.jpg   72.32K   81 downloads

[Te Kooti]

BARf

ben ainsle racing + friends

team motto

respect, sometimes you just gotta get out there and grab it by the scruff of the neck

Does anyone think Friar Tucks might be one of the friends?

Or is golf his major priority these days?

[Te Kooti]

Remember when getting into the AC required participation in the WS? With all kinds of penalties for non-appearance etc.

Just as well they orchestrated the uncoupling.

Because, had they insisted in the earlier linkage, there would be no mechanism for LR and Ainslie Ltd to parachute into the contest.

[PeterHuston]

BARf

ben ainsle racing + friends

team motto

respect, sometimes you just gotta get out there and grab it by the scruff of the neck

Does anyone think Friar Tucks might be one of the friends?

Or is golf his major priority these days?

Last I heard via the grapevine was that your close personal friend was trying to pry money out of the Bertelli family to sail with Luna Rosa.

[~Stingray~]

BARf

ben ainsle racing + friends

team motto

respect, sometimes you just gotta get out there and grab it by the scruff of the neck

Does anyone think Friar Tucks might be one of the friends?

Or is golf his major priority these days?

Last I heard via the grapevine was that your close personal friend was trying to pry money out of the Bertelli family to sail with Luna Rosa.

Dang, maybe the ETNZ/LR agreement will have more new clauses than we ever imagined!

[~Stingray~]

The RG piece has a little more to it in an update, including this addition
--
In a media discussion, just prior to Christmas, America's Cup Regatta Director, Iain Murray said that they couldn't build AC45's fast enough, and they expected to have 12 boats sailing at the next event in Naples, Italy, and by mid-year there should be 13 AC45's racing. 'We expect to have nine teams sailing in Naples,' he said. 'Three of those team will have two boats each,' he added.

'We are committed to building boats 15 and 16. We can't build them quickly enough. Unfortunately we can't get boat 15 to Naples in time for the next round of the America's Cup World Series.'

The intriguing point with that comment, is where all the AC45's are going? Unless there are new teams coming into the World Series.
--
http://www.sail-worl...re---Live/92636

[SW Sailor]

The RG piece has a little more to it in an update, including this addition
--
In a media discussion, just prior to Christmas, America's Cup Regatta Director, Iain Murray said that they couldn't build AC45's fast enough, and they expected to have 12 boats sailing at the next event in Naples, Italy, and by mid-year there should be 13 AC45's racing. 'We expect to have nine teams sailing in Naples,' he said. 'Three of those team will have two boats each,' he added.

'We are committed to building boats 15 and 16. We can't build them quickly enough. Unfortunately we can't get boat 15 to Naples in time for the next round of the America's Cup World Series.'

The intriguing point with that comment, is where all the AC45's are going? Unless there are new teams coming into the World Series.
--
http://www.sail-worl...re---Live/92636

Three teams with two boats each.

Artemis is the second known team to have ordered a second AC45. Oracle has two.

TNZ won't order a second for an estimated million years, so who is the other team ?

Energy made reference to a second boat, who else might show up with two ?

That could make for an interesting series.

[Winged]

http://acworldseries.../blog-post.html

[Te Kooti]

Last I heard via the grapevine was that your close personal friend was trying to pry money out of the Bertelli family to sail with Luna Rosa.

I very much doubt we will ever see Tuck hanging out in a space that includes Grant Dalton.

He is not welcome on Halsey St.

Maybe his tatooed bodyguard.

But not the Friar.

[~Stingray~]

^ Yep - My guess is the three teams that will each race two boats in the ACWS are OR, AR, and then either ET or (more likely) LR.

That gets us to the 12 in Naples. BAR would get us to the 13 by mid year. Adding the SF two makes 15; so the 16th order is still unaccounted for; maybe that's the extra ET or LR boat?

If GCR really came into €54M then I'd say they're an obvious second-boat candidate too..

[Te Kooti]

Three teams with two boats each.

Artemis is the second known team to have ordered a second AC45. Oracle has two.

TNZ won't order a second for an estimated million years, so who are the other two teams ?

