I like how all the hotheads over at SA are lamenting the fact that TO is not joining the AC and are blaming the new format as the cause of their non-participation.
If, as a multihull sailor, you want to get your blood boiling just head over the SA AC forum and just start reading.
You'll want to throw things through windows.
I honestly haven't been over there in a while - there's no point discussing anything with the other party won't acknowledge fact.
T.O. did leave because of the format - they didn't think it was financially viable / marketable and they were pretty vocal about it with their press release....which surprised me because it would seem that this rendition with the extended racing cycle and the greater potential for spectator-friendly drama gives more marketability to the event as a whole.
Three things are for sure:
- this is happening on massive wing rigged catamarans
- some of the "old guard" will and leave whilst spitting on it on their way out the proverbial door.
- there will be new, fresh teams, entering
- this will be great exposure for multihull sailing in general.
