[MR.CLEAN]

Well, I finally was able to speak to ACM spokesman Paco LaTorre, who has been very professional with me since I met him in NY at the last big hearing.

He informed us that our entry was simply too incomplete at the deadline to accept, and that Sailing Anarchy's lack of credibility did not really inspire ACM to make any effort at "helping" our entry process along as they may have done with other teams. ACM's position is that the teams that received extensions had more complete applications than we did, that ours was simply too faulty to take seriously. Never mind that we supplied them with information about our Annual Regatta on the same day, or that we supplied them with other verifying documents over the past few days - they were not interested in making it easier for us.

For his part, Paco told me that if it is indeed serious, he thinks Anarchy Challenge is a great idea and would be an asset to the competition, but that it was basically too sketchy to accept at this time, and that we certainly hadn't garnered any good will with Alinghi over the past six years.

He also pointed out that another window may open up for late entries if SNG win the appeal, and that he hopes that we can continue to gain momentum in case the possibility exists to enter then.

There is a slim chance that a grass roots campaign to petition Alinghi to let us in could have some effect if a few thousand of you send emails to the right place, but in the mean time, that's all I got.

I never thought I'd be upset about this thing, but it turns out I'm heartbroken. While I did the best I could with our ridiculously last-minute entry, I didn't do a good enough job of it, and I apologize to all Anarchists for letting you down.

[diverg]

So you aren't going to lawyer up on Alinghi?

[HandleyR]

So if we were more friendly to Alinghi we would be allowed in???? Sounds like the poodle theory is again confirmed.

[STYACHT]

MR.CLEAN, on Dec 18 2008, 11:25 PM, said:

I never thought I'd be upset about this thing, but it turns out I'm heartbroken. While I did the best I could with our ridiculously last-minute entry, I didn't do a good enough job of it, and I apologize to all Anarchists for letting you down.

Take it easy on yourself. Disappointed too, on a few levels.

[HHN92]

MR.CLEAN, on Dec 18 2008, 05:25 PM, said:

Well, I finally was able to speak to ACM spokesman Paco LaTorre, who has been very professional with me since I met him in NY at the last big hearing.

He informed us that our entry was simply too incomplete at the deadline to accept, and that Sailing Anarchy's lack of credibility did not really inspire ACM to make any effort at "helping" our entry process along as they may have done with other teams. ACM's position is that the teams that received extensions had more complete applications than we did, that ours was simply too faulty to take seriously. Never mind that we supplied them with information about our Annual Regatta on the same day, or that we supplied them with other verifying documents over the past few days - they were not interested in making it easier for us.

For his part, Paco told me that if it is indeed serious, he thinks Anarchy Challenge is a great idea and would be an asset to the competition, but that it was basically too sketchy to accept at this time, and that we certainly hadn't garnered any good will with Alinghi over the past six years.

He also pointed out that another window may open up for late entries if SNG win the appeal, and that he hopes that we can continue to gain momentum in case the possibility exists to enter then.

There is a slim chance that a grass roots campaign to petition Alinghi to let us in could have some effect if a few thousand of you send emails to the right place, but in the mean time, that's all I got.

I never thought I'd be upset about this thing, but it turns out I'm heartbroken. While I did the best I could with our ridiculously last-minute entry, I didn't do a good enough job of it, and I apologize to all Anarchists for letting you down.

Don't throw yourself under the bus here..........................................you did all that was asked of you and what was required by their entry info, less the $50g's.


These guys accept a hastily formed yacht club as the official challenger, who has no basis or history to even think of such a lofty position, and then has the balls to say that the SAYC does not have the standing, and documentation to be considered as an entry into the AC33 sailing regatta?

OK, do we now raise the money to get this in front of the court?

How do we petition the NYSC to get this heard for GGYC's side of the appeal?

Now, is there any doubt about EB/SNG's intentions?

[P_Wop]

Alan - don't be upset at letting the crew down. Not your fault at all. I strongly believe that if you'd presented the whole shebang on a gold platter, with all documents complete, notarized and in triplicate, together with the deposit in crispy Euro bills, it would still have been refused.

