The Cup is off to Switzerland. In ideal conditions alinghi clearly outsailed NZL82, leading from the start, and increasing the lead steadily, although the Kiwi boat clawed some ground back on some beats.
There was little drama, NZL82 broke a spinnaker pole, but everyone sailed well and made no mistakes. The best boat and team won.
All the sailors interviewed responded like gentlemen, and cast no aspersions, giving credit to teamwork and thanking their teams. Ernesto Berterelli(sp?) said Kiwis were the worlds best sailors, (possibly so that he would get out alive) and Russell Coutts said he is now and always a Kiwi.
My hope is that we can in future remember that this is a CLUB contest, and that no national pride is called for. After all, Americans compete just as hard with each other for the 'Old Mug'
And why not call it a jug or ewer? That's what it is.