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From Andrew Banks
Brad Butterworth. Despite being possibly the greatest match racing tactician in the world, Brad Butterworth seems to display an astonishing level of naivety. One wonders for example, what Butterworth expected when he left Team New Zealand for the Swiss Challenge? Having been part of New Zealand's America's Cup Campaigns since 1987, he has seen fellow countrymen who sailed for other countries branded as traitors. In the case of Chris Dickson when he was racing for the Japanese in 1992, suggestions were made that he should never again be allowed to represent New Zealand internationally.

The treatment meted out to the Team NZ people who left this time around is merely a continuation of a culture of ostracising 'traitors' that was alive and well in the Team when Coutts and Butterworth were part of it. His comment that when he left Team NZ he didn't have a job to go is fair enough, but with his track record he wasn't exactly going to end up sweeping the streets. He merely opted out of something he didn't want, in the knowledge that one of the 'Bs' (if not Bertarelli) would be more than prepared to offer him something more appealing. Rather like when they were at Team NZ, both Coutts and Butterworth seem keen to portray themselves as underdogs.

The delay in ratifying their challenge compared with the previous Swiss syndicate may have had more to do with Bertarelli's apparent desire to alter the Deed of Gift should they win; to enable a defence on Lake Geneva (possibly not the most exciting sailing venue in the world), while the people at the forefront of the previous Swiss challenge (in particular Marc Pajot) had a long-standing connection with the coastal town of Sete. I would suggest that this hard-done-by attitude is merely a smokescreen for a superbly competent and experienced team, which has the finances to go the distance, where other 'super syndicates' have been looking a bit shaky recently.

From Colin Lucas
Brad Butterworth is simply repeating allegations regarding RNZYS "delays" that were raised by Coutts last year. The allegations were answered by Bill Endean and reported on this site last year as well. This issue is a little tired. Perhaps Butterworth should look forward to the next event rather than backwards. The last point in this piece is probably true. Team NZ have only recently stopped training for the winter. (I don't see them going past from my office anymore!). From what I can see they are going ahead in leaps and bounds.

From Imra Hill
Is this a political battle or a sailboat race? Clearly this is not about sailing in the Corinthian tradition or otherwise but grown up boys with big toys and unlimited pocket books. Sports on most levels such as this are about money and prestige. Most of these so-called front men, backing these syndicates with their cash, have been born with more money than I can imagine and have always gotten what they wanted. Being that bimmer for their 16th birthday or that honorary degree from Harvard, Oxford whatever, they then surround themselves with yes men, and other cronies and wannabes. May be semi-related but look at G Bush Junior, a multimillionaire - no brain, C average, now President that was probably pushed through that prestigious school with his parents' money and lucrative donations.

But I digress. When's the last time we've seen a multi-billionaire running a marathon? No, these efforts are won by the almighty dollar. Sound jaded? no, really I am not. But I would never ever call Ted Turner or the head of Oracle, Larry Ellison an athlete. I would call any Finn sailor 49er - or thistle sailor for that matter - an athlete, no problem. No folks the fact that a yacht club tries so hard to fend off in court what it feels it cannot on the water, is a fear grounded in a smaller bank account. Let the challenges begin, forget the politics, and money be damned, let the greenbacks flow, we all know what it is really about. Any multimillionaires out there? See you on the water that is if you 'can' sail a Finn.

From Steve Morgan
Who should Miranda go to to find sponsorship? Unfortunately, there are too many people chasing too little money - and that's just the one sport of offshore sailing in the UK. Traditionally, the shorthanded sailor shows the characteristics of the British in that they are determined, aggressive, insular and able to think 'out of the box'. However, British business has many of the same attributes and without appreciable payback in the form of press and TV, they will not pay up. Miranda will find sponsorship, because she is already a name within the sport and the press can hang the 'new Ellen' tag on her for column inches.

However, up against all the other sports, charities, political parties etc, it's those who haven't gained a name who have trouble to raise the cash. Maybe that is the test of dedication, to fund it 'somehow' but perhaps the better route would be some enterprising organisation to create a British version of the Figaro series. Make it on an even cheaper scale to allow the weekend sailor shackled by PAYE to have a go at the dream. Then, with a sponsorship for, say, a Mini-transat campaign, or an Ostar as the prize, it would be a great opportunity for continued press/TV involvement during the season. Just a thought, Mr Branson...