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"Don't get me started on Valencia,
which was chosen over several windier, classier
possible venues. Or the silly "Acts," which are
supposed to generate interest in the interminable
lead-up to the Cup itself".
Act Six, the sixth pre-Cup regatta has just finished
off Sweden And leading yachting writer Herb McCormick
says the new format of build up regattas leaves
everyone cold, with little or no interest - not
to mention the obscene amount of money now being
pumped in by Oracle and Alinghi.
He says the lead up to the real America's Cup is
only on for the corporate sponsors. He says he does
not have a problem with the money aspect, but says
it is time now to get on with the Cup.
McCormick says Oracle's Larry Ellison leaves a sour
taste in everyone's mouths as he and his team are
not likeable characters and have no public support.
He says it is a completely different scenario from
when Dennis Connor was at his peak and had the backing
of the country.
"I was shocked and surprised in Malmö reading Herb's
column and the Angus article he inspired*", answered
Bruno Troublé, whose involvement in the America's
Cup includes over twenty years of both skippering
and behind the scenes roles.
"How can they be so aggressive and bitter? Are they
seriously pretending that the Cup was in a better
shape in San Diego?" Are they pretending that we
should go back to the old days?". Do they want to
bring back this famous "Corinthian'' spirit which
means only amateurs, no professionals, no sponsors,
no media coverage, and no television? Would it be
a "Full Cup???"
"We can certainly make improvements of course and
AC Management is working on new ideas all the time,
but whatever they pretend, the old Lady is still
a beauty."
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