Posts from — February 2010
34th America’s Cup… In San Francisco?
There has been a lot of talk about bringing the next America’s Cup competition to the San Francisco Bay. To bay area sailors this proposition is very exciting. Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle, discusses this in an interview published in the Wall Street Journal soon after his America’s Cup victory.
BMW Oracle owner Larry Ellison. Photo / AP
Oracle Corp. Chief Executive and multibillionaire Larry Ellison won the America’s Cup on Sunday, claiming sailing’s most prestigious trophy for San Francisco’s Golden Gate Yacht Club. Now he hopes to bring the next edition of the regatta—which will likely be held in about three years—to San Francisco itself.
Mr. Ellison, 65 years old, cultivated his passion for competitive sailing in San Francisco Bay, which he dubs “a wonderful natural amphitheater for sailing.” He adds, “I’m not sure there’s any place in the world that is better for viewers.”
Fresh off the America’s Cup victory, Mr. Ellison—who is the Bay Area’s wealthiest individual with an estimated $27 billion fortune, according to Forbes—discussed his favorite places to sail in the region and where in the Bay he hopes to hold the next America’s Cup.
Q: Is San Francisco a feasible site for the America’s Cup?
A:Absolutely. We match raced [Switzerland-based rival sailing team] Alinghi in San Francisco Bay in the Moët Cup [in 2003]. It was a spectacular regatta because people could watch from office buildings. The boats are big enough that you can see the entire race. We had hundreds of thousands of people watching this race—it was probably the most watched sailboat race ever. And we beat them.
February 25, 2010 No Comments
2010 BVI Flotilla
The 2010 OCSC BVI Flotilla group just before departure from the Moorings base in Road Harbor.
What an amazing adventure! 10 days of relaxation and great sailing. The 2010 OCSC BVI Flotilla, being my first, definitely lived up to expectations. We had consistent breezes of up to 25 knots with smooth seas that allowed us to sail from one island to the next in no time at all. My favorite being the 8.5 knot cruising speed on a beam reach from Anegada to beautiful Bitter End. Besides all of the great sailing there was plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and of course dancing. Every anchorage seemed better than the previous one. Lots of time was spent relaxing on the beach soaking up sunshine and sipping BVI’s famous “Painkiller’s”. We all ate like kings enjoying fresh seafood in oceanfront restaurants and on the boat. But I would have to the say the best part was getting to know my crew and the other members of the flotilla, sharing stories, and making new friends. [Read more →]
February 19, 2010 2 Comments
“USA” Wins 33rd America’s Cup
The 33rd America’s Cup had only two boats this time around and competed in a best of three matchup. With BMW Oracle’s trimaran “USA” dominating race number one on Friday and continuing that domination by beating the Swiss Catamaran “Alinghi” this morning, the racing has come to an end. After so much anticipation of seeing these amazing boats match up, it’s unfortunate that we only got to see them race twice. Is there a chance we could see the next America’s Cup being held on the San Francisco Bay? Just the idea of it is mind-blowing!
BMW Oracle crew members celebrate after winning the 33rd America's Cup
(02-14) 11:30 PST VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — Larry Ellison’s space-age trimaran BMW Oracle won back the America’s Cup for the United States by speeding across the Mediterranean and routing two-time defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland in a two-race sweep.
The 65-year-old software tycoon was onboard his incredibly fast craft Sunday, after sitting out Race 1 due to a weight limit. His victory over rival Ernesto Bertarelli sends the oldest trophy in international sports to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Yacht Club.
Ellison screamed “Valencia — muchas gