37th America's Cup - 1st Event Explained

[@chrisdewhurst719]

My god that is a confusing way to run an event, thanks for the explanation, I'd be totally lost without it.

[@wyndwalkerranger7421]

Bring back to 12 Meter Boats or better yet the J Boats. This race has gone downhill since it left Newport, RI.

[@johnmooney9444]

Today's America's Cup races are sprints using high technology stuff. I think that the organizers have lost sight of the original concept. I miss the monohull racing that required numerous tacks, strategy, etc. Sorry, I turn 73 this week and am old school. As the expression says "time marches on". Cheers all

[@fabmanly1070]

You do understand that the cup has always been about boat speed.

[@paulbellas8797]

@@fabmanly1070you do understand that are acting like a Dick!

[@milesmoore8705]

@@fabmanly1070 Do understand that the AC was also about the teams and their teamwork. Now they just sit in a cockpit and do nothing other than steer. Why not make them radio controlled as its almost to that point now. Its all battery powered other than steering. At least with SailGP F50's you get to see the sailors actually sailing and working together.

[@UncleJimCA]

I totally understand your sentiment but I think embracing technology and changing with the times keeps things fresh. If it wasn’t so damn expensive I would love to see different classes race so everyone can enjoy.

[@kiowa1508]

@@milesmoore8705yup. They’re like a horse competing in a steeplechase…they do better without a rider on their back

[@Supasarge]

Great summary Matt, thank you! So it didn’t take long for this second cup cycle with foiling monohulls to provide us with the frustration of watching these speed machines dump down and try and force themselves through the waves at snails pace. Whilst some might argue it adds some intrigue when a boat dumps and foiling competitors zip past, it undermines the spectacle considerably for the majority. Yet it seems it’s a feature we’re going to have to endure for some time so we’d better get used to it. Aside to the physical size between the AC40 & 75 there’s another key differential in that the AC40s series is an all battery event, since both foil manoeuvres AND sail handling are battery powered, whereas AC75 is partial battery power: foils moving by DC, sails moving by the hydraulic power generated physically by the crew ‘grinding’ onboard. When you look back over the Americas Cup it had until relatively recently, long been the birthing pool for much innovation in sailing: sailboat design and sailboat equipment. That’s purposefully had a trickle down effect where the technology is refined, made economic and thereby accessible to the regular 30-40 footers within the decade or so following. Increasingly, we are moving away from such a formula and as the technology gap widens, the trickle effect diminishes. Power generation on regular sailboats is an area where significant innovation is still lacking. We need to rid our sailboats of fossil fuel engines and generators as soon as we’re able. I’d like to see a cup where the rules dictate that you can start with batteries on board but they must be flat and where ALL power used during the race must be generated during the race and only from renewable sources. Solar, wind and in particular hydro-generation, sail regeneration or “regen” could all be harnessed. Thus, each race starts in displacement mode using manual controls and the first boat to create enough boat speed and energy from renewable sources would be up on the foils and away. That would surely invigorate the kind of r&d and investment necessary to innovate the kind of new technologies for the sailboat industry that’s truly meaningful, whilst providing elite racing that’s just if not more intriguing in its displacement / foil combination.

[@chrisdewhurst719]

Some really interesting ideas!

[@aboveandbeyond9844]

Those are some ugly boats... I guess majestic design was dropped somewhere along the line... It's like looking at AI race. Quite sad.