Energy made reference to a second boat, who else might show up with two ?

That could make for an interesting series.

If you want to win the AC there is a way to do it.

Keep your eye (on the AC) ball!

This AC45 thingo is just an expensive distraction (particularly when you buy multiple boats).

It has SFA to do with the AC.

Grant is apparently the only one to realise this.

However, NZ is a rugby nation.

[dogwatch]

the London Boat Show. Anyone going to be there?

Good question. That event is a shadow of its former self.

[~Stingray~]

^ GD has had nothing but good things to say about the AC45's, and about competing in the ACWS. I challenge anyone to find where he or DB say otherwise.

Obviously the 45's are just the stepping stone platform; but you sure don't have to be Kiwi to understand that

[SW Sailor]

Three teams with two boats each.

Artemis is the second known team to have ordered a second AC45. Oracle has two.

TNZ won't order a second for an estimated million years, so who are the other two teams ?

Energy made reference to a second boat, who else might show up with two ?

That could make for an interesting series.

If you want to win the AC there is a way to do it.

Keep your eye (on the AC) ball!

This AC45 thingo is just an expensive distraction (particularly when you buy multiple boats).

It has SFA to do with the AC.

Grant is apparently the only one to realise this.

However, NZ is a rugby nation.

You seem to overlook the need to field two 11 man teams if you intend to do two boat AC72 preparation.

[Terrorvision]

Three teams with two boats each.

Artemis is the second known team to have ordered a second AC45. Oracle has two.

TNZ won't order a second for an estimated million years, so who are the other two teams ?

Energy made reference to a second boat, who else might show up with two ?

That could make for an interesting series.

If you want to win the AC there is a way to do it.

Keep your eye (on the AC) ball!

Blah, blah, blah.

You seem to overlook the need to field two 11 man teams if you intend to do two boat AC72 preparation.

That is just the sailing crew, the 'back office' number would be 3 times that and many of them would be on similar salaries to the second-tier sailors on board.

[dogwatch]

I kind of hope Draper is involved with this, IMHO he is as British as they come

Can we keep away from "who is the most British" please? It leads in ugly directions.

[dogwatch]

^ GD has had nothing but good things to say about the AC45's, and about competing in the ACWS. I challenge anyone to find where he or DB say otherwise.

He was pretty negative about it in, I think, one of Clean's interviews. Implied it was a distraction, said he'd rather do ESS.

[Winged]

Well we know this at least there will be alot spare parts to go around now or will there ? Team China keeps talking Second boat for that matter who knows how many of the current can last the Journey . Boy that start line getting crowed .

[dogwatch]

http://acworldseries.../blog-post.html

Good grief, there is some bad writing on the www but that appears to have been written by a seven year old.

[~Stingray~]

^ GD has had nothing but good things to say about the AC45's, and about competing in the ACWS. I challenge anyone to find where he or DB say otherwise.

He was pretty negative about it in, I think, one of Clean's interviews. Said he'd rather do ESS.

Not the way I remember what GD said in the 'breakfast' interview; but it hardly matters anyway, except for TK repeating it ad nauseum - probably incorrectly

That three teams will already be campaigning two boats each by this next event suggests GD is outnumbered on that front, if indeed he does dismiss the value of sailing AC45's; as does his decision to ship his 45 all the way to NZ, and then Europe, point to his own recognition of its value.

Back on track: It sounds from the IM quote above as if BAR can't get theirs in time for Naples; Venice coming so soon after may mean they can't get theirs until Newport - which is 'mid summer.'

[dogwatch]

Nothing would surprise me. All we know for now is that BA appears to be chucking his hat in the America's Cup ring. And the implications I draw from it is that he's doing it it in a deliberate, structured fashion where he presumably controls the purse strings just as Dennis Conner did before him.

I'd certainly rather see BA as the public face of a British AC team than Mills or - God help us - Branson, although he isn't a natural public personality. Tuesday morning will be interesting.

[dogwatch]

Team sports are one the foundations of UK life and, if Ainslie lets this go forward with the spotlight on him, he is committing another error of judgment

Great, someone else on another continent lecturing us about what it means to be British. Are you Clean's secret twin?

