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Post by beagle on Sept 13, 2013 15:59:21 GMT 12
I was sure someone would have started one by now but almost cannot believe it. Especially after this mornings 2 wins. I have been enthralled with this machine as soon as coverage of her trials out in the Hauraki Gulf and esp with her foiling.
Now we have foiling jibes, foiling upwind, Mr Whippy's,
All we need now is the cup back in it's rightfull hands here in NZ
Hopefully all going to plan we should hear Mr Montgomery's famous words on monday morning at about 0845
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Post by ngatimozart on Sept 13, 2013 16:13:06 GMT 12
Yes all is hopefull but the fat lady ain't got into her singing gear yet and we don't want to a hoodoo on it. This in the NZ Herald: Billionaire: 'Get me the biggest Kiwi flag'A US billionaire flying the New Zealand flag from his superyacht berthed in the America's Cup village says he has been asked by an associate of Sir Russell Coutts to take it down. Disgusted by the cheating scandal that enveloped Oracle Team USA, Jim Clark has been proudly flying the New Zealand ensign and Team NZ supporters flag from his 90m superyacht, Athena, for the past week - apparently much to the disapproval of Sir Russell, chief executive of the US team. Mr Clark, co-founder of Netscape and Silicon Graphics, said Sir Russell had told a friend - "a well-known American sailor [who] has been staying on my yacht" - that he wanted Mr Clark to fly the United States flag instead. Mr Clark, whose wealth is estimated at $1.35 billion, has links to New Zealand. Athena was re-fitted in Auckland in 2011 by Orams Marine Services, and he has been involved in a couple of technology projects with New Zealand firms. But he said he became a fervent Team NZ supporter only after learning of Oracle Team USA's conduct during the cheating scandal. For full story click on bold title above.
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Post by smithy on Sept 13, 2013 16:14:45 GMT 12
There's (unsurprisingly) bugger all coverage on this side of the ditch but I've been keeping up with updates and the odd bit of footage via the net.
I still remember the huge piss up down at the Viaduct that occurred when we successfully defended the Cup back in 2000. Now that was one BIG night. I can remember the hangover the following day was of epic proportions.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 13, 2013 16:22:36 GMT 12
Not all of the nine eggs have hatched yet there Beagle.
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Post by baronbeeza on Sept 13, 2013 16:44:20 GMT 12
I think we can all appreciate that it would have to be something catastrophic that could prevent NZ uplifting the cup this time around. We need to win one in every three races and would still have the cup back in country. I am unsure about the risks involved, ie how close these boats are to suffering structural failure but I would be more than happy to see the team lift the boot a little. Some of the tight cornering is taking a toll on this old fulla. Today was the clincher though. The good thing about the NZ Govt backing the programme is starting to pay dividends. I have noticed other motorbike and aircraft forums are now starting to mention the little guys and how clever they are..... I think especially in the context of the big money being thrown about by the defender. The yanks obviously do have a sense of fair play. It is times like these that the rest of the western world likes to get in behind the smaller team as well. As taxpayers we are all shareholders in the venture, I have heard a rumour it will be free 'pies' when the boats return home...
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Post by corsairarm on Sept 13, 2013 17:50:27 GMT 12
What we need in San Fran is a Massey Fergusson on the dock when the boat comes home after each race. The racing may have been a bit boring BUT watching those boats perform is something to behold. I am proud to be a Kiwi when we lead the world in something like this. Remember there are only two boats and I believe a vast majority of the crew involved are Kiwis. My wife sent me a text today. What does ORACLE stand for? Overly Rich American Called Larry Ellison
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Post by beagle on Sept 13, 2013 21:08:55 GMT 12
yes , it's not all over yet and with all some Americas cup's, things can still happen, but I think they are looking pretty confident with the boat at this stage.
