So what really happened? In the last America's Cup New Zealand came out with a faster boat and beat everyone ...masterfully! And this time they did the same thing. At times it may have looked like Prada had the speed, but whenever New Zealand needed to go faster they could. We don't really know how fast the Kiwis are except that they were fast enough.

The Punta Ala Yacht Club (Luna Rossa) issued a challange after the last race and will be the Challenger of Record.

The next America's Cup is set for 2002, 2003 in New Zealand.

The historical significants of this America's Cup are: 1)the first time an America's Cup Race didn't have an American entry. 2)the first time the America's Cup was successfully defended outside of the United States. 3)Russell Couts tied the record for 9 straight wins in the America's Cup.

And now the mad scramble for support (spelled money) for the next campaign. We heard Paul and Dennis say they would like fewer, better supported (there's that word again) campaigns from the United States. This makes sense, but who should sit down. The U.S. is so overloaded with talent that both Italy and New Zealand had Americans on their teams. Well, so did everybody else. I don't think the New York Yacht Club will give up. Dawn has already stated that she'll be there. Paul is out shaking hands and Dennis will never give up. Fewer campaigns just won't fly so what should we do? In one word ... Cooperate! There are limits to what you can share but there is room for cooperation. By pooling design efforts, exchanging ideas and running trials against each other the American entries can improve their chances in the big game. Of course they'll still have to get past Italy.

My last thought is gonna get me in trouble. ESPN took a lot criticism about their television coverage. The delayed broadcasts were shown late, very late, at night. I guess sailing is not prime time yet. Someone on Usenet complained about the commercials. They seemed to have commercials just when something interesting was about to happen. I think I'd like to see someone else run the show. Maybe Fox could do a better job. Maybe not, but I'd like to see a change.

We update the race results and standings daily with commentary and Press Conference notes from New Zealand. 

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