There's a long, long history of high profile British sporting figures within team games. George Best comes to mind, or Beckham, or many others.

It is interesting how the cult of celebrity has crept into the AC.

It's always been there. Consider Lipton, for example.

[~Stingray~]

Nothing would surprise me. All we know for now is that BA appears to be chucking his hat in the America's Cup ring. And the implications I draw from it is that he's doing it it in a deliberate, structured fashion where he presumably controls the purse strings just as Dennis Conner did before him.

I'd certainly rather see BA as the public face of a British AC team than Mills or - God help us - Branson, although he isn't a natural public personality. Tuesday morning will be interesting.

The color lines on the BAR boat graphics Rennie posted look a lot like the Origin design; which could suggest some linkage back to SKM; or not

Branson's presence in San Diego has me thinking he's more likely than SKM to fund anything ACWS or AC34; that Shirley Robertson on CNN Mainsail spent time with him racing on his big cat in the BVI's late last year could be suggestive too; she has also done segments with Cayard, RC, and the Peyrons. Or not

Am leaning now more to expecting just an ACWS team anyway, with his sailing team announced Tuesday. But it would still a good addition to the entertainment value.

[KiwiJoker]

http://acworldseries.../blog-post.html

Good grief, there is some bad writing on the www but that appears to have been written by a seven year old.

Gaaaack! Daddy frowup! Even allowing for the sad fact that this is "New Media" from the crowd that is bringing us the New America's Cup this is blindingly-awful crap. Surely Jane and Stephanie know better!

[MAHGUAH_SCALPS_PILGRIMS]

Team sports are one the foundations of UK life and, if Ainslie lets this go forward with the spotlight on him, he is committing another error of judgment

Great, someone else on another continent lecturing us about what it means to be British. Are you Clean's secret twin?

There's a long, long history of high profile British sporting figures within team games. George Best comes to mind, or Beckham, or many others.

It is interesting how the cult of celebrity has crept into the AC.

It's always been there. Consider Lipton, for example.

if you are suggesting Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, KCVO (10 May 1848 – 2 October 1931) was a Scotsman of Ulster-Scots parentage who was a self-made man, merchant, and yachtsman. He created the Lipton tea brand and was the most persistent challenger in the history of the America's Cup.^[1]

it appears lipton was from Scotland

if that matters

Lipton was born in Glasgow on 10 May 1848. His parents, Thomas Lipton senior and Frances Lipton (née Johnstone), were Ulster-Scots, who came from County Fermanagh. The Liptons had been smallholders in Fermanagh for generations, but by the late 1840s, Thomas Lipton's parents had decided to leave Ireland and move to Scotland in search of a better living for themselves and their young family. By 1847, the Liptons had settled in Glasgow. Lipton's father would hold a number of occupations throughout the 1840s and 1850s, including working as a labourer and as a printer.

Although Thomas Lipton would later state that he was born at his family's home in Crown Street in the Gorbals in 1850, there is no record of this in the parish register for that period. However, in the 1851 census, the family were recorded as living in the north of Glasgow, with young Thomas being listed as being aged 3 years old. It would appear that he was therefore born in 1848.

Thomas Lipton was educated at St. Andrew's Parish School close to Glasgow Green between 1853 and 1863. By the early 1860s, his parents were the proprietors of a shop at 11 Crown Street in the Gorbals, where they sold ham, butter, and eggs. It was with the aim of supplementing his parents' limited income that Thomas Lipton left school at the age of thirteen and found employment as a printers errand boy, and then as a shirtcutter. He also enrolled at a night school, the Gorbals Youth's School, during this period.

[Terrorvision]

http://acworldseries.../blog-post.html

Good grief, there is some bad writing on the www but that appears to have been written by a seven year old.

Gaaaack! Daddy frowup! Even allowing for the sad fact that this is "New Media" from the crowd that is bringing us the New America's Cup this is blindingly-awful crap. Surely Jane and Stephanie know better!

It is the incestuous nature of writing for these events that stops people following them- the level of writing is pitiful. And this is after it has gone through an editor.

