America`s Cup AC75 Yachts Te Aihe & Defiant Sailing in the same Patch Auckland - September 21, 2020

AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND, September 21, 2020. The moment we have all been waiting for! Emirates Team New Zealand AC75 Yacht Te Aihe and American Magics Defiant out sailing on the Waitemata Harbour on the same day. Rules prevent them duelling but it was interesting to see how each yacht handled the light Easterly breeze

[@mwstagg]

I got that feeling again, the feeling the whole country will be getting, gotta love the America's Cup, and wow these boats are beautiful!

[@airflownztravel]

Mike, hopefully will allow us to take our minds off COVID-19, Mike

[@teauraki]

Just needed peter Montgomerys commentary and we could imagine them racing...Great post thanx. Can't wait for the racing to start.

[@airflownztravel]

TBP, yes it would be! Mike

[@11calman]

AirflowNZ Travel, Mate, I almost had an Orgasm when I saw these two beauts' that you have filmed, The Mighty American Eagle & the Sleek Kiwi going through their paces. The Kiwi boat seems to just Skim across the water like a beautiful Kiwi Albatross. New Zealand will have the world's attention when all the boats start racing. Thanks for your Videos, it must be pretty cold some days when you do this

[@simongorman366]

When does the racing start?

[@11calman]

@@simongorman366 The America's Cup is currently held by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, who will stage the 36th defence of the Cup in 2021

[@airflownztravel]

Gib, thanks for your support, Mike

[@11calman]

@@airflownztravel Mate, your camera work is Top Notch & deserves to be seen by the world. It would be nice to see your camera work really take of,, Maybe then you could do a better job for me & my Music, instead off my cell phone Gib kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOyp3pplNtofLs say hi

[@airflownztravel]

@@11calman Gib, good things still take time. My Defence/Aviation Channel is 10 years old ,my travel just five! Nothing wrong with a modern phone, the new ones produce great video, cheers, Mike

[@beegeenz]

I might be biased but the NZ boat seems to be slicker in all manoeuvres. NZ proud.

[@maxhugen]

I think so too (might be biased, as an Aussie 'cousin'). However, they are both trying all sorts of combinations, with foils, ride height, sail trim etc etc... so I'd expect them both to have a few slam dunks along the way. 😎

[@maxhugen]

Looked like ETNZ was not lowering the leeward foil as much, as you can see the tip surfacing at times, eg from 1:10 and 4:10. I've seen this with AM in previous videos too. Maybe trying out that foil position to increase lift to windward? Excellent filming too, thanks!

[@airflownztravel]

Maxhugen, not sure on your question but thanks for your comments, Mike

[@maxhugen]

@@airflownztravel Just wondering if NZ was reducing the cant of the leeward foil arm to see if that significantly increased upwind lift from the foil. Reducing the cant would also mean flying lower, closer to the water, which designers have discussed with reference to the end plate effect.

[@sow4now]

maxhugen: Saw that as well. Assuming the wing itself is fixed, I can see how diagonal ailerons could simultaneously apply pressure windward and vertically, banding the 45 area. Maybe useful when there’s more fore pressure? If it isn’t fixed - which would be awesome - another possibility may be raise to reduce drag independent of hull height ?

[@maxhugen]

@@sow4now You are right, the foil wing itself is fixed. AFAIK, the ailerons are used mainly at low speeds for take-off, then leveled out to reduce drag. The Angle of Attack (AoA) is determined by the rudder foil, as the rudder is raked to adjust ride height etc.

[@leuvenisaplace]

@@maxhugen Yeah the tips emerging was interesting. When the foil wings come sufficiently far out of the water, the flow over the wing is disrupted and the forces of lift stop. I'd guess here they are looking to determine the sensations of sailing with the wing shallow where resistance & drag forces are reduced, trying to identify where the points of optimal performance are and how to maintain proximity to optimal. They may have even designed the foil tips with raised tips to act as indicators of proximity to the surface. Because of the area of the foils, having a small (percentage wise) amount emerging may be tolerable. Ailerons also likely used when the arms are being raised and dropped, to push the arm up, or to drive it down, which will likely reduce drag, decrease the time and reduce the amount of force needed to drive the arm up or down, which means each arm and perhaps even each aileron can be individually controlled...does this mean that roll can be controlled via aileron, in addition to pitch/AoA via rudder foil?

[@mastrake]

Super interesting to see them sailing in the same waters.

