© Larry Edwards
America’s Cup 33:
DOG
*
fight
in the Gulf
“The most important thing is, how much faster can
we make the boat in the next six months.”
*Deed of Gift
Russell Coutts
“We’re worried about Alinghi being able to change
the rules up to a minute before the races start.”
Larry Ellison
By Larry Edwards
C
heers erupted from the crowded has flirted with 50 knots, although not – two behemoth multihulls teetering
deck of America, the replica intentionally. “It’s an adrenaline rush,” on the edge of disaster in a best-of-
namesake of the America’s Cup, he said, flashing a grin as broad as the three match race for the oldest trophy
as BMW/Oracle Racing’s BOR-90 blew boat’s 90-foot beam. “But we have to be in international sports – that challenger
past with hulls a-flying, clocking an smart. If we flip it, it’s all over.” Oracle hopes will erase the memories of
incredible 31 knots in 16 knots true To help avoid catastrophe, the its two-year court battle with defender
wind speed. And that was just for boat is equipped with ear-piercing Alinghi and grab the attention of
show. Had the 90-foot trimaran been alarms that sound off when the loads sports fans worldwide. It may not be
racing, it would have sailed closer to 40 approach the danger zone. “We’re that simple. The competitors are likely
knots. pushing the boat to its limit, so the to be back in court before the 33rd
How fast can it go? The boat can alarms go off frequently,” said tactician America’s Cup match begins on Feb. 8,
sail 2 to 2-1/2 times the speed of the John Kostecki. 2010, at Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab
wind, and helmsman James Spithill It’s the promise of such a spectacle Emirates.
48° No r t h , Se p t e m b e r 2009 pa g e 70
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