[Presuming Ed]

Team sports are one the foundations of UK life

If by that you mean watching foreigners play sports we invented, then maybe. We're pretty crap at team sports ourselves. Rugby World Cup? Football World Cup?

Given the timing there's no time to design & build a competitive 72. And would BA really sail anything but a competitive boat? Can't really see Biffa taking the off-the-shelf option.

So, if it's a ACWS only effort, do ACWS teams have to represent clubs?

[Te Kooti]

^ GD has had nothing but good things to say about the AC45's, and about competing in the ACWS. I challenge anyone to find where he or DB say otherwise.

He was pretty negative about it in, I think, one of Clean's interviews. Implied it was a distraction, said he'd rather do ESS.

GD likes sailing.

And the AC45 is a pretty boat.

But it is not the main event.

And Grant is focussed on that.

[Te Kooti]

Great, someone else on another continent lecturing us about what it means to be British. Are you Clean's secret twin?

Yea, well after being lectured by your lot at Gallipoli, we sometimes cross the line.

Anyway, point taken and understood.

[MR.CLEAN]

It is the incestuous nature of writing for these events that stops people following them- the level of writing is pitiful. And this is after it has gone through an editor.

Do you really think that ACworldseries blog is written by the AC folks? I'm guessing English is not your first language, or you are massively gullible.

[Te Kooti]

BAR+F is very reminiscient of Formula 1, n'est pas?

But will Ainslie have any friends by the time this is finished?

Or will his McEnroe tendencies piss everybody off?

[~Stingray~]

BAR could have Facebook friends, Friends to Like You.

BARFLY's!

[fubaru]

^^ Now this is productive specuation

[MR.CLEAN]

Renn, if you can dropbox or Yousendit that movie to me, I'd appreciate it a lot!

Here's the story we are running now:

AC Breaking



big ben, little leak



Rumors of the UK’s biggest sailing star hitting the America’s Cup are nothing new, though the past two weeks have added plenty of kindling to a fire that British sailing fans would be happy to stoke.



And happy they will be, as Oracle Racing confirmed Big Bad Ben’s and his country’s entry into AC34 yesterday when they unwittingly posted a promotional video for “Ben Ainslie Racing” to their Youtube page. The video was quickly removed, but not quickly enough for Anarchist Rennmaus, who grabbed this screenshot mockup of the BAR racing 45 and the logo.



We reached out to Big Bad’s PR folks on Thursday, and while they had no comment, less than three hours after our call, they released an alert that Ben’s big announcement would come on Tuesday, live streamed via the internet. So what, exactly, is the announcement? Our sources have laid the plan out pretty well:



1) Ben Ainslie Racing will be British-flagged and supported, though the biggest source of funding is a stealthy one. We could speculate that longtime Ben supporter Keith Mills is paying the bills quietly, so as to save face after his pram-throwing exit from the Cup last year, but that runs more under “wild ass guess” than verified facts. What’s more certain is that Oracle Racing is probably in for a penny AND in for a pound in the new team, having paid Ben a tidy sum to NOT join any other teams.



2) Ben Ainslie Racing will serve as Oracle Racing’s “Surrogate” for the AC72 much as Luna Rossa is playing for the ETNZ team. Oracle knew that the ETNZ/LR collaboration would hurt Oracle’s chances for the Cup repeat, and they already had Ben on ice as a ‘consultant’, so taking the next step was a natural one. While we don’t know just how deep Oracle tendrils penetrate into the BAR team, we’re guessing they are pretty cozy…



3) The new BAR will be managed by Alinghi super boss Grant Simmer, and the team will include the same Olympic afterguard as Team Origin – namely Bart Simpson and Iain Percy.





Look for the official press conference right here on SA on Tuesday morning (GMT), and speculate as much as you like in the British AC thread here.

[~Stingray~]

Good one, Clean.

So.. With OR cooperation being apparent even by who posted (and likely helped produce) the promo video sequence then:

Do you expect a Brit branded AC72 out of it? How else could BAR be an AC72 "surrogate" ?

