America's cup
Storyteller
Fri 29 Jun 2007 17:18
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My Kiwi friends often say "Its hard to be a Kiwi".
They are refering to the constant disappointment of losing mostly to Australia
but also to other stronger countries just when they are poised to celebrate some
sporting triumph. Today I desperately wanted Team NZ to win the fifth race of
the America's Cup. They won the start, held off the Swiss to the top mark, in
conditions that many predicted wouldn't suit the NZ team, and led down the run.
Then disaster! The spinnaker split. The second spinnaker had a twist and by the
time they sorted out the mess the wretched Swiss were 100 meters in front. In
the ideal, but stable conditions that existed on the course today there was no
way back and the Swiss won by 19 seconds.
Being in Valencia during this event has been an
enormous thrill. Storyteller is berthed at Port America's Cup which is right in
the centre of the action. As I type this message the official spectator boat of
Club Nautique de Geneve is returning to our dock with 150 wildly excited Swiss
ringing cow bells and blowing on one of those long trumpet things they use in
the Alps to call the sheep. The atmosphere is electric and everyone is thrilled
that with the score at 2 races to 3 after today in favour of the defenders it is
such an even contest. It is the closest contest for the cup since Australia won
it for the first time from the Americans way back in 1984.
Valencia has done a brilliant job hosting the
event. The whole purpose- built facility is huge and works well for the crews
and visitors. While it is expensive to be here, the organisation is excellent
and the atmosphere on the marina is fantastic. Today we decided to view the
race on television so we walked to the end of our dock and watched the two race
boats pass 20 metres from us as cheering crowds of spectators fired off sound
horns and waved flags. They were followed by about 300 spectator boats that
varied in size from 20 ft outboard powered dinghies to 250 ft power boats with
their own helicopters.
Last night we walked into the old port area
adjacent to the Cup village and had a superb tapas meal in a 150 year old
restaurant. We then walked back to the marina and sat through a wonderful free
concert by the Valencia Youth Orchestra. It doesn't get much better than
this.
So after all the excitement Sue says she is off for
a sleep to recover before we go off to dinner on the boat of charming
American friend who we think works for the CIA.
Tomorrow is another day and another race. I'll let
you know what happens.
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