My view of "Little America`s Cup" as the name of a regatta which follows similar format & structure of the "Big" one, is that the primary intent of the original deed would have been to determine which country could put together the best overall package, ie boat design, construction & sailing skill. It should be a showcase of that particular country`s ability to combine cutting-edge design, construction methods that push boundaries and ultimately new ideas in both spheres that would determine the future trends in production cat design. It is what makes F1 motor racing what it is : A technology-developing sport where the benefits of research get passed down to the motor industry. That`s what ultimately keeps the sport alive, as the manufacturers use it as a test-bed for new ideas as well as a marketing tool.
To limit entries to the LAC to one manufacturer is like saying only Ferrari should enter F1.
Furthermore, I believe only the Italian sailors should be allowed to sail Bimare`s boat - As per the real Americas Cup, the boat must be designed & built in the country that it represents.
Perhaps it is time to change the format from very exclusive designs which allow very few to compete, to production beach cats, but then it should be an open F18HT challenge and be named as such. It would be a real pity to see the boats such as Miss Nylex, Cogito and others which pioneered radical ideas in sailing become a thing of the past.
If the Little Americas Cup has not been challenged for many years it may be an indication that the format no longer attracts attention, and that the title & honour attached to winning the event is not as highly prized as the effort in challenging would require.
Perhaps they should raise the level & profile of the event, by making the boats similar to the Dennis Connor cat that won against New Zealand`s aircraft carrier in the America`s Cup which ended in the courtroom. This would attract more interest by virtue of the fact that it involves bigger, faster cats with wing rigs and a larger crew compliment. This event should, if organised well, rival the real America`s Cup for Television coverage & prestige.
That would really live up to the title : A New Breed of Cat.