[@christianfournier6862]

@Supasarge= Those designs are really enthralling - in my view more than the catamarans -, but you are right: use of battery power is a thorn in the heel of AC36 and AC37. A recent analysis in a Mozzy Sails YT video demonstrates convincingly that non-regenerated battery power has been used innovatively by at least one team. Your reference to hydro generation rejoins an idea I have had since AC36: a small turbine lowered into the water when foiling at speed. But, as far as I know, nobody has published any calculations - be they theoretical - on the amount of electric power that could be generated vs the drag incurred. I doubt that an hydro-turbine could generate as much as four cyclors in an AC 75. Another difficulty comes from judging such races: what would be the penalty for those boats coming with (varying) deficits in battery replenishment? A number of 360° turns? Decided upon at what phase of the race? And if a time penalty was calculated after the finish, the spectacle of 'real time racing' would be spoilt. Still, the idea is interesting since it could lead to technological improvements seeping later into cruising sailboats (the present wind generators are only sufficient for instruments & radio, not for manning the rig). Of course, use of non-regenerated power in races is conceivable: the Wallies accept it for the same reason: a reduced crew. But the purity of “internally generated natural & human power” for the AC boats would be restored with regeneration - in accordance with the intent of the Deed of Gift! __ .

[@NotBob223]

Nonsense. These teams have in some cases only been on the boats for FOUR days. Give them time and they'll all be foiling. The high speed and the tactics are much more conducive to reaching a wider TV audience (which ultimately funds this). I've watched every AC since Ted Turner skippered Courageous in 1977 and haven't seen more thrilling racing in general than the last cup. The AC has always been about being on the edge of new technology to make the boats go faster and faster and what's not to like about boats that can do 40 knots UPWIND in 17 knots of wind. I was never a fan of the catamarans (I know, hypocritical) but I love these foiling monohulls and can't wait for the technology to creep down into the "real world".

[@roythompson6137]

Anyone who lives and sails here near Vilanova would know that the wind is crap in September... So why didn't AC care?

[@redjacc7581]

This is hydrofoiling. To sail the hull needs to be in the water.

[@noone-ld7pt]

what, why can't it be both? if you're on a boat and powering it by sail it's sailing. Why would we force them to compete with outdated technology in the cutting-edge races of the sport?

[@user-zq7fb4ot9k]

Americas Cup isn’t worth watching in the new techno sailing era. J Boats were majestic to watch and Sail.

[@z_actual]

great can we go back to 12m boats now ?...

[@boco1951]

I miss Dennis Connor and the 12 meters.

[@Chris.Davies]

I'm so glad he's gone. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

[@seanomatopoeia]

Let's just hope Barcelona isn't as bad as this mess was. Just dreadful tv.

[@JohnLawless]

First America Cup race was 1851

[@roythompson6137]

This clearly says 37th Cup first event....

[@gator3-234]

Does anyone else think Americas Cup need to go back to the classic 10+ meter boats? I just think flying a wing isn't the same as sailing a boat.

[@kurtism9040]

Interviews could be shown as inset box in upper corner while the main screen could be continuous footage of racing action. Unless, moderator and crew are looking to up their celebrity creds.

[@scottk3034]

Got to love a landlocked country participating.

[@ICB-vl3ym]

America's Cup has no relevance to sailing generally. Unlike either Fastnet or Sydney - Hobart (which have various classes). Who gives a sh** about America's Cup?

[@barryscott6222]

In the minds of supporters and particularly 'sponsors' it also really matters...

[@christopherjones8168]

This is NOT sailing as we know it!

[@spacelemur7955]

Off topic, but what would the Phoenicians have thought if they saw one of these whiz by? Surely it would be labeled a god.

[@2011mendo]

They look like race vehicles, but you guys have really gotten so far away from what this was really supposed to be, sail boats.. What we are looking at is, who has the most money wins!!!

[@noone-ld7pt]