[@airflownztravel]

Rick, worth waiting for! Mike

[@robertfairburn9979]

Great video...thanks for the effort

[@airflownztravel]

Clive, many thanks for your comment, Mike

[@bigreg]

this is truly excellent footage..thanks for the posting..just the sound of the wind and waves crashing..o for orsm!!

[@airflownztravel]

Reg, many thanks for your comment, Mike

[@108hindu]

I have my Steinlager glass from the 95 cup series all washed up and ready for action.

[@airflownztravel]

Marko, Cheers! Mike

[@eathannvdb]

A 25 year old glass. Going to make *so much money* !

[@108hindu]

I have 2 of them!

[@TermiteUSA]

NZ looks fast; just wait till airbus takes out those sand bags and 17 screwdrivers ::))\ great vid~

[@maxhugen]

I heard that AM's Boeing design is having probs with the B2 "MAX" version... 😁

[@airflownztravel]

Keith, interesting comment! Mike

[@billhanna8838]

Looking good , the mind games will get more intense as time goes on - Focus .

[@airflownztravel]

Bill, one small error and the race can be lost, Mike

[@markhains7625]

@@airflownztravel That pitchpole by NZ last time around could have ended everything. Awesome work in the boatshed.

[@joeocarroll2308]

Thanks for the posting,mate,awesome. 👍

[@airflownztravel]

Joe, Glad you enjoyed it! Mike

[@fredherfst8148]

First I have seen these beauties. That's just effing awesome.

[@airflownztravel]

Fred, Yes they are! Mike

[@DavidParker-jr5bd]

Amazing to see these yachts maintain near vertical masts with the outrigger foils.

[@airflownztravel]

David, I think they generate more speed when mast near vertical, Mike

[@shaunt1207]

Any idea on how light the breeze was? They're still getting up and moving in what looks to be light winds. Perfect day for fishing.

[@airflownztravel]

Shaun, retorted at 10-12 knots, Mike

[@michaelhermans4753]

White caps at 12 so probably 10

[@richardsauceda7074]

How will these boats maneuver against each other at the pre-start with the foils sticking out?? Great video, thanks for posting!! Go USA!!! 👍😎

[@airflownztravel]

Richard, they will want to cross the start line on foils, so I guess foil on one side will be raised. Thanks for your comment, Mike

[@maxhugen]

"How will these boats maneuver against each other at the pre-start?" VERY CAREFULLY! 😁

[@fionawimber1028]

That's gotta be hard seeing your competition right there and not being allowed to hook 'em. Save it for December boys! :D

[@airflownztravel]

Fiona, should be very interesting, Mike

[@RickinHKG]

Fantastic. With the recently unveiled second boats being quite different, the team that gets that final design right will walk away with it.

[@airflownztravel]

RH, the problem will be to hold the boats in one piece long enough! Mike

[@funnystuff9998]

Thank you for your efforts.

[@airflownztravel]

FS, glad you enjoy the yachts, Mike

[@markbartlett3274]

I miss the tacking duels, the beautiful spinnakers, the close races, the romance of the sailboats on the water. These boats are all about speed and money not much thrill left.

[@aucklandseashuttles9229]

Going to be fast and furious cant wait

[@airflownztravel]

ASS, should be exciting! Mike

[@108hindu]

I bet the boats really want to “engage”. I really believe Deano feels he was mistreated after the terrible loss of 2013. He’s foiling about your Hauraki gulf right now with self redemption on his mind. I believe he is well financed and ready for battle. Deano is a fine sailor. Be on your toes NZ. : ) This will be good!

[@airflownztravel]

Marko, the results will be interesting, Mike

[@AntiVaganza]

Fine yes, better than any of us commenters here very likely and prolly a top bloke but... he cracked under pressure and AC is a multi-billion dollar sport/industry now so I guess the stakeholders felt they couldn't risk losing again when they should have won. As for when he cracked, well, I recall a few starts he shouldn't have lost and I personally think Spithill got under his skin. But it's just one armchair sailor's opinion, no need to hate me for it or even take it seriously if you disagree. I still respect what he achieved and surely he is still a great sailor. And yeah, the way he was let out the door wasn't pretty...

