I've always been in favor of bringing back the "Nationality Rule" where the boat and all the crew must come from the named country. It was much more interesting then. Now it's just about who can buy the best skipper/crew.
It will also be grossly unfair. Afterall there is some federation of 50 states with the same number of inhabitants and marine resources like yards as the whole of Europe combined.
I would probably support such a nationality rule if each US state would be identified as a seperate entity.
Wouter
Wouter, "Grossly Unfair"? How so? Most of our States could care less about America's Cup racing, they are much more into NASCAR. Only a couple places in our country, like San Francisco, San Diego, and of course the location where it was held for many years, Newport, RI would care to sponsor such an event.
I thought the Cup match itself, going back to the original, first race, was intended to put one country's Best ship and crew up against another country's Best ship and crew, see who wins. It's not a Handicap event. You don't get extra points for being a small country.
Still, the Aussies took the Cup from Dennis, and their country is what, 10% the population of the USA? Good on them! I was proud of them, they did it fair and square, using their own blood, and did a great job of it, they deserved the win. And then the Kiwi's, all great for the sport.
But then the checkbooks came out and it became just another big boat regatta as far as I'm concerned, with no national pride in the outcome.
I'll watch the big multi's this time, because I'm a multi fanatic like everyone here, but as far as who do I want to win?
I couldn't care less. I don't even know who is on what team, nor do I care. Bring back the Nationality rules and I will pay more attention. Until then, it's just a big, expensive, Multihull race and other than the two owners, who cares who wins?
