Shannon Falcone, grinder OTUSA, stopped by the Lahaina Yacht Club to talk with the kids on our junior sailing team.



When asked what he thought the direction was boat wise for AC 35 he said the 45s were nice to play with but the real action in on the 72s. He felt that the 72s are here to stay as four teams have already gone through the development and learning curve. He's already signed up for 2017 and expects to have a year off before the run up to the Cup starts again.

He also talked about converting from monos to cats. He said for the first year, his father and all his friends would argue that he had made a huge mistake.

His first day on the Oracle cats was when Russell Coutts pitch poled the boat and fell through the sail. Shannon got three broken ribs and was laid up for three months.

He's looking forward to winter training on Lanai and being able to return to Maui.