[@markhains7625]

@@AntiVaganza I disagree. This is a team sport and TEAM NZ cracked. Dean did everything possible. Oracle had an insane budget. NZ was obviously a faster boat in the beginning. Oracle worked on their boat every night and in the end it was obvious Oracle became the faster boat as the series progressed. Oracle could sail a little closer to the wind. the faster boat won. You can't blame the skipper for that. Look at the 95 cup. The NZ boat was faster and they won. The American skipper was top notch and had great starts. I thought he might well have out sailed Coutts. The 95 American boat was obviously slower. Compare the budgets in 13. If NZ had a budget that was even almost equal to Oracle, team NZ would have taken the cup. As you know, Dean actually had it wrapped up and then the race was called for time..... I do agree that there's no need to hate anybody over it. I'd love to buy you a steinlager and argue about it all.... It will be decided on the water and as much as I love team NZ I'm hoping Deano finds his redemption. Either way it will be a fine race. If the Americans do win it will be great to see NZ come back up here and take it back to NZ once again! Love and respect from America. Here's a little clip of Deano pulling Sir Ben Ainsley's pants down around his ankles. A truly stunning maneuver. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXOXpaF7l894asU

[@AntiVaganza]

@@markhains7625 I more than respect your right to disagree. But as I viewed the series with not even a small dog of my own in the fight (I am Danish), Dean lost 1-2 starts he should have owned when the speed advantage hadn't been eroded completely. In my eyes, he (the team) should have closed it earlier on but the Pitbull (and his team) kept the US in there just long enough that the boat changes swung the speed in their favor, too. But I am just a mere TV spectator so I could be wrong:) As for the budgets, I'll take your word on it. I see it in F1, where even though I am a massive Hamilton and Merc fan by extension, it's too obvious that the teams with the biggest budgets win. Now, that doesn't take any respect away from the work the drivers and engineers of those well-heeled teams do - but it does take away from the spectacle. A budget cap and new car regs are coming in and hopefully, we will see better, closer racing from 2022 onwards.

[@maxhugen]

@@markhains7625 "A truly stunning maneuver. " Awesome hook! Very aggressive, and as you said, caught Ainsley with his pants down! 🤣 Glad no-one was hurt though.

[@skyak4493]

Great footage. Very curious about what they are testing.

[@airflownztravel]

Skyak, thanks for your comment. Both yachts pause to alter foil - tip settings and to try out different headsails, cheers, Mike

[@tonylnz]

Was it at Waitemata harbour?

[@mikenewzealand4525]

Yes that’s inner harbour

[@q.e.d.9112]

Yep, Okahu Bay Wharf in view at 8:00.

[@charliem962]

I wonder how much of an effect the shape of the hulls will make? They spend a lot of time out of the water, so he aerodynamics of the different designs will probably play a part the the general speed of the yachts. There is a marked difference between the two boats when it comes to the depth of the their hulls. As these yachts will spend just about all of the race with their hulls in the air, could a race result come down to that part of the equation? Magic's hull is much more shallow. She's almost flat bottomed.

[@maxhugen]

Hull, foils, sails, control systems... they are all critical elements. AM and Ineos went for flat bottomed, whilst NZ and LR went for a bustle on their hulls. It will be very interesting to see what the second boat for each team looks like!

[@airflownztravel]

Charlie M, the hull shapes of the yacht twos will create much interest, Mike

[@Kiwigd]

I do prefer the shorter hoist job on the ETNZ boat, I wonder if the higher hoist is adding drag to the AM boat?

[@maxhugen]

Yes, the larger J1 would provide greater lift, but with a greater drag penalty. Also, they try to keep the boat level for best performance. Perhaps the wind speed was just in the range where they had to choose between the J1 and J2... note that AM did change down to the smaller J2 towards the end of the video.

[@epahina]

Nz look like they're about to master that bow down mode they did back in 2017

[@airflownztravel]

Evan, could be, Mike

[@pamagee2011]

That bay looks lake a great venue with lots of perfect viewing spots. We had planned to travel there for the regatta, but guess what happened...

[@airflownztravel]

Paul, lots of disappointed fans from all over the globe, Mike

[@pamagee2011]

@@airflownztravel It’s a great sport to watch on TV now. We just wanted to visit NZ.

[@airflownztravel]

@@pamagee2011 Paul, so glad that you are seeing my videos on a big screen! Travel should open up mid 2021, hopefully, Mike

[@danielhorn2224]

Who wouldn't want to be in the white sail boat at :50 of this video? Wow

[@airflownztravel]

Daniel, they would have an excellent view! Mike

[@rickhaywood1738]

@@airflownztravel I wonder if they were yelling Starboard! Great videos BTW

[@airflownztravel]

Rick, interesting! Thanks for your comment, Mike

[@jimmymetcalfe9167]

I would like to be in the red and black sailboat - for the whole vid. Thanks 😎👌

[@airflownztravel]

Jimmy, nice choice! Mike

[@nobreighner]

Thanks for catching both boats! The second US jib looked slow and a bit too much twist at the top of the main (to me), and then sailing with both foils down. What? Guess they have to test everything. Have to admit, NZ looking better this day.