When the Rigby World Cup wa son here, I remember lots and lots of cars going around with their favourite countries flag attached to their car. Need some Team NZ flags avaliable at The Warehouse Mr Tindall. I see he took 10 000 NZ flags with him to give out over there. Wonder how much he was charged for overweight baggage.
I also see "Sailing Away " is playing a bit more on the radio stations.
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Post by tfly on Sept 14, 2013 4:08:17 GMT 12
I'm enjoying ETNZ coming from behind and taking the races from our cheating Oracle friends but please can we bring back monohulls for the 35th America's Cup? Racing is closer and with Gennaker and Spinnaker sails there is more boat handling to watch. I admire the speed of the catamarans but take that away and you aren't left with much. Come on Emirates Team New Zealand
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Post by tfly on Sept 14, 2013 4:11:35 GMT 12
Oh and I wouldn't put it past them crashing into our boat (accidentally on purpose). Oracle have are spare boat what would ETNZ do?
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Post by scrooge on Sept 14, 2013 9:33:21 GMT 12
I didn't pay any attention to the lead up sailing (45's or LV) but have watched the Cup races that I've been awake for. I'll admit to some interest in sailing but generally to participate rather than watch, as watching can be very boring.
The 'America's Cup' has ALWAYS been about rich men and their toys, much like top end Horse Racing, Formula 1 and the Red Bull Air Races. Having said that, the Cup (especially this time) has provided some fantastic technological achievements and should be appreciated for what it is. Top sportsmen sailing vessels at the leading edge of the design envelope. When they race well and it's close, it's great (not a lot of it I know).
I doubt that we will see these boats again, at least for a while, as they are too expensive to develop and operate. The next AC will be in a smaller type that will allow a larger fleet of competitors and challengers. Which hopefully will give more and closer racing.
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Post by baz62 on Sept 14, 2013 9:37:07 GMT 12
Yes quite agree and don't forget if it wasn't for some of the worlds "rich boys and their toys" we certainly wouldn't have some of the aircraft from the past flying today. Some people think watching aircraft flying back and forth boring too. Now back to the yachting people Go New Zealand!!
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Post by steveh on Sept 14, 2013 9:50:06 GMT 12
Some thoughts of mine on this. The cup has become a farce, but the boats are brilliant to watch imho Peter Lester isn't Peter Montgomeries backside as a commentator, I don't mind Tasker though. The fat lady is on her way to the hall, she'll be singing in a few days unless theres a fubar of amazing proportions. Wonder what song she'll choose? Love the ORACLE def. Steve.
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weheka
Squadron Leader
Posts: 105
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Post by weheka on Sept 14, 2013 13:43:16 GMT 12
I think the racing is fantastic to watch, we will probably never see the likes again, so I for one will enjoy every minute of what I get to see, even if they are mostly recorded races. Fingers crossed that we go on to win a well deserved Americas Cup. That team has done an awesome job so far against people I would love to see beaten 9 to -1! Bagging cheats in particular is great.
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Post by baronbeeza on Sept 14, 2013 13:43:53 GMT 12
........................ have had to commit over the years, maybe like competitive horse riding or most things to do with aviation.... But you cant deny these have mostly started by kids "giving it a go" and finding something they have a passion for. Good on them, maybe it could inspire some kids to get off their butts and try something then its all worth while. I can't get over the position we have found ourselves in with General Aviation. It is a dead industry and there are no signs of hope. As you say, the new generation will stay at home and sit on the computer with Flight Sim. I got flamed here once when I posted a reply, - a keen young teenager chose to post here asking questions about learning to fly. He cycled past the flying schools on his way to ATC every week. (Or do mummy's drop them off these days ?) My generation would have spent hours at the fence watching the going's on. With airport security fences and the likes these young guys now just look at pics online. Who can blame the kids, with the CAA fees, medical levies, and the reliance on computers we really are in the doldrums. Yes rugby gets exposure, as indeed we see with the sailing. Where do the young aviation inspired youngsters get their thrills ? Possibly at airshows...... Somehow I think we need to make a point of attracting the new blood or risk loosing an entire hobby/industry. Time for some NZ aviators to step up and make an impression. Aviation is more alive in Kenya than it is here. As a primary school kid, I once cycled over 2 miles out of my way... on the way to school, early morning. An Iroquois had just overflown and landed on the sports fields of the High School. I didn't sit at home and watch it on Youtube before mum drove me to school. I am sure every yachting club within NZ will benefit from the renewed interest here. Good on them..
