Maybe the production on San Francisco Bay will feature a larger number of commentators. I would love to hear Stan Honey's story of how they manage the graphic overlays. I can think of a few other "guests' which would continue the drama day by day.

Gary has been an anchor for our sport's growth and has played a giant role with media production, but jeeze, guys, how long is he to remain the modern spokesperson for high performance sailing?

Who will be the commentators for the Red Bull Youth Cup and the US National Multihull Championship? That is a concern I have. How about John Williams, Jeremy Leonard, and Randy Smyth, just to name a few.

Today's fleet race, first downwind leg, what the heck was that yacht doing parked right below the windward mark, on the course, in everybody's way?

I've only gotten the first two days (Thurs / Fri) watched, but a couple of points so far:

First - Youtube is great. I like to be able to watch when I want and I don't have a DVR. No hiccups with the streaming, either. What I would like (maybe it's there, but I can't figure out how to do it) is change the audio feed from commentary to (for instance) on-boat mic. The other comment about two audio feeds (non-sailor vs. sailor) makes sense if it's not too technical.

Second - I think Gary's comments were best on match race #2 day 2 when the two boats were actually tacking quite a bit (which we all know is slow in multis, but when there are only two boats on the course, why not pin the boat as much as you can). He has plenty of match racing experience which did show a bit there.

I think he does have the chops for the "overview" side of the presentation: Course outline, weather patterns, general strategies (Match: dialup & placement, Fleet: boatspeed).

Ken did a good job of calling strategies, and it was funny to hear his comment about the protests - he picked a tough first day! And the one about "hearing the collision in three languages" when the italians hit the kiwis in the match race

Also, props for giving some coverage to the "back of the fleet" teams (HS Racing, China).. Sure, they're not top of the pack, but they've put crap-loads of money, time and effort to even get to this event. Sponsors should get some attention, even if they're in the back.

Good snippets on skipper and crews tossed in there. I didn't know who Slingsby was until that (maybe put in some video of his prior sailing?) and the Swedish youth guy...

On day 2, I'd like to hear Ainsley's comments during that rounding when he was squeezed between two boats (probably traded some gelcoat there)

They probably could put in some snippets about the VX40 series and the Red Bull Youth challenge to promote the ladder and get more folks aware of the path to AC teams...?

I know what you mean, TG. I have been listening to Gary for decades (literally) and I have much respect for him but that does not make it any easier to listen to him at times. He has several verbal ticks that are the equivalent of fingernails on a blackboard (for example he says FUStrate which FRUStrates me). I agree with some others that putting him out on the water to add to the commentary of Ken Read was a big improvement. There is a lot riding on this AC coverage and these regattas have been vital to develop the technology, methods, and personnel (just like on the sailing side). I think we will never be perfectly happy but it definitely keeps getting better. I will be in San Francisco for in-person viewing in August and I already am concerned that the YouTube/TV version may be better!

Todd Harris dropped a loud "Mother F*cker" on the live feed yesterday morning :P

Actually he said "Father Mucker!" after he got tongue-tied.

I'm sure he was simply greeting a priest who had joined them in the booth.

Is there a replay of Day 4 (Sunday)? I can't seem to find it

Match race Slingsby & Luna Rossa
Double point fleet race

I didn't see a full replay listed, but the long highlights video was pretty thorough.

Mike

I guess that will do, although I liked the full replay because there is often stuff that's not "highlight worthy" that I consider important (like the left side paying upwind)

I had it bookmarked below but it now comes back as private..TG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSx41EcbWug