[@airflownztravel]

SC, I have been waiting for some time to capture the two yachts out at the same time! Mike

[@ScottSummerill]

Curious why we're only seeing two boats out there.

[@weatheranddarkness]

The others haven't landed in NZ yet. Luna Rossa is on its way, but it hasn't been confirmed that Britannia has left the Solent yet.

[@escenthi]

i believe: UK boat 1 is on its way, and boat 2 is also ready; ITA is also on its way; AM boat 2 is already there. i wonder when NZ brings out their boat; Te Aihe is a trainer that is half size.

[@weatheranddarkness]

@@escenthi UK boat 2 is at last report delivered to the Portsmouth base and is still in the shed being rigged. Ita boat 1 is on a ship. UK boat 1 I have not heard to be en route yet. Unless you have a link?

[@AntiVaganza]

@@escenthi Eh, no Richard... You may be thinking of Te Kāhu but Te Aihe is a fully grownup AC75 albeit 1st gen. She's not expected to race but more to learn from and in that regard, she can be regarded a trainer. But she's a real AC75 and could race if needed. On a related note, I think all of the challengers (?) built or modified existing sub-12m test boats before their 1st gen AC75s whereas the Kiwis built Te Kāhu after Te Aihe but before finalizing the 2nd gen defender.

[@Mahalo_83]

Brit 1 is on a Hoegh roro vessel heading for Auckland, as is Luna Rosa is also on a ship not sure of the carrier. The gen 2 boats for both teams will be on Antanov 124’s in the coming weeks.

[@laser170323]

I never see these boats going downwind. Do they have spinnakers?

[@airflownztravel]

Eric, just prior to this footage I did hear that the Kiwi yacht had their huge Code O headsail up as she came down the Harbour, Mike

[@petersgrayson]

They do go downwind, but as they are travelling faster than the wind, the apparent angle means that in most cases they are closed hauled to tight reach (maybe a reach in soft stuff).

[@shaneweaver1720]

this tech has been around for many years interesting to watch

[@airflownztravel]

Shane, certainly different! Mike

[@rammanrai2899]

Bro, if that was true - races would be closer. If you look at the INNOVATIONS in the last 5 cups New Zealand LEADS in boat technology and sail configuration. Also, using that weird formula for the boat and sail formation. So, tech so to speak is not OLD, but lol...REINVIGORATED by Kiwi ingenuity.

[@rawhide154]

How fast are they?

[@airflownztravel]

Rawhide, lots of comments regarding this! Just scroll down the comments, Mike

[@rawhide154]

AirflowNZ Travel wow

[@davidGrainger]

Are the trim tabs on the foils computer controlled?

[@maxhugen]

No, under the rules, they must be adjusted manually.

[@davidGrainger]

@@maxhugen They do an *amazing* job keeping the ride height steady!

[@maxhugen]

@@davidGrainger They sure do... mostly... although they occasionally have some spectacular "sky jumps" if they lose control of the rudder (eg ventilation)... the aft end sinks, so the foils have a really high AoA (Angle of Attack) and the boat jumps clean out of the water skyward!!!

[@LouisCAPorro]

Whichever boat can win the tacking duels will win the race.

[@airflownztravel]

Louis, interesting comment, thanks, Mike

[@LouisCAPorro]

@@airflownztravel Last boat functiioning correctly will win the Cup.

[@tanyasolomonday8352]

Would the American's Cup will be on TSN?

[@airflownztravel]

Tanya, TV One New Zealand has the rights. I would think any channels that can pay for the use of footage. Mike

[@CGwerx]

the wake off of NZ's foils seems a bit cleaner... that must mean something...

[@airflownztravel]

CGwerx, interesting comment, Mike

[@keithralfs5190]

How close to the wind do these boats sail? Given that at speed this would be "apparent-wind"

[@airflownztravel]

Keith, I will have to leave that to the experts to give you an answer, Mike

[@maxhugen]

Upwind, at about 45° to true wind which is about the norm, and travelling at 2x wind speed, a "back of the envelope" calc suggests somewhere between 25-30° to apparent wind. (As a VERY rough calc!)

[@michaelhermans4753]

maxhugen I would still like to see that calc lol

[@maxhugen]

@@michaelhermans4753 *BAD* envelope! I think I totally botched it. Listened to an interview with a designer after AC35, and he mentioned the cats were at 16-18° to apparent wind. Oops. 🙄 The 75s would be roughly the same.

