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It's Coming, Fast February 1, 2010 |
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There's something in the air. More than 60 metres tall, the wing sail of BMW Oracle and the mast of Alinghi can be seen from afar. They almost seem to touch the clouds. With the latest ruling from the New York courts, there looks to be no stopping the “on the water” action in this 33rd Americas Cup, and finally Valencia, too, has moved into top gear. With a packed program of events kicking off on the 4th of February and spread over the next few weeks, there will be plenty to see and do in Valencia. If you have been holding off buying that plane ticket, now is a good time to move fast. The Spanish really know how to throw a great party, and notwithstanding the incredibly short notice, this one is likely to be no exception. The centre of the action off the race course is the Veles e Vents building on the northern edge of the Dársena – The Americas Cup port – featuring big screens, favourite food from America, Switzerland, and Valencia, plus concerts and fireworks. If you have never seen a Valencian “Mascleta” then Sunday February 7th is the day. Valencians are world-renowned firework makers and these daytime fireworks are unbelievably loud – certainly one of the loudest things you will ever hear in your life. It’s a tremendous experience. The beauty of the city itself, an amazing cultural diversity that runs from the graceful building façades in the old part of the city through to the stunning modern architecture of the Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias (City of Arts & Sciences), is backdrop to this February spectacle. And as if all this wasn't enough for you, there are two of the most stunning boats ever built to go and see.
Having had the privilege of seeing Alinghi up close whilst underway, it's an experience you will never forget. Words fail me in trying to describe the sheer size, power, and speed of these yachts. Like Formula One or Indy cars with a Space Shuttle booster fitted to it. The acceleration is mind boggling. But they look so effortless. The biggest problem that spectators will have in seeing the action afloat will be finding a boat fast enough to keep up. The best part of 300 BHP was needed on a moderate-size RIB just to keep in touch. And it was only blowing 8-10 knots! Who will win? A very good question, and the answer to which may be a surprise. It may be less of a drag race, despite many comments to that effect, and more tortoise and hare. All that acceleration and power mean that if one boat can find more breeze, their speed will increase quite dramatically. And with the speed comes huge separation, putting distances between boats that can amplify the feast or famine effect as their meteorological fortunes change. Unlike an ACC boat where each team spent hour upon hour eking every last fraction of a knot to gain a tiny speed advantage, this is likely to be much more bruising. After all the investment in technology, this Cup is still going to contain a good old fashioned battle between sailors, trying to read the conditions and sniff out pressure, lifts, and headers first. You can build a faster boat for the conditions, but if the opponent has more wind and a better angle, it’s hard to make up the difference by brute force. The problem at this scale is telling what is happening with the wind 10 miles or 20 miles or more up or down the course. This America’s Cup Match is likely to be a very strange battle. Ultimate speed potential, and there is plenty of it here, may not be the automatic winner and only time will tell.
Make sure you don't miss it!
-- John Crisp
for CupInfo/©2010
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