America's Cup- Images and Commentary from the Civic Reception
by Erik Simonson of www.h2oshots.com on 22 Feb 2010
The Panel: Spithill, Newsom, Ellison, Kostecki, Coutts - BMW Oracle AC Victory tour Erik Simonson/ h2oshots.com
Erik Simonson of www.h2oshots.com presents presents a gallery of shot splus an eye witness commentary from the Civic Reception, San Francisco along with this commentary:.
Snuck in the back after seeing the official cars depart the front entrance and move to Grove Street. We were given passes and allowed into the Taj MaWillie 1/2 hour before the masses. Advantage, a spot on the platform to shoot above the crowd of worshippers...
When the room filled, Team BMW peered over the 2nd story balcony and waived to the throng to loud cheers...If only I had remembered my Pope outfit...
Tom Ehman introduced Larry Ellison and SF Mayor Gavin Newsom 1st and they marched down the red carpet fresh from their just concluded meeting to roars...It was like they were newlyweds...
Spithill Coutts, JK then followed individually, then the entire team...
It was a love fest from the beginning and Mr E was giddy as a school kid. Mostly Gavin and Larry talking about making it happen in SF and why SF is perfect. Gavin seems genuinely committed to the process and Larry to holding the Cup here as well, citing the natural; amphitheatre, the consistent wind and this being above all else his home.
Mayor Newsom gave a proactive speech, proclaiming that the City will do everything necessary to hold the Cup In SF. Mr. E then spoke of all the positive attributes San Francisco could provide for the cup, including the 28 Knots of breeze, the proximity to the masses and it being his home town and where he learned to sail. Newsom provided Larry with the key to the city, and in turn Larry provided the Mayor a BMW Oracle Jacket.
Larry then spoke of bringing Dogzilla back to the Bay and was looking forward to eating up the miles in seconds and seeing just how fast she would really go. The Mayor has been invited to sail aboard the Trimaran, and had asked' if it was safe.' Larry then described the sensation of sailing 3 times the speed of wind and what the scenario might be like if it capsized…the boat being 90’ wide, the sheer exhilaration of falling 12 stories and the having several tons of boat dropped on your head.
JK was choked up and when asked if the Cup can be held here, he responded 'Without a Doubt' to more roars. Jimmy (I call him that now cause we're tight) is looking forward to sailing the cup here, and to getting back at the helm when US-17 arrives. P.C. assured the crowd that the Cup can be held hand defended here, hopefully for a long time to come.
Later in the press conference, Gavin reiterated his commitment to making the Cup work here and acknowledged the benefits of the cup...superior than the Superbowl or Olympics.
Larry pointed out he stated sailing at the Cal Sailing Club (Go Bears!) in 17' lidos and has 'upgraded ' a few times since, and sees the virtue in holding the Cup in conditions that actually produce excitement vs wasting time waiting on wind. He also spoke of making the cup accessible again, bringing design costs back to earth, allowing teams and countries with modest budgets to compete. Also of note was a commitment to excitement and making Cup TV friendly. Numbers from web views were cited vs TV from the 33rd. The audience is there, its just need to be more accessible and entertaining. Cameras on board boats, helicopters and on the water to bring instantaneous images married with digital models showing the boats positions, wind speeds, hull speeds and courses to make viewing simple and educational and entertaining.
He later indicated a desire for 60’ Catamarans and quick 20 minute legs, or 40 minute courses, high intensity imagery complete with crashes and close encounters which would keep the viewers excited as they blasted across the bay
They indicated they had identified 6 potential Village areas, however Larry doesn't like the idea of remote locations and having to be towed to the sailing area.
The Mayor and Mr E seem to think that they will have a decision made within 2-3 months, and any construction would begin this summer...The Mayor seem genuinely committed but mentioned the word ' BOND' which, as anyone who has followed SF Politics, may be an issue.
Oh yeah, Mr Hershoff mad a special trip from the Olympics to be here today and welcomed the Cup home additionally Former secretary of state George Schultz was present. Tom E indicated that Jimmy is now officially a California Citizen and his bride is from the Golden State as well....
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