What a clusterfuck. This PR stunt, which the AC40s undeniably were supposed to be, has done more to damage the reputation of the Cup rather than actually hyping it up. Teams racing in fundamentally different boats than they will use in the actual cup with not enough practice was such an obvious recipe for them falling off the foils, resulting sad races with most of the fleet splashing around in the water. And god what a depressing climax, the first real taste of head to head 2023 AC racing ending with fake celebrations and awkward fistbumps after a completely meaningless win. The PR team needs to reevaluate their priorities. They should NEVER send the boats out if there is even a sliver of doubt about the foiling conditions. Seeing these engineering marvels flying above the water is sensationally breathtaking, but watching them sloth around desperately is honestly so sad and it takes away so much of the excitement for the actual race. We can all be honest about how awkward the last AC was at times, watching the best sailors in the world be completely helpless in the water was just very unsettling at times. But at least then the technology was brand new and the sailors not accustomed to it's unique challenges. So the AC40s ONLY job was to erase those depressing images from our minds and get us excited about the upcoming racing actually on foils this time, and instead it effectively did the exact oposite. It became a stark reminder of how pathetic and non-competitive these types of boats can be under the wrong conditions. And for what is, essentially, a massive publicity stunt that is COMPLETELY unacceptable. I can only hope that since the teams will be racing in boats they have actually trained in for more than 2 weeks (which honestly is such a low bar), this farce will not be prophetic of what is to come in the actual cup. Please do better with what is supposed to be the the epitome of the sport so many of us love so much!

[@rcpmac]

Harsh man! Why? You clearly know very little about the program.

[@CG-99]

@@rcpmacI actually think he was quite precise in his assessment. I was thinking this AC would be an amazing event. But this event was a dreadful start, most viewers will never come back. I probably will, but not expecting much.

[@noone-ld7pt]

@@rcpmac You are absolutely right. I know very little about cutting edge monohull foil engineering and sailing. Like almost every single person on earth. I was however part of the core team of an olympic sailor who medaled at worlds and I have been crew on several atlantic crossings, so I would also say that I know and care significantly more about the sport of sailing than the average person. I really want the Americas Cup to be the bleeding edge, envelope pushing, billion dollar spectacle version of what we love so much. The F1/motoGP equivalence that appeals to a much larger audience. A way for the public to watch the future of sailing unveiled in all it's marvolous glory! Instead we get the most elite sailors in the world forced into a class they're not familiar with and made to compete in conditions that makes them look incompetent. And to answer your question: why am I this harsh? Well, because I care. I see the potential this sport has to become something everyone wants to watch when it comes around. A gateway for the general public into what I think is some of the most incredible sports available. I've amazed several of my non-sailor friends with sensational clips of foiling AC70s, and some of them even tuned in to watch the AC40s. Imagine their dissapointment. Not exactly a great way to sell the most exciting event in the sport. And in my opinion, for the money that is put into these events that should never even have had a possibility of happening. And I want them to please do better.

[@mattfinleylive]

Auxiliary hand-held paddles, ...paddles. ;)

[@mikemendes7598]

It's so amusing that the America's Cup is now copying the successful formula of SailGP. Fleet racing in one designs, followed by a "final". This is SO much better racing than the full AC designs where there is very rarely good racing. The teams with tech and/or money advantages sail away from the rest. It's boring. I'd rather watch SailGP all day long. The AC should have stuck with the foiling cats and allowed teams to keep perfecting their boats to narrow design gaps. Great job Matt! You are the best sailing channel out there, bar none.

[@tobybloomfield6193]

It’s been like that since before SailGP

[@mikemendes7598]

@@tobybloomfield6193 It's been like what exactly? Fleet racing as part of the AC racing program? No. They have done regattas of AC boats, most obviously the classic J boats and 12 meters, but never as an AC sponsored event. And they've NEVER had a One Design, especially as a 2nd class. America's Cup has always been match racing. Changed boat designs every cycle? No, not that either. They raced J boats for several decades, as did the 12 meters. The IACC rule was good for 15 years. At least they stuck with the AC75 for a 2nd cycle. The foiling 50 footers would have encouraged more teams to get into the America's Cup, which could only be good for the sport. So not sure what you are referring to.

[@tobybloomfield6193]

@@mikemendes7598 they had America’s cup World Series in AC34 and AC35 in the ac45 and ac45f boats that was fleet racing

[@tobybloomfield6193]

@@mikemendes7598 and fairly sure it counted as a win in the actual America’s cup when oracle won in AC35

[@mikemendes7598]

@@tobybloomfield6193 I stand corrected on the fleet racing. It was 10 - 12 years ago, and apparently my memory sucks.