[dogwatch]

Ben, beware of the dark side. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will.

[Rennmaus]

Renn, if you can dropbox or Yousendit that movie to me, I'd appreciate it a lot!

Check your Skype.

[Terrorvision]

It is the incestuous nature of writing for these events that stops people following them- the level of writing is pitiful. And this is after it has gone through an editor.

Do you really think that ACworldseries blog is written by the AC folks? I'm guessing English is not your first language, or you are massively gullible.

No, English is not my first language, but you'll notice my grammar, spelling and overall syntax are quite acceptable.

If you take your head out of your ass for one minute and reread my post, you will see that I wrote 'these events', thereby implying a range of events and articles as opposed to a singular one such as the ACworldseries that you mentioned. Many thanks for proving my point.

[Terrorvision]

Renn, if you can dropbox or Yousendit that movie to me, I'd appreciate it a lot!

Here's the story we are running now:

AC Breaking



big ben, little leak



Rumors of the UK’s biggest sailing star hitting the America’s Cup are nothing new, though the past two weeks have added plenty of kindling to a fire that British sailing fans would be happy to stoke.



And happy they will be, as Oracle Racing confirmed Big Bad Ben’s and his country’s entry into AC34 yesterday when they unwittingly posted a promotional video for “Ben Ainslie Racing” to their Youtube page. The video was quickly removed, but not quickly enough for Anarchist Rennmaus, who grabbed this screenshot mockup of the BAR racing 45 and the logo.



We reached out to Big Bad’s PR folks on Thursday, and while they had no comment, less than three hours after our call, they released an alert that Ben’s big announcement would come on Tuesday, live streamed via the internet. So what, exactly, is the announcement? Our sources have laid the plan out pretty well:



1) Ben Ainslie Racing will be British-flagged and supported, though the biggest source of funding is a stealthy one. We could speculate that longtime Ben supporter Keith Mills is paying the bills quietly, so as to save face after his pram-throwing exit from the Cup last year, but that runs more under “wild ass guess” than verified facts. What’s more certain is that Oracle Racing is probably in for a penny AND in for a pound in the new team, having paid Ben a tidy sum to NOT join any other teams.



2) Ben Ainslie Racing will serve as Oracle Racing’s “Surrogate” for the AC72 much as Luna Rossa is playing for the ETNZ team. Oracle knew that the ETNZ/LR collaboration would hurt Oracle’s chances for the Cup repeat, and they already had Ben on ice as a ‘consultant’, so taking the next step was a natural one. While we don’t know just how deep Oracle tendrils penetrate into the BAR team, we’re guessing they are pretty cozy…



3) The new BAR will be managed by Alinghi super boss Grant Simmer, and the team will include the same Olympic afterguard as Team Origin – namely Bart Simpson and Iain Percy.





Look for the official press conference right here on SA on Tuesday morning (GMT), and speculate as much as you like in the British AC thread here.

Ironic when BA owns the PR company. (ITB I presume)

[dogwatch]

Ironic when BA owns the PR company. (ITB I presume)

I don't believe BA owns "Into the Blue". That appears to be an incorrect conclusion some here have jumped to. If anyone cares enough to check, the company returns can be purchased http://wck2.companie...cprodorder?ft=1

[dogwatch]

Yea, well after being lectured by your lot at Gallipoli, we sometimes cross the line.

As I think I've said before, "my lot" didn't arrive in Britain until after WWII. Anyway, the late lamented Joe Strummer had something rather marvellous to say about a Kiwi with his head stuck in the British past.

Well, I was walking down the High Road
And this guy stops me
He'd just got in from New Zealand
And he was looking for mushy peas (a traditional northern British culinary delight)
I said, no, we hadn't really got 'em round here
I said, but we do got

Balti, Bhindi, strictly Hindi
Dall, Halal and I'm walking down the road
We got rocksoul, okra, bombay duck-ra
Shrimp beansprout, comes with it or without - with it or without
Bagels soft or simply harder
Exotic avocado or toxic empenada
We got akee, lassi, Somali waccy baccy
I'm sure back home you know what tikka's all about - what tikka's all about


So anyway, I told him I was in a band
He said, "Oh yeah, oh yeah - what's your music like?"
I said, "It's um, um, well, it's kinda like
You know, it's got a bit of, um, you know."

