34th America’s Cup - Strong wind persists

by Bob Fisher on 22 Sep 2013 The scenario at the 34th America’s Cup is exactly that of the final words of the Eagles hit song of the Seventies: 'You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave!'

Both teams and the Race Committee were readied on the course but the wind, generally so regularly from the west-south-west, refused to line up in that direction before the time limit for starting had expired. Following the slow passage of a cold front, the wind persisted to blow from only slightly west of south.

This direction does not provide a racecourse that is suitable for the Cup races, particularly for one with a team (Emirates Team New Zealand) on match point. In addition, both the teams had refused overnight to allow a change of course, because it would have taken them into an area where they had never practiced.

So, now, with Race 14 postponed, the racing will perhaps take place on Sunday. There are no longer any scheduled rest days and with the score at eight points to three in favour of the Kiwis, both teams are eager to race – Oracle Team USA to endeavour to win six races and the Kiwis to secure the clincher.

But the weather, showing all the signs of complying later, didn’t check-in sufficiently early. So, there are disappointed supporters of both teams and travel agents struggling to cope with flight alterations for thousands. Many want to check-out, but they will not leave until the 34th America’s Cup is over . . . and then they may not be able to leave.

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