AMERICA'S CUP 2013: San Francisco, California, USA.

[Fox334]

Ominous as it may seem, Dubai could create a team and they have a wallet Larry Ellison would envy. And guess what team they' ll poach first, hence the need to bring back nationality rules.

Also expect a team from Austria - Red Bull.

If Oracle does the unthinkable, then this will happen.

Got no problem with the AC 45 series going this way though. Mores the better for the class to get it into the Olympic sailing program for 2020 or 24.

I really doubt there is any chance of an AC class making the Olympics. Those boats are still prohibitively expensive and there are what, eight countries that field teams?

[yoshi]

Ummm...Austria?? Don't they have one rather obvious problem?

[Alexjc]

Ummm...Austria?? Don't they have one rather obvious problem?

Like Switzerland? The previous Cup holders?

What passes through Austria? A big river? Which means in AC rules, an arm of the sea.

[mattygs]

I've been quite surprised at how much follow up in the media there has been to the worry that Oracle may try to do some damage with aggressive tactics .

Team NZ has come out saying that if they need to they will back off and sacrifice a race . Im not going to be at all surprised if they pick up a couple over the next few days, and that seems to be the opinion in some of the polls on NZ media websites.

[Alexjc]

I suppose with a 7 point buffer up our sleaves, and the wildcard, no real need to rush...

And the weather may play its part tomorrow and Monday nzst...high winds may only see one race start.

Still...as we have seen this last week, Team NZ have downplayed every race so far...ever clinical to get the job done.

[Alexjc]

Race 8 getting ready in very difficult conditions. Wind on tide conditions.

Pre start no on.

And away we go...Team NZ in lead, around mk 1, Oracle in good position though.

High speeds in heavy conditions.

Around mk2, eight sec lead to Team NZ , Oracle still in there but its the killer upwind leg.

Oracle good improvements on upwind speeds, still in this.

[Fox334]

New Zealand nearly capsized. Holly ****.

[Alexjc]

Big improvements by Oracle, but a terrible tach stopped them taking the lead. Oracle very fast could take the lead...Team NZ nearly topples over...Oracle is in front!!!

[Fox334]

Wouldn't be surprised to see New Zealand postpone today's second race after their near disaster.

[Alexjc]

Oracle well infront and off to victory at mk 3...GOOD WORK ORACLE!!!

There is damage on board Team NZ...going slow.

[paul]

What!

[Alexjc]

Oracle needed this one!!! Super pressure by Anslie!!

[paul]

On the runway in LA, can't wait to see the tip!

[Alexjc]

Victory to Oracle, now in positive points!!!

WOW!!!

[Alexjc]

If weather doesnt pospone the next race...Team NZ will play its Wildcard.

MASSIVE WIN TO ORACLE!!!

Major modifications to boat have proven good in rough conditions.

[paul]

Did NZ say they would sit out the day?

[Alexjc]

Not yet, even though Dean Barker is confident to race the second for the day.

He also said they hadnt enough hydrulics to turn the foil in time...no noticable damage yet, but because there are races tomorrow, wildcard could be pulled.

Ben Anslie really good tactics with a now very fast boat.

Very lucky NZ, veeerrrry lucky.

Race 9 still looking to go ahead.

[Alexjc]

If race 9 happens, at least Dalton is on board...

Looks like we are go....

And for the first time Oracle is in the favourites position...

Although I'm with NZ, ...good work to Oracle! Back in it.

[paul]

Good luck all.....going to the app. Hope the get a contest started here.....can't wait to see the video of that last race.

[Alexjc]

Actually it looks like we are no go....the wind is picking up.

I think only Oracle will be the only ones upset if posponed...it'll ruin their "on a roll".

[paul]

Sounded like there were just obsessing and it was go?

[Alexjc]

Good luck all.....going to the app. Hope the get a contest started here.....can't wait to see the video of that last race.

Prepare to go Whooooooooo!

[paul]

5 min......!!!

Stupid wind rule!

[Alexjc]

Race 9 ready to go...by the looks of it...

Dail up begins...

Oracle now going for it.

Away we go...Oracle very fast, Oracle fighting!!!

Oracle really flooring it...good speed. Equal speeds, Oracles favourite sea conditions.

[paul]

WHAT!!!!!!!!