All this nationalistic stuff is a bit irrelevant isn't it? The boats seem to be sailing for their nominated countries in name only. I don't know the exact rules but it seems the projects are made up of people and construction elements from many different countries. BMW/O for example has the sailing coach, tactician and skipper from Australia and many other people from other countries.
To me it seems to be mainly an ego/money thing for the owners with the sailing being of minor importance.
All this hoo ha for three races! The sailors are pretty disappointed to work for so long for such a small regatta.
Anyway, the technology and sheer speed are breathtaking. Let's hope they somehow agree to do more races.

John Dowling