[@hypercomms2001]

37th America's Cup? I am confused?!

[@spongesurf12]

For all the efforts made for the AC to make sailing more exciting for the masses, it's ever more confusing and weird. Seems like things have just gotten odder and odder since the original winged keel situation when US lost to Aus.

[@Lozzie74]

We had the big non-foiled IAC boats for many years after the Australian win. The rot set in when we switched to foiling cats.

[@RoBoTNiKaa]

Brought to Europe for money bro don’t get it twisted

[@KarenSahakyan-l5t]

What city is it in?

[@steveeb9567]

Vilanova i La Geltru. 45 km from Barcelona.

[@iancraig6070]

Ah those with the most money get to take part.

[@lovropirkl2672]

This venue was crappy, out of the 10 races that were planned, 5 were (barely) realised.

[@vsstdtbs3705]

They hadn't had rain for months, spain was in a drought. Just so happens when racing was on that weekend, there was a storm.

[@lovropirkl2672]

@@vsstdtbs3705 fingers crossed that the race organisers get luckyer by the time the racing comes to Barcelona

[@vsstdtbs3705]

@@lovropirkl2672 Two months of racing there, I expect some bad days, makes it more interesting too.

[@hoanglannguyen5871]

Oh really it's still on water on thie planet? Thought with all the miney and tech that goes into sailing it's not off planet on the sand dunes of X73YB 😊

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Go Magic!

[@denniswest9879]

These videos would be more interesting if they'd cut away from the talking heads and show the boats instead. These boats are very unusual and you want to study them in detail, not look at some guys face you don't know. Sorry, it's about the boats, not the people.

[@roslynhita6149]

it was a dismal flop!!

[@Bradley-h2j]

I agree They lost the history of dealing with mother nature With there hands and minds

[@chrischamberlaine4160]

Hi Matt - Chris Freer - why do we get lots of talking heads yet we never see any RACING. No starts or coverage of tactics on the course - if Grand Prix were covered like this there would be outcry - let's see some RACING without the stupid background 'music. Complete sequences of manouvers and course tactics without cutaways at the moment when something happens. Go back and watch the Perth 1987 AC coverage when they got it right. Sorry old friend but this is meaningless.

[@PlanetSailOnline]

Under the rights issues that govern the use of race footage non-TV rights holders are restricted to how much footage we can use from each race. Doing our best to bring the stories as best we can.

[@chrischamberlaine4160]

If the sponsors and media want to attract an audience this is nonsense. Football without the ball.@@PlanetSailOnline

[@01rnr01]

@@PlanetSailOnlineCould use a whiteboard - real or virtual?

[@milesmoore8705]

Boring just like the last AC event, can't even see the sailors. Now they just steer and let the batteries do all the work. Heck the boats aren't even that fast. At least with SailGP you get to see the sailors work together as a team, and sailors still grind, etc. And I might add the F50 cats are way faster.

[@CG-99]

This event was the worst possible prequel to next years AC. Poor race management decisions and it shows how bad these boats are if they don’t get perfect conditions. What a joke. Even as a super interested long time sailor and AC fan, I lost interest halfway thru the first day….now have pretty low expectations for the future AC 40 events and the AC itself. Shame.

[@TROUROCKS]

if i cant see the guys sailing the boat ... then iam not watching a sail boat race .. so im not watching its dull and boring they are now just inanimate objects moving around on water ..

[@nicolasartheau822]

Musique lamentable

[@nav662007]

Thanks for the explanation for the use of multiple platforms. I hear the mild griping of some of your interviewees. Hopefully, they will all be able to find ways to benefit from these rules.

[@JohnSmith-gb5vg]

All those crew peoples that no longer have jobs due to technology.

[@dhwjohnston7212]

Hmmm A cup not in NZ. Boring - who cares. . . .

[@eugenesetiawan1606]

May New Zealand team lost this time as wasting New Zealand Tax Payer money. May New Zealand Americas Cup fail dismally this time Traitors.