[@michaelhermans4753]

maxhugen that sounds about right

[@markpiper6531]

Light wind sailing should be part of the A.C. challenge. Unreasonable time limits should not be put on races. Thoughts.

[@airflownztravel]

Mark, the Code-0 headsail is for very light winds, Mike

[@maxhugen]

Wind speed limits have been set: between 6 and 24 knots. 6 knots is not much, I think the boats will struggle to stay on the foils, at least for the entire circuit.

[@michaelhermans4753]

maxhugen imagine one boat foiling in light wind while the other is in displacement mode Hence the min wind speed 6 knots

[@maxhugen]

@@michaelhermans4753 Yeah, 6 knots of true wind speed will be dicey! I think the AC75s need to get to around 10-12 knots of boat speed to transition to foiling. You may recall from AC35 seeing the US botch a tack, fall off the foil, and really struggle to pick up enough speed to resume foiling! 😁

[@michaelhermans4753]

maxhugen yeah one botch up and race over is not what anyone wants Knowing you can recover has a huge impact on your mental state

[@steveeb9567]

Are these boats faster than the A.C. catamarans ?

[@airflownztravel]

Steveeb, probably a yes from both camps! Mike

[@maxhugen]

I think they may struggle to exceed the cats, because of the "5 day" rule... the teams have to decide which foils to use 120 hrs before a race, whereas the cats could decide up to the race itself. Still, if they guess correctly, maybe they _will_ exceed the highest recorded AC50 speed of 47.2 knots? Ref: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC50

[@sow4now]

Did anyone else notice how Magic’s speed seemed disproportionately faster on broad reach. Her center of power looked more aft. So a bit slower perhaps from increased rudder and wing lateral drag when on a more head-wind tack? Speculating. One or 100 things could be the reason. This tech is completely crazy; my Hobie is a blast, but this, this is a smack down. Any performance benefits going all pre charged battery to hydraulic vs human to battery to hydraulic? Allowed? With a heavy power source capable of automated weigh shifting - as its ailerons control hull height - one person seems possible with powered sail trim. Or perhaps, understandably, legacy traditions kick a crewless design to a different class.

[@maxhugen]

The rules are basically "below water, battery powered, above water, human powered". So main foils and rudder are operated hydraulically using battery power, whereas the sails are operated hydraulically using human power.

[@sow4now]

maxhugen : There seemed so little sheet action, I assumed the heavy grinding was indirectly powering the wings. I read they weigh ~1.5 tons each , so yea that’s a head scratcher. Thanks

[@brucesherborne408]

Unofficial drag race oooohh yer...colours of boats and sails makes it hard to compare and they would not be showing all their cards anyway but feel kiwis slightly quicker but it’s going to be a very close regatta no doubt and it will be who sails better on the day I’m sure...great footage 👍 Magic had higher but less gap between front sail and mast compared to kiwis for a bit then dropped it down, I guess each different configuration gives different results in different conditions. By the way the Americans stole our “magic name” if you think back to Black Magic

[@maxhugen]

Impossible to say who's faster! I noticed that NZ was using the smaller J2 compared to AM.

[@brucesherborne408]

Yep configs changed around as I mentioned, just good to see both out there.... very exciting

[@cevq6126]

Um, actually, no - you stole it from us. “Magic” was the name of the first US Cup Defender. Current US Syndicate name honours both first Cup winner (“America”) and first Cup defender (“Magic”).

[@airflownztravel]

Bruce, this was something we have been waiting to see! Thanks for your comment, Mike

[@brucesherborne408]

cev q fair enough mate

[@jonrev5630]

Who is the official broadcaster of the americas cup ?

[@airflownztravel]

TV one has the broadcast rights, Mike

[@simon-c2y]

what sort of trickery is going on here? hidden drags, who knows? the nz seems to have a lot less splashing.

[@airflownztravel]

Simon, we will just have to wait and see until racing gets going, Mike

[@mrgabuchan2641]

Seems that none is showing its true potential. Great video though!

[@airflownztravel]

This is only the beginning! Thanks for your comment, Mike

[@radicalrick9587]

Bummer, you know they wanted to dual so badly.

[@airflownztravel]

RR, I think we will see some action when there are three boats out training, Mike

[@DavidParker-jr5bd]

I'm reminded of desert lizards that raise their feet to keep from being burned.

[@airflownztravel]

David, interesting memories! Mike

[@nem447]

lol 2 foreigners disliked this video, hahahahaa.

