that was interesting. USA snaps off port rudder.

Oracle gybes look very smooth, much better than a few weeks ago.

and in lower wind range

"Ainslie rudder break today was caused by hooking a buoy yesterday when boat came to a complete stop says Grant Simmer"

Video Rudder Damage Grant Simmer

[/quote]
Tim,
Watch the helicopter close ups in today's race, or go back and watch some replays. They essentially are grinding in a recessed tub. Those ports,drains are to allow the water to drain out. They are constantly getting bathed by a water shower. [/quote]

Ahhh, OK, thanks. That makes sense.

I didn't realize they had a 'bathtub' type of **** for the grinder's stations. I thought the inner part was open to the tramp, so they could move in and out easier, and the water would drain out through the netting. I've been watching the Oracle boat(s) today and I can see the crew jumping in an out of that deep well where the grinding stations are, no wonder they have scuppers! I wonder why they didn't just leave the inner wall off and move the tramp down a foot?

And...are we ever going to see any real racing? All this breakage is nutz!

The APP live video is up. Or wait for NBCsports at 3PM PT for re-broadcast. Virtual eye is up with live commentary

Hydraulics broken on ETNZ, looks like Prada will win this one.

Is the AC going to turn out to be "boat that can finish wins the cup?"

Can NZ get it together for Race 2?

Today's Race 2 postponed due to winds

Today's first race start

This is the Saturday broadcast LV Final Race 1 and 2.
I will post today's race when it becomes available.

Go to 43:57 and watch LR's port bow in the pre-start.

So...when is the next race scheduled?

I hope these guys get their boats fixed and we actually get to see a full length, two boat race. Even my wife said how stupid it is to watch one boat race around the course alone, then postpone for -too much wind-.

Maybe the Mono guys were right?

Tim,
You OK? First the scupper thing and now this. You musta took some bad acid.
Did you ever watch the monos race it was all one big postponement, except when the boats were sinking.
Personally, I hope it goes back to monos and takes Tucker and Andy with them. This shitshow of a circus doesn't deserve multihulls.

As much as I hate to say it, the "Best" America's Cup racing I ever saw was way back when DC first lost the Cup, and then again when he won it back. It was close -match racing- all the time, every race. That's what I'd like to see. The last time, the big Tri vs. big cat, was just a drag race.

I had high hopes for this one, but we have yet to see a really close race. Maybe when TNZ goes up against Oracle we might see some close racing...if they can keep the boats in one piece, and the wind stays below 19. (sigh, eyeroll)

From my perspective in the past it looked like they didn't try to be the fastest they just spent their time trying to get a technical foul under their wing then do a fun race which the NYYC then won in the court. The commentators would get all excited when there was about a mile between them on opposite tacks doing about 6 knots wondering if they would hit.

I'm just amazed that they've been sailing these boats for months, and now, when they need to be fully 'up to speed', they are breaking, in every race!

Were they not pushing the boats hard enough during the months of practice, to expose weaknesses? Or were they pushing too hard, and now fatigue is starting to show up?

Today, a reserve day for the finals, has scheduled the two missed races from this weekend. LV Final Race 3 & 4 will start earlier 12:10pm PT.