Ragga, Bhangra, two-step Tanga
Mini-cab radio, music on the go
Um, surfbeat, backbeat, frontbeat, backseat
There's a bunch of players and they're really letting go
We got, Brit pop, hip hop, rockabilly, Lindy hop
Gaelic heavy metal fans fighting in the road
Ah, Sunday boozers for chewing gum users
They got a crazy D.J. and she's really letting go

Anyway, point taken and understood.

Thank you for that.

[WetHog]

BA's new ACWS team is Ben Ainsle Racing + Friends? So the abbreviation is BARF? The gift that keeps on giving.

And, from what I've read on here, OR is providing assistance, or might be? What the hell has this AC cycle come to? Seems to be turning into a bigger farce than the Alinghi lovers predicted it to be.

WetHog

[Rennmaus]

BA's new ACWS team is Ben Ainsle Racing + Friends? So the abbreviation is BARF? The gift that keeps on giving.

And, from what I've read on here, OR is providing assistance, or might be? What the hell has this AC cycle come to? Seems to be turning into a bigger farce than the Alinghi lovers predicted it to be.

WetHog

No, no, no, it is not BARF (although this would be very funny!), it is "only" BAR (remember "British American Racing" in F1, the ones with the Honda engines?).

[Te Kooti]

Kia ora Schnappi !!!!!

Welcome back!

Any new chair photos?

[Presuming Ed]

Ironic when BA owns the PR company. (ITB I presume)

I don't believe BA owns "Into the Blue"

No he doesn't. Not unless he's had a sex change.

http://www.intotheblue.biz/

[GDEvans]

1325965252[/url]' post='3536790']

1325964883[/url]' post='3536782']
BA's new ACWS team is Ben Ainsle Racing + Friends? So the abbreviation is BARF? The gift that keeps on giving.

And, from what I've read on here, OR is providing assistance, or might be? What the hell has this AC cycle come to? Seems to be turning into a bigger farce than the Alinghi lovers predicted it to be.

WetHog

No, no, no, it is not BARF (although this would be very funny!), it is "only" BAR (remember "British American Racing" in F1, the ones with the Honda engines?).

So it looks like Ben has named his team after the place he is normally in while most of his competitors are still on the water.
Unless he has to visit the protest committee of course!

[WetHog]

No, no, no, it is not BARF (although this would be very funny!), it is "only" BAR (remember "British American Racing" in F1, the ones with the Honda engines?).

 BARf.jpg   72.32K   81 downloads

Sorry Renny, the damage has been done.

GO THE BARF!

WetHog

[Monster Mash]

Probably obvious to many but I'm getting slower and slower so a question.

IF a team is only allowed to build 2 boats and OR gives one of the two to BARF then does OR get to build a 3d boat?

[~Stingray~]

Probably obvious to many but I'm getting slower and slower so a question.

IF a team is only allowed to build 2 boats and OR gives one of the two to BARF then does OR get to build a 3d boat?

I doubt that Core could build 3; it depends on if they are 'independent' enough from OR.

[~HHN92~]

Am leaning now more to expecting just an ACWS team anyway, with his sailing team announced Tuesday. But it would still a good addition to the entertainment value.

Someone better warn Geordie Chaver not to get to close to the BAR boat with his video cat.......................

[PeterHuston]

If Angry Ainslie is to be part of Oracle Racing, under his own banner in an AC 45, I somewhat doubt that leads to an AC 72 this summer for him with Oracle Racing.

He does have Olympic obligations, and I find it hard to believe he'd adjust his Olympic training schedule to fit with the stated Oracle Racing training schedule on the 72 this summer.

So, Angry Ainslie does his thing in the 45 up until Newport, then takes a break and goes full time with the Olympics.

After the Olympics are over, he joins Oracle Racing full time, and fights it out with Jimmy as his sparring partner.