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Post by scrooge on Sept 14, 2013 13:51:59 GMT 12
Some thoughts of mine on this. The cup has become a farce, but the boats are brilliant to watch imho Peter Lester isn't Peter Montgomeries backside as a commentator, I don't mind Tasker though. The fat lady is on her way to the hall, she'll be singing in a few days unless theres a fubar of amazing proportions. Wonder what song she'll choose? Love the ORACLE def. Steve. Become a farce? The America's Cup has always had an equal amount of money spent off the course and in the court room. Thats what you get with changable rules and rich people.
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Post by TS on Sept 14, 2013 14:24:18 GMT 12
.......Quote....(Possibly at airshows Somehow I think we need to make a point of attracting the new blood or risk loosing an entire hobby/industry. Time for some NZ aviators to step up and make an impression. Aviation is more alive in Kenya than it is here.) Well they could try some Reno type races here that would be interesting and we would hear the aircraft at 100% instead of possibly 75%?? But as to say the A/C racing is boring is a little rich (no pun intented). These yachts take an amazing amount of concentration to sail. Sure everybody has their own likes and dislikes, but if you have never sailed a yacht before then it can be difficult to understand what is going on. Liken it to an airshow if you have never been to one and watch aircraft flying up and down the crowd line with a loop here and barrelroll there, that could be considered boring. The one thing A/C does do for our little country is give it lots of exposure to the world which must also have a massive spin off effect into Tourism,Trade and a whole host of other things that we have no idea about. Bring it on can't wait for the parade up Aucklands Queen Street....
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Sept 14, 2013 14:32:20 GMT 12
I actually know plenty of people who think airshows are boring.
In fact, I even know some people who live near Hood Aerodrome and absolutely LOATH the bi-annual Wings Over Wairarapa because of the noise and the congestion on the roads in their neighbourhood.
What is one person's entertainment is often another person's annoyance.
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Sept 14, 2013 14:32:48 GMT 12
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Post by baronbeeza on Sept 14, 2013 20:21:23 GMT 12
It may well be that it is the design team and builders that are the heroes of the day. They have come up with a boat that has to be super slick upwind... one that the defenders with all their wealth and knowledge could not counter.
What then if we manage to apply our kiwi ingenuity into a new generation composite aircraft. The design team obviously know zillions about composite technology and aerodynamics.
I heard Mike Moore make a comment a few hours ago that NZ was earning more from the boat building industry than from wine. The America's Cup was helping immensely in that regard also.
Therein lies the problem with aviation, - there just isn't the money to justify the trouble.... and then we have compliance and liability issues to contend with.
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Post by ngatimozart on Sept 14, 2013 21:04:46 GMT 12
It may well be that it is the design team and builders that are the heroes of the day. They have come up with a boat that has to be super slick upwind... one that the defenders with all their wealth and knowledge could not counter. What then if we manage to apply our kiwi ingenuity into a new generation composite aircraft. The design team obviously know zillions about composite technology and aerodynamics. I heard Mike Moore make a comment a few hours ago that NZ was earning more from the boat building industry than from wine. The America's Cup was helping immensely in that regard also. Therein lies the problem with aviation, - there just isn't the money to justify the trouble.... and then we have compliance and liability issues to contend with. That is a very good observation. I wondered for a while if there could be a transfer of skills, knowledge and IP between the Kiwi yacht construction fraternity and Pacific Aerospace.
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