Choices

Andy Rice dodges the bullets in Valencia at America's Cup 33

The build-up
If bookmakers were to be believed, then the 33rd America's Cup was going to be a whitewash. BMW Oracle racing would take the Auld Mug away from Alinghi with the minimum of effort. It also seemed to be the majority opinion among the media pundits. But what did we know? Well, just that Russell Coutts and his team were exuding a quiet and calm air of confidence. Not that Alinghi appeared lacking in confidence, but those who had seen both boats in action suggested that USA 17 was the more potent package.

However, the big debate was about exactly where the crossover of performance would occur between these two very different multihulls. One of the few areas of agreement between the Swiss and Americans was that Alinghi 5 would most likely be faster in light airs, and that USA 17 would be superior in stronger breezes. A crossover wind speed of 8 knots was bandied about, but it was clear that no one really knew.

Alinghi was stressing the need for the principal race officer, Harold Bennett, to run the racing in 'sensible' conditions, by which they meant light airs. At a pre-event press conference, Bennett appeared gaunt and stressed, with journalists accusing him of being in Alinghi's pocket. He claimed otherwise, of course, but when Race One was delayed twice, suspicions were far from allayed. However, one week later, even the most sceptical of critics must have been persuaded otherwise...

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