At first I thought, Why 70 feet? Why not stick with the Volvo Extreme 40 platforms? Then I read their Bio's and it started to make some sense. We all know they are both America's Cup veterans. But neither one is currently attached to an AC team, and Russel was basicaly fired or quit, don't know about Cayard but they are two of the top tallents and they are not even in the AC event. So I think they both have a bit of an "Axe to grind" whith the AC program. They might have made sugestions on how to improve it but were dismessed, etc. I don't know but they are not in the race right now and there must be a reason.

So they get together and say, "What would make for a more exciting event?" More speed. Well, you have that with the Vovo 40's. But they want to be able to say, "See, this boat is just as big as a Volvo Open 70 and the current America's Cup boats, but it's 3 times as fast!! And look at all the room for sponsors to ride along, and look at all that sail area for logos!"

So in a way, I think they are tying to "Pre-empt" the America's Cup event, by bringing boats that are just as big, 3 times faster and they can also structure the races any way THEY want to, THEY make the rules, since it's their event.

I applaude their efforts! Ever since Dennis Connor stomped Mr. Fey with his 60' cat, I (and many of you) have been asking WHY doesn't the America's Cup switch to Cats??!!

Well, here it is. If this event gets off the ground, it could make the America's Cup a Non-event. It's already a snore fest.