We've had a wonderful ride over the last few days - this project has united Anarchists like never before. Yea, even Simon!

But the fat lady hasn't cleared her throat yet. Watch out for splintering glass when she gets singing.....

[P_Wop]

Hey, I see Filthy P lurking here. Send me a pm, mate.

[PeterHuston]

Clean - you gave it your best shot - no apologies necessary.

Alot of times the the second best answer to yes is no.

Erne$to was going to show his true colors sooner or later, and better to see them now.

As for a couple of thousand emails to SNG/ACM/Alinghi - why bother?

Instead....Let's get the Mayoress of Valencia's email address and ask her the simple question - Given that GGYC has said they will not participate in the 33rd AC as it is currently being planned, is it in your best interest to exclude the USA from the America's Cup, and lose out on all the tourist revenue your local business owners would benefit from via SAYC fans?

[Peelman]

MR.CLEAN, on Dec 18 2008, 02:25 PM, said:

For his part, Paco told me that if it is indeed serious, he thinks Anarchy Challenge is a great idea and would be an asset to the competition, but that it was basically too sketchy to accept at this time, and that we certainly hadn't garnered any good will with Alinghi over the past six years.

He also pointed out that another window may open up for late entries if SNG win the appeal, and that he hopes that we can continue to gain momentum in case the possibility exists to enter then.

Clean, you did a fantastic job on short notice & we all understand the undertaking you ran w/. Thanks for that & we shall "keep the faith" for the next step as this event regardless of outcome has confirmed what SA'ers are able to do.

Sadly, it looks like we were excluded by a holier than though group for exercising freedom of speech w/in the sailing community.

Time to take a break & refocus for the next step of a PR war but it ain't over.

Btw will ACM send a letter of entry refused w/ reasons?

[Hastings]

MR.CLEAN, on Dec 18 2008, 02:25 PM, said:

Well, I finally was able to speak to ACM spokesman Paco LaTorre, who has been very professional with me since I met him in NY at the last big hearing.

For his part, Paco told me that if it is indeed serious, he thinks Anarchy Challenge is a great idea and would be an asset to the competition, but that it was basically too sketchy to accept at this time, and that we certainly hadn't garnered any good will with Alinghi over the past six years.

He also pointed out that another window may open up for late entries if SNG win the appeal, and that he hopes that we can continue to gain momentum in case the possibility exists to enter then.

Clean ... no apologies needed.

You did not let anyone down.

There are many interesting things here:

1. The notion of a "late entry" seems to open a window for SAYC and GGYC.

2. Showering these wankers with emails might be fun and we could probably stuff-up their servers berfore Xmas. However, that energy is probably better expended discussing things here.

3. The energy and creativity shown here in recent days speaks volumes about connectivity and, if I was a Masters student looking for a thesis topic (in sports, sociology, computer science, political studies) this would be it. There is a lot of talent here which, when given a chance, comes out of hiding. There was a commendable level of enthusiasm and, thank god, some very funny stuff. It has been a lot of fun.

4. We could still make some SA flags, shirts etc and show up at the next Cup accusing Alinghi of being afraid of the competition.

5. IF BOR win in Albany and can negotiate creation of a multi-regatta, there will have to be a fresh call for entries. Being rejected now might be a blessing. Now we have time to prepare a first-rate entry.

You, the missus and the small (!!!) dog can now concentrate on Christmas.

Although it is certain some of our enthusiasts will want to sue the pants off Vermicelli.

[terakihi]

"I never thought I'd be upset about this thing, but it turns out I'm heartbroken. While I did the best I could with our ridiculously last-minute entry, I didn't do a good enough job of it, and I apologize to all Anarchists for letting you down."

Clean, do not feel defeated! You have provided us all with hope that the upstarts could indeed make it to the start line.....and it is still possible if we all wish to make it so. "If at first you dont succeed....." So grab a drink and think Whats next? - this is just the beginning.