[@dukenukem1682]

Probably Prada fans.😆

[@ritakonig1891]

Fife, but I am no foreigner and I don't dislike the video per se, I just dislike rich boys playing games with their big toys and the poor ones are watching and cannot see the futility behind it. Ever heard of bread and games? Well, think about it for a moment. Instead look what the poor do in Paraguay for instance. They entertain each other and are not just onlookers. The more the poor look at the rich, the more the rich dictate what to watch... that easy. Or can you afford one of those boats? So, stop admiring that which you can never obtain... its UN-obtainium... watch Avatar it explains it quite clearly.

[@maxhugen]

They might be the Brits from the Ineos team? 😎

[@cbienlafee4411]

Exciting ...

[@airflownztravel]

Sure is! Mike

[@johnswimcat]

I'm not against or for the Americans but I'd say they've got a lot of work to do before March next year

[@airflownztravel]

John, only time will tell! ike

[@lawrencefalk8714]

Interesting to see American Magic sail for a bit with both foil arms down. Unsurprisingly, it looked very stable!

[@airflownztravel]

Lawrence, interesting comment, thanks, Mike

[@jameslittlewood7663]

USA changed to a smaller headsail towards the end of the video, at the same time sailing around on 2 foils. That's kinda weird.

[@airflownztravel]

James, just experimenting, Mike

[@maxhugen]

Testing the different jibs in the light conditions I can understand, but the two foil bit left me scratching my head! 🤷‍♂️

[@ulvifaareklaer]

Probably a special day for Deano.....

[@airflownztravel]

Erik, every day sailing is special to Dean! Mike

[@smellylittlekiwi5743]

Surprisingly USA doesn't look that flashy.....yet🤔

[@airflownztravel]

SLK, boat two is better? Mike

[@markpiper6531]

Should we ditch all non-foiling classes in the Olympics?

[@Mahalo_83]

No

[@LouisCAPorro]

Boats designed that can be pitched poled bogles my mind. Last boat sailable will win.

[@airflownztravel]

Emirates Team Boss Grant Dalton says “a monohull can not pitch pole like a Catamaran.” Thanks for your comment, Mike

[@Cerce7]

Luna Rossa for the win

[@airflownztravel]

Cerce, she is on her way down to NZ, Mike

[@conradnelson5283]

These aren’t ship, they are airshiips.

[@dyrlegeatgmail]

Boats. Fabulous boats and technology. And, not least, sailors.

[@stephenmurray-owens7037]

What time do the teams generally head out & return?

[@airflownztravel]

Stephen, the yachts have no regular schedule for testing. It is weather dependant, no wind or to much! However the time slot is usually between 10 and 4, Mike

[@Chuck59ish]

They're going to need faster chase boats, these ones could barely keep up with them.

[@airflownztravel]

Charles, with hydrofoils? Mike

[@namelastname329]

Под спинакером красивее!😊😊😊

[@airflownztravel]

Hi, America Cup yachts do not have spinnaker, the largest headsail is quite large and called Code 1. Thank you for your comment, Mike

[@ficklemedia8733]

The thought of these boats actually duelling has me fighting a semi

[@kevinsmith3561]

American cup lost me when they changed the rules from 12m to a free for all

[@warrenpaull]

Kiwis Can Fly""

[@airflownztravel]

Warren, they sure can, Mike

[@peternehemia21]

Whao...

[@airflownztravel]

Peter, worth waiting for! Mike

[@barrycranson7666]

go the kiwis

[@airflownztravel]

Barry , boat 2 out this Thursday! Mike

[@TheLDunn1]

Think I’d be happier with a main sponsor NOT being connected with the airline industry in these covid times....

[@airflownztravel]

Lawrence, Emirates have stuck by their team over both good and bad times, after all, these yachts do need a lot of feeding, Mike

[@kiwijohn59]

We wouldn't have a challenge!🙄

[@TheLDunn1]

blue grotto ...my point here was that regardless if covid is real or not, there has been so much disruption to the airline industry that they are losing millions....& that may put big sponsorships at risk.

[@jackgibbons6013]

blue grotto suuuuuuurrreee buddy

[@radarriau]

They are greatly needed for their technology contributions to control systems and other computer modeling. Hiring right talent is part of the competition, think of it as a design competition and not a sailing regatta. Americas cup has always been a technology competition and it’s global colaboration, not nationalistic with the exception of people. As the world should be

[@vicsingfield725]

a bit like looking at paint drying