Your feedback

From Larry Boutilier
Who will beat who? It is clear to me who will win the America's Cup. Also why Paul Cayard is in the Volvo Race instead of helping his America's Cup team. At some point Cayard would have told his boss."I know what it takes to win the cup. Either we do what it takes to win or stay home. I've been there done that and really do have the t-shirts." His boss said," Can't do that so you can stay home." Cayard went to the Volvo race to clear his mind and get away from futile A-Cup effort.

All of the challengers plus New Zealand are making a limited campaign except for Prada which is doing whatever it takes. All the other campaigns are bringing one new boat to the Cup except for Prada. Prada will have the fastest boat this time and the best crew and will win the America's Cup. It's over. Cayard is really smart. He said the US needed one syndicate. There are three U.S. syndicates. Imagine if they were all one. Cayard is also doing a tremendous job on Amer Sports One. They will probably finish this leg in second place even though their boat is not as fast as the ones behind them.

From Andrew Banks
Who will beat who? One would have to say that TNZ must be looking like favourites to win the America's Cup regatta, as none of the other syndicates, with the exception of the Swedes are bringing anything new to the party in terms of boats. One would expect their new Mani Frers design to be quick, but one would also expect them to be less than keen to disclose just how quick.

It will also be interesting to see how OneWorld shape up in what could now potentially turn out to be their only competitive outing. Following a rather odd submission to the Protocol board for the America's Cup, which could be interpreted to be an admission that they had access to design materials from other syndicates, The NZ Herald reports that no less than seven individuals have been accused by former OWC member Sean Reeves of bringing design materials with them. These include most of what TNZ held during the 2000 defence, as well as some from Prada and the now defunct America True syndicate.

Aside from laying out the specifics of what OWC allegedly obtained in a legal document for the first time (as part of Reeves' on-going dispute with OWC), the submission also alleges that OneWorld paid $3.5 million for the TNZ materials. If the court in Washington State finds that Reeves has given a true account of events and transactions, it will give rise to a number of interesting questions; - who did OneWorld pay for these materials? And, if they have so blatantly breached the Americas Cup Protocol, will they be allowed to race beyond the upcoming 'warm-up' regatta?

From James, London
Who should helm GBR Challenge? Andy Green should be the starting helm, then hand over to Ian Walker. With Ado Stead calling the shots. This will leave Ian Walker and Ado Stead free to work on there first beat tactics and Andy to throw a few penalties on the opposition the pre-start.

From Ken Corry, Long Beach
Who should helm GBR Challenge? The choice albeit a difficult one I think should be - Ian Walker. As little match racing experience that he has will not hinder him. The overall input from his afterguard will take care of that. I think that the afterguard will be more of a challenge regarding the choices. The Challenge is so far showing great strides in every department and is also showing that they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Ian is the trump card. Both Andy's are world class in their own right but Ian is the man for this job. Congrats to the entire organisation and we all look forward to October next for their vindication. We are all sorry to have to make choices but that is my ten cents .

From Andrew Banks
What do you think of this? It would be interesting to know exactly what it was that the GBR Challenge did during the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta that Rod Davis thought was so un-endearing to the other America's Cup Syndicates. In his article in Seahorse, Rod Davis fails to expand any further on this comment, which makes it hard to take seriously, especially as during the regatta, Sir Peter Blake singled out the performance of the GBR Challenge as being particularly praiseworthy.

No mention of any unsportsmanlike or offensive behaviour has been made elsewhere, so can someone please provide enlightenment? In the light of any more detailed explanation, one wonders if this is a case of the megabucks Prada syndicate starting to bitch when they're run very close by a less well-resourced and rehearsed team. They exhibited this sort of behaviour towards Team Dennis Conner when it looked like they might have to go into a sail-off against Stars & Stripes to make it to the final of the last Louis Vuitton cup, so it would not seem entirely out of character.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone can join in with our From the Feedback features, all you have to do is click on the blue question link at the bottom of each article, or hit the My Feedback button at the top of every page.

Each contribution may be subjected to a rigorous process of editing for language, taste and imparted wisdom. The opinions expressed in From the Feedback do not necessarily reflect those of the management, staff or investors of madfor sport.com. Instead, and much more importantly, they reflect your views.

Editor's plea. If you write to us and you want to see your thoughts in print, then please include your full name and where you come from on your e-mail. Anonymous contributions will not be published.