I recently read a book called "The Comeback" (Amazon). The writer had unprecedented access to the sailors and team during and after the Cup in SF. The change that killed the Kiwi's was in the amazing wings they used during these races. Unbeknownst to the officials, the USA started pumping their wing slightly all through the last 7 races. It was ever so slightly, but this increased the horse power of the boat and allowed them to comeback from an almost insurmountable lead. For me, seeing these boats racing in the bay at 36-38 knots (40+ mph) was a magical experience. Watching Team Oracle comeback from 8-1 was unbelievable.
The next Cup begins May 26 in Bermuda. The 35th edition will not have the winds we had in SF. The boats are smaller (62' not the monster 72' we had in SF). The cost of a 72' campaign was over $100m. By shortening the boats, they have decreased the cost. With the 62', we will see 6 teams competing. I hope that it will be a great Cup. TV coverage should be amazing. Get ready!
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