Anyway, in 2013 the Cup is being competed for in San Francisco. It'll be in the Bay, the first time the competition has been so close to land, and in anticipation they're currently holding the America's Cup World Series in the city. The boats are smaller, there are more of them, yesterday there were several capsizes during practice, and it's all very exciting.
More exciting is that we have a British competitor! Ben Ainslie, who has won the small matter of four Olympic gold medals for sailing, has put together a team! But his boat seems to be sponsored by an American bank. Whatever, it has the British flag printed on it.
Lots of other nations were taking part too, including China, Sweden, NZ and Italy. Today we were matched against the South Koreans, and after some white-knuckle maneuvering we won! Go Ben! It was all a little confusing, to be honest, as three races seemed to be taking place simultaneously. The announcers weren't too clear about what was happening either, but I'm sure all that will be ironed out come the real thing. All in all a fine day, and full results can be found here. With my island heritage I'd be tempted to enter myself, if I can just put my hands on $150 million...
The America's Cup village. Sailing is not an elite sport.
SF puts on its usual weather display, but at least people wanted a breeze today.
I had to give a cheer to the Kiwis too, of course, although we're meeting them in the quarter finals tomorrow.
Expectant crowd. It was $25 a seat, or you could sit a lot closer, by the water's edge, for free.
Team Ben!
It's coming home! And by home I mean Britain.
It was cloudy, so the USA team didn't show up. They're obviously Californian.
The first race pitted the Swedes against the Italians. Apparently they both have the sea in their countries too!
Italy bringing it home.
The two sides of the Italians.
Here are the teams.
Woo, go Ben/Britain/J.P.Morgan/etc.
Easy there skipper, we don't want any tipping over.
This is where it got confusing: Italy and China were engaged in another race.
Somewhat disdainful that humans need boats to get around on the water.
Dueling it out.
A few final tight turns, and Ben brings it home for GB.
That's Ben Ainslie right there, with his back to me! I think he's steering. He's a year younger than I am, and already has the four gold medals. But is he happy? Umm...probably.
This is what they're all after. It wasn't actually there, I just took a picture of a picture.
One team obviously went disastrously off course.
The somewhat empty media centre, although you probably get a better view from here.
I'll be there, and so will Dad! He's already booked in.
