hmm... a birther scenario...! Show me your birth certificate to sail!? That will make for interesting rule 69 protest hearings.

Isn't there enough crap to litigate in these cup competitions?

What value do you see with the nationality requirement?.... It's not like the public knows any of the sailors, designers, builders, much less their nationality. BMW proved that the team approach was decisive but; do you have any idea what the mix of nationalitites was? They certainly did not have any affirmative action members on the payroll... Why set the game up this way?

I see this as reality tv... the PR machine can build the owners and helms public persona for the fans and they are the only ones the public will know .... at least the owner will be a country man.... so that's 50%.

I would drop both equipment and personnel limitations and may the best team win!