I have been watching the whole saga unfold over the last 18 months (without contributing my 2c on the forum) and have witnessed a groundswell of mostly positive support for the SAYC entry against the odds. Look what has been acheived in a short timeframe - imagine what can be done if you continue to push this. Great job so far, Thanks

Terakihi

[Rennmaus]

P_Wop, on Dec 18 2008, 11:33 PM, said:

Alan - don't be upset at letting the crew down. Not your fault at all. I strongly believe that if you'd presented the whole shebang on a gold platter, with all documents complete, notarized and in triplicate, together with the deposit in crispy Euro bills, it would still have been refused.

We've had a wonderful ride over the last few days - this project has united Anarchists like never before. Yea, even Simon!

But the fat lady hasn't cleared her throat yet. Watch out for splintering glass when she gets singing.....

Right so.

Clean, you did a reat job out of nothing. There probably is no one around here, who could have done it better or with more dedication. Kudos to you.

But we shouldn't lose our courage, fun or momentum. You wrote, there may be a slim chance for a last entry. Let's take this chance, use the time to get organized and motivated for the long haul. And even if/when BOR wins in Feb. - hopefully - and litigation stops (ha, ha, ha), and we and the other challengers are out (note: we and the others), or if we won't be accepted for the 33rd at all, then let's use the additional time to prepare for AC34! Don't let it go away like a cough in springtime! Don't destroy what just began to evolve! Let's keep the faith, nothing has really changed, we only gained time!!!

[PeterHuston]

The paperwork was a nice excuse.

Erne$to knew damn well he couldn't risk accepting SAYC, because even if he won in the Court of Appeals and GGYC stuck to their guns and didn't enter, he might have had to face the assets of GGYC, not just the boats, but the people too. Like politics, the America's Cup can make strange things happen very quickly. Larry could have on a whim decided to lease all the Oracle Racing assets to us just to screw with Erne$to a bit - what else is he going to do with them anyway? It's not like those V5 boats have any real value.

I think the denial of SAYC shows exactly how afraid Erne$to is of GGYC.

[Slim]

A bummer for sure - but maybe SA can campaign in another event - Fastnet entries are due in January. B)

[HHN92]

"I'm afraid here that all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant, and filled him with a terrible resolve..........."

"The Horror......The Horror.......The Horror.......The Horror........"

"It's too late, Godfather, shooting starts in a week..........You rest-up, Johnny, and this big shot director is going to give you what you want. I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."

"I call that mighty bold talk for a one-eyed fat man.........Fill your hands, you son-of-a-bitch."

"Go ahead, Make My Day."

"Keep looking over your shoulder Matt, and one of these days I'll be there.......I'm gonna kill ya', Matt."

Come alive troops, we're only getting started here. ;)

[K_B]

Could this mean an SAYC DoG challenge?

[PeterHuston]

Hastings, on Dec 18 2008, 05:41 PM, said:

MR.CLEAN, on Dec 18 2008, 02:25 PM, said:

Well, I finally was able to speak to ACM spokesman Paco LaTorre, who has been very professional with me since I met him in NY at the last big hearing.

For his part, Paco told me that if it is indeed serious, he thinks Anarchy Challenge is a great idea and would be an asset to the competition, but that it was basically too sketchy to accept at this time, and that we certainly hadn't garnered any good will with Alinghi over the past six years.

He also pointed out that another window may open up for late entries if SNG win the appeal, and that he hopes that we can continue to gain momentum in case the possibility exists to enter then.

Clean ... no apologies needed.

You did not let anyone down.

There are many interesting things here:

1. The notion of a "late entry" seems to open a window for SAYC and GGYC.

2. Showering these wankers with emails might be fun and we could probably stuff-up their servers berfore Xmas. However, that energy is probably better expended discussing things here.

3. The energy and creativity shown here in recent days speaks volumes about connectivity and, if I was a Masters student looking for a thesis topic (in sports, sociology, computer science, political studies) this would be it. There is a lot of talent here which, when given a chance, comes out of hiding. There was a commendable level of enthusiasm and, thank god, some very funny stuff. It has been a lot of fun.

