We (core-Europe) are very similar in some areas but wildly different in others. Then you have people in e.g. Romania that have the exact same set of values as yourself. Europe is not as tied together in culture, traditions and values as e.g. the USA.

PS: Romania and Bulgaria are part of Europe. I think you ment to write "EU" which is a different entity than Europe.

I sent Rolf a PM as i wanted to respond, but not here as i didnt want to turn this into a political debate on this thread

lol

But not Brazilians: they could actually win. Money is the problem.

Lets not get ahead of ourselves here Luiz.

I love Brazilians.

You should too.

Yep, thumbs up for Brazilians from me too!!!

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

Two comments I would like to make. I think that even within the USA we find some of the same closeness and distances as one would experience/feel in Europe between countries.

I would like to see an America's Cup format where the racers and production of the boats were specific to the country who's flag they carry. When I say racers, I mean only the people on the boat during the race. Coaches, builders, managers etc. could be of any country of orgin to promote countries like China and others to participate and have a chance. I think materials can come from anycountry but construction should take place in the country of orgin. As for the boats I like the current run what you brung format and lets see who wins.

Are you kidding?!?! Imagine what it's like to take a concept, build the boat (either one), and sail it almost every day. The journey is the reward.

I didn't imagine this! Of course they feel privileged to be part of such a project. But having spoken to some recently, as sailors they feel a little more sailing in hot competition against Alinghi would add to the event. The egos and money driving all this seem to place more emphasis on things other than the sailing.

I disagree. In which area could a country like Switzerland compete with the United States? Possibly in manufacturing mechanical watches or mountain area (if so ...), but I guess that's it. The AC is a competition of teams with endless resources of money, I wouldn't care if they are all from the same country or if there would be more than just two teams. But I agree, it's a shame that all this effort is taken for just 3 races - this is how much money in total per race?

I have it on reliable information that DoGzilla/BOR will be taken on a world tour and used in speed trials and such, regardless of the outcome of the 3-race (hopefully 2)series. BTW, part of the warped strategy is to end the race during starting manouvers. DoG is much more agile during that period leaving Alinghi vulnerable to getting caught in a trap.

I think you missed my point. I feel that those on the boat during the regatta should be nationals from the country whoms flag the boat flies. The owner, coaches, trainers, designers, builders or any other people can be from anywhere. As for building I was refering only to the construct location, not the builders or the source of the raw materials.

Well I hope for the US that rule wont come into effect because you would lose the best people on the boat,
the Dutch bowmen Simeon Tienpont and the wing-trimmer Dirk "Cheese" de Ridder.

A small country like Holland will never have an AC team and therefore crew could never get experience at that level no matter how talented they are.
Even a country like the US would struggle here, I believe there is only one US crewmember on the BMWO team? (Kostecki).
And NZ has so many rockstars, no boat would be big enough to fit all their egos.

Hmmm. Sort of like rooting for hockey teams -- "My Canadians are better than your Canadians!" And my team is the Florida Panthers.., although we may actually have ice today.
Rick

The Americas Cup was originally intended to be a contest between nations, now it is a contest between lawyers. At least we still have the Olympics for a little nation versus nation action. But I suppose we should eliminate the nationality rules there too. After all how is a small nation like Jamaica supposed to be competitive in any of the winter events since they probably have never seen snow. Seems that it would only be fair that they are allowed to hire some folks from another country so that they have a chance. Of course you can't be PRO in compete in the Olympics either. Now there's a concept.
Yes it is true their are a lot of great, and possibly the greatest sailors in New Zealand and Australia, but I don't think that means the US, or anyone else for that matter couldn't be competitive if a nationality clause existed. I often felt that reason the US couldn't bring the cup back was not because of the caliber of the sailors, but instead because four or five US teams would split up the talent. How often has New Zealand or Australia had more than one team challenging for the cup? There were US teams challenging for the cup even when a US team was defending. But that is another topic. Okay, flame suit activated, fire away.

This is insane! How awesome is this:
http://www.alinghi.com/en/news/news/index.php?idIndex=227&idContent=21252

They have a few of boat/planes where I live but not that slick. They are rubber boats. The local beach service was training/renting/selling them. No license is required.

Perhaps that is the way Alinghi plans to deal with the wing of BMWO (and that was a joke)