Another failed America's Cup bid

[ScubaTexan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/ac07/news/story?id=2876711

There was a time when the United States NEVER lost the America's Cup -- we won it every year from 1851 to 1980. Since then, we've won it only twice. What happened? How did we become so second-rate in yachting? How does a land-locked country nowhere near an ocean (Switzerland) win the America's Cup and begin defense of it next month? We had arguably the most successful captain (Chris Dickson) in recent memory skippering our BMW/Oracle entry, yet could only manage one victory?

 

[Hoyden]

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/ac07/news/story?id=2876711

How does a land-locked country nowhere near an ocean (Switzerland) win the America's Cup and begin defense of it next month?

A land-locked country can hire the very best - of the 40 members of their sailing team, only 4 are Swiss - lots of Americans and Aussies.

 

[Teamcasa]

Its all Dennis Conner's fault!
Besides everyone knows a BMW can't beat a Ferrari!

Maybe next time!

Dave

 

[Kim]

It's all about the money. Sport used to be much more amateur based - maybe some pros could make a living at it but it in no way compares to today with all the money from TV, advertising etc. That means that people put teams together as a business plan - to get at the cash. Gone are the days when the US simply could outspend everyone else....and win. It's not just yachting, it's everything.

 

[Wildcard]

My god you a bitter little man.....
Much like soccer, it's not that huge of a sport in the US. Many sailors but few racers.

 

[almitywife]

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/ac07/news/story?id=2876711

There was a time when the United States NEVER lost the America's Cup .........

*sniff* that day in '83 was just beautiful

 

[H2Andy]

sailing in the US is just not that big ... sorry

the interest and the money just aren't there to compete anymore

nobody cares here in the US. most people found that there was such a thing as the America's Cup when we first lost it, and then quickly forgot about it

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

You just need some aussies and kiwis in your crew, mate....

Back in the old days no one else could afford a 12 m.

 

[almitywife]

i can say over here - once we won the thing (and putting an end to the worlds longest winning streak and the NYYC had to unbolt the cup from the trophey room) we lost interest in it

there is major interest in the Sydney to Hobart race down here (boxing day)

i for one was VERY surprised to see what use to be called the americas cup is now called the Lois Vuton cup!

 

[daniel f aleman]

The Swiss team is basically based in Spain, and it looks like the Challenger Team will be the Kiwis. Back to Auckland it goes...