America’s Cup

The America’s Cup is the oldest and most prestigious sailing regatta and match race in the world. It is the oldest active trophy in any sport, predating the Olympics by 45 years. The origins of the cup lie in a race around the Isle of Wright held by the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1851, which was won by an American syndicate representing the New York Yacht Club on a schooner named ‘America’. The trophy, known in sailing circles as the ‘Auld Mug’, was then donated by the syndicate to a trust established by them through a ‘Deed of Gift’. This trust was to hold a challenge for the trophy in order to promote friendly competition amongst nations.

This victory by an American boat, prompted the British to pursue a series of challenges over the ensuing century, presumably upset that their image as nautical superpower was tarnished by the loss. They lost all their challenges to the holders from New York Yacht Club, which incidentally is the longest winning streak in any sport. It was only in 1983, when ‘Australia II’ won the Louis Vuitton Cup, which was established to determine the challenger for the America’s Cup, and went on to beat ‘Liberty’ to win the America’s Cup and end the 132 year old streak.

The last America’s Cup was held in Valencia, Spain in 2007, the first time since 1851 that it has been held in Europe. It was won by Alinghi, the Swiss boat, who were also defending champions. But controversy ensued, as Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) on behalf of BMW Oracle Racing lodged a complaint against Alinghi and Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), contesting that Alinghi and SNG had violated the terms of the Deed of Gift and that the rules governing the next cup are unfair. The americans had a ruling in their favor reversed after an appeal by SNG who still plan to host the 33rd running of the America’s cup in Valencia. That after a lengthy and expensive battle in the courts. What started out to be a friendly competition between nations has now turned out to be a legal battle between the billionaire owners of the two teams concerned, Larry Ellison (BMW Oracle) & Ernesto Bertarelli (Alinghi). The case now rests with New York State’s highest court, and the date of the next cup hinges on it’s decision. A decision is expected in the Spring of 2009.

Ellison is hoping that his team wins the case, as then it would allow his newly launched 27m trimaran to compete. The new boat promises to be a beast on the water based on the initial specs and pictures. What’s unfortunate about all this though, is the fact that the sport itself has become obscured. The focus has moved away from competing and making the boats go fast on water, to nitpicking on the interpretations of century old rules. For anyone who has competed in a sail boat race, you know that the corinthian spirit is all about giving it your all during the race and having fun while doing so. Respecting your competition is a big part of that. In this day and age where there are Kiwis and Americans sailing on a Swiss vessel owned by an Italian billionaire, the competition between nations is in name only, it’s primarily a glorified race course for billionaires and their minions. The sanctity of the Cup has been violated in my opinion, and will continue to disappoint true fans of the sport.