The regatta
08.02.2010
Screen idols ?
Among the thousands who turned out in the America’s Cup Park to watch the scheduled Race 1 of the 33rd America’s Cup were many groups of friends, determined to see history in the making, live on the Park’s big screen.
Five English sailing fans had driven over 20 hours from Southampton to be part of Race Day 1, all looking to see and learn more about the technology. They arrived late on Saturday night in Valencia. Why?
“For us it is a once in a lifetime experience.” Says Tom Whicher who is a leading International Moth dinghy sailor from the south of England. The split between the Alinghi fans and the BMW ORACLE Racing fans in the car created some minor tensions on the long journey across Europe, but the 'famous five' arrived still on speaking terms.
“There is nothing on the planet which comes close to these machines. We had to see them.” explain one in the group. They were in front of the Big Screen waiting for the Big Moment, but sadly it did not come and they had to return to the UK before Race 1 actually gets under way. They left, less than happy that work had got in the way of watching history be made.
“For us it is a once in a lifetime experience.” Says Tom Whicher who is a leading International Moth dinghy sailor from the south of England. The split between the Alinghi fans and the BMW ORACLE Racing fans in the car created some minor tensions on the long journey across Europe, but the 'famous five' arrived still on speaking terms.
“There is nothing on the planet which comes close to these machines. We had to see them.” explain one in the group. They were in front of the Big Screen waiting for the Big Moment, but sadly it did not come and they had to return to the UK before Race 1 actually gets under way. They left, less than happy that work had got in the way of watching history be made.
And four girls, perched on stools in front of the screen. Caroline the Colombian, Carmen, Laura and Mercedes all Spanish girls. It is the first time that three of them have been here.
“We just wanted to be part of the event. Tell us everything about the boats, we know very little but want to see these boats in competition. But it is easy to find things out, and to see how the racing goes.". Mercedes is the Alinghi fan with a weakness for their fan shop and the clothing range. As I am about to leave them Caroline asks questions about the keels on these giant multihulls and I explain that there is none....and when I ask what they study, it turns out that all four are studying here in Valencia to become Design Engineers