4. We could still make some SA flags, shirts etc and show up at the next Cup accusing Alinghi of being afraid of the competition.

5. IF BOR win in Albany and can negotiate creation of a multi-regatta, there will have to be a fresh call for entries. Being rejected now might be a blessing. Now we have time to prepare a first-rate entry.

You, the missus and the small (!!!) dog can now concentrate on Christmas.

Although it is certain some of our enthusiasts will want to sue the pants off Vermicelli.

You make an excellent point - if GGYC wins the Appeal, they have long said they would prefer a multichallenger AC.

They have never said they wanted to be the only US entry.

Should GGYC become the Challenger, doubtful we would get cash help from them, but they would likely support our entry while attempting to negotiate a multichallenger series.

[BJSailor]

What a shame. Sorry to hear that you're heartbroken Clean.

[NAMT]

Slim, on Dec 18 2008, 02:44 PM, said:

A bummer for sure - but maybe SA can campaign in another event - Fastnet entries are due in January. B)

No great surprise Mr. C. The decision came on Friday afternoon, best time for all of us. We can still raise a glass to the SAYC AC flag & say THANKS to you for the effort.
We can do better next time.

Now I favour one of 2 options:
1) Let's charter Sea Shepherd & go to Valencia anyway
2) Back to the DoG challenge with Mini Transats

[HHN92]

PeterHuston, on Dec 18 2008, 05:44 PM, said:

The paperwork was a nice excuse.

Erne$to knew damn well he couldn't risk accepting SAYC, because even if he won in the Court of Appeals and GGYC stuck to their guns and didn't enter, he might have had to face the assets of GGYC, not just the boats, but the people too. Like politics, the America's Cup can make strange things happen very quickly. Larry could have on a whim decided to lease all the Oracle Racing assets to us just to screw with Erne$to a bit - what else is he going to do with them anyway? It's not like those V5 boats have any real value.

I think the denial of SAYC shows exactly how afraid Erne$to is of GGYC.

This may be the underlying theme for EB's refusal, that someone was behind this, other than some crazed-out bunch of website junkies.

He may never know.......................

[MR.CLEAN]

BJSailor, on Dec 18 2008, 05:49 PM, said:

What a shame. Sorry to hear that you're heartbroken Clean.

Thanks BJ. I can always rely on you.

On the advise of our Communications Strategist, I am going to crack open a bottle of Ketel One and drown my sorrow in it. Keep brainstorming, and thanks for all the support and help.

[Lono]

Hey Clean:
Thanks for the effort....

Its funny to think of the actual possibilities once we started thinking beyond a goof....

[stripclubjunkie]

Time for the slap in the face PR - pitch it that ACM have in a tough economic time decided to reject our entry, an entry that would have provided jobs and tourism dollars. They also decided to exclude the ONLY American entry - tantamount to in your face racism to act in such an exclusionary manner in this day and age. etc. etc.

Nice work Clean and team - keep the dream alive....

[Bow Monkey]

Over, what do you mean, over? Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

I think the right approach at this time is to send out a press release from Anarchy Challenge telling the world how devestated we are that ACM has chosen to deny entry to the last hope of a US syndicate, for the first time in history. Save the Alinghi bashing for here on the forums, but a well written press release could draw enough media attention to ACM to put a lot of pressure on them, along with every syndicate approaching potential sponsors. We need to put ACM on the defensive over this issue, not necassarily SAYC on the offensive.

[TCS]

It's too bad that SA has been denied. Thanks for the last few days though!
It's all been good stuff, and to see SA at full power has truly been impressive.
I would have never thought that this amount of momentum could have been generated in such a short time. (shows how much I know)
My hats off to Clean and The Ed. Well done guys, it just goes to show the power and influence that SA and the community that has joined the party truly have.

If they won't let you play in their sand box, make your own. The race this spring is a great start.
Keep up the great work and keep the surprises coming!

TCS