Or, the better scenario is that he has nothing to do with Oracle Racing, and is truly a Brit entry as a Challenger. That would probably be the best thing for all concerned.

[Te Kooti]

So ... the Right Honourable Angry Ainslie of BARF !

Got it!

[Te Kooti]

Will Chris Draper be a BARF-er?

[seis]

Probably obvious to many but I'm getting slower and slower so a question.

IF a team is only allowed to build 2 boats and OR gives one of the two to BARF then does OR get to build a 3d boat?

I doubt that Core could build 3; it depends on if they are 'independent' enough from OR.

If Oracle just wants to facilitate the participation of BAR, but also build two different boats for himself, then he can only give BAR the design. I think even the design of a second generation boat.
Because, according to a post by MSP (Estar said me that), the owner of Core is Oracle Racing, and can not do three boats.

But if Oracle wants to use the BAR boat as a partner in its own AC72 development process, then it is using it as "Surrogate Yacht" and can not do a third. So there is no difference between building it in Core or building it with another builder.

All this is possible "provided there is not a previous agreement agains the 33.4". ie, involving the building or acquisition of any boat. and the mere possibility to acquire information about design or performance of the other boat.

[Rennmaus]

Am leaning now more to expecting just an ACWS team anyway, with his sailing team announced Tuesday. But it would still a good addition to the entertainment value.

Someone better warn Geordie Chaver not to get to close to the BAR boat with his video cat.......................

No worries, Geordie will scream Ben down.

[seis]

If the team A wants only to facilitate the participation of team B, and wants also build two different boats for himself, then team A can only give the design to B. I think even the design of the second generation boat.
The problems of "Surrogate Yacht" is only generated when there is a bidirectional communication. When a team A is using the teams B's AC72 for develop the design of the own AC72.

If Oracle wants to use the BAR boat as a partner in its development process, then it is using it as "Surrogate Yacht" and can not do a third. So there is no difference between building it in Core or with another builder.

But if my reading is correct, Team A can develop a two boats project, built by himself for himself, and also sell their designs to other team. Also included the latest design developed the December 21, 2012 (ie, virtually the last possible). The team B boat or boats are built by an independent bulder.
This approach has less value to a Challenger, but it has great value for the defender who sells to a Challenger his last, or penultimate design before 2013. That Challenger is participating in the Louis Vuitton Trophy, and serves as a comparison. If the defender thinks to further develop his boat and win the Challenger in the Cup, this is a good option. Or not?

What do you think?

[Indio]

Now we're seeing why OR raised those 8 questions with the International Jury.

[seis]

Now we're seeing why OR raised those 8 questions with the International Jury.

Because they are smart and want to use and respect the rules?
ETNZ has begun the road to collaboration. Before they ask about the possibilities and limits.
Interestingly, the designers questions about the rules are quite common. Just look at the Noticeboard.
Oracle, before acting, asked about the rules. And it seems to have intelligent questions.
Is it wrong to ask intelligent questions about the rules of a race that has started by another competitor?

[shanghaisailor]

If it is "Ben Ainslie" racing it is the WRONG way to go.

The AC is a friendly contest between the yacht clubs of diifferent nations.

As far as I know, Ainslie is not a yacht club or a nation.

Even the Big-Bad-One was smart enough to call himself "Stars and Stripes."

Is Oracle the name of a yacht club or country?

Hey Te Kooti - at lesast you will be a happy Kiwi Bunny if your tag line is your true wish - All 3 of the afterguard of the GBR Challenge will be GBR sailors - and Gold medalists to boot.

At least in these regattsa there will be no ISAF sponsored media jerks getting in his way.

See ya on the Water

SS

[meanermachine]

Am leaning now more to expecting just an ACWS team anyway, with his sailing team announced Tuesday. But it would still a good addition to the entertainment value.

Someone better warn Geordie Chaver not to get to close to the BAR boat with his video cat.......................

To be honest mate, i would pay good money to Angry Ben to see him punch Geordie in his enormous facehole! It would make my day!

Attached Files

•  a2_2080989b.jpg   77.89K   18 downloads

[williwaw]

Rumour is that Bertarelli is involved