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Why there needs to be a nationality rule for AC35

by Mark Jardine 26 Sep 2013 11:26 BST 26 September 2013
Headlines in the UK focus on Sir Ben Ainslie's ORACLE TEAM USA winning the 34th America's Cup © BBC / The Telegraph

The scenes we've seen over the past fortnight have been spectacular. No-one could have predicted before the event the 'Hollywood' conclusion which would take place.

What have been interesting in the immediate aftermath of the 34th America's Cup are the mainstream press headlines in the UK - many centre around 'Sir Ben Ainslie's ORACLE TEAM USA'. I'm sure Larry Ellison will be overjoyed to read these.

Amongst many sweeping changes made to the America's Cup, getting rid of the nationality rule may, in my opinion, have been the biggest mistake for the Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts reboot of the event. There is no doubt that the amazing boats and revolutionary video coverage have finally turned sailing into a sport that non-sailors can enjoy, but now the audience needs to identify with 'their' team.

The commentators focused on Rome Kirby, the sole American sailor on ORACLE TEAM USA, after John Kostecki was replaced with Sir Ben Ainslie. Rome is son of Jerry Kirby, a veteran of six America's Cup campaigns, so they could mention the heritage of the America's Cup. After that they were struggling to find more U.S. ties in the crew – Jimmy Spithill's American wife was about as close as they could get.

Over in the UK we have nothing to complain about with the scenario that has played out. Sir Ben Ainslie has propelled himself into a global sporting superstar, which will make finding the massive funds needed to run his BAR campaign for the 35th America's Cup a realistic possibility.

So where would America find their team for AC35 if they introduced a nationality rule? I don't think it would be as hard as it looks on the face of it. The Red Bull Youth America's Cup showcased a fantastic US team who competed in the event on a very limited budget – the American Youth Sailing Force. They won races and were media savvy – just what is needed for the non-sailing public to get behind their team - just take a look at this video they produced before the event. Youth is no barrier in this new age of the America's Cup – ORACLE TEAM USA's 24 year old wing trimmer Kyle Langford is a great example of that. The next generation of America's Cup stars are sailing 420's, 29ers, Nacra 17's and foiling Moths.

So Larry, bring in a nationality rule and let's make this a true 'friendly competition among nations'. What you've done so far has undoubtedly been good for the sport, but you could make it even better.

The downside for America is that Jimmy Spithill could be facing a formidable opponent in the 35th America' Cup final, and maybe, just maybe, the UK could truly celebrate winning the 'Auld Mug'.

Jimmy Spithill looking over his shoulder at Sir Ben Ainslie during an America's Cup Press Conference - photo © Gilles Martin-Raget / ACEA
Jimmy Spithill looking over his shoulder at Sir Ben Ainslie during an America's Cup Press Conference - photo © Gilles Martin-Raget / ACEA

Scuttlebutt Poll on 1st-2nd October 2013

Scuttlebutt ran a poll asking a few questions following the 34th America's Cup - one was specifically about a nationality rule. Interestingly 76% of respondents would be more interested in the cup if one was implemented.

Q: If the next America's Cup had a nationality rule that required each team to have at least 40% of their crew as citizens of the nation they represent, would that impact your interest in the event?

  • 76% – I would be more interested – I want to cheer for a country
  • 20% – It would have no impact
  • 4% – I would be less interested – I want each team to have the best sailors regardless of nationality
See more at www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2013/09/30/poll-give-us-oppinion-34th-americas-cup/#sthash.nk2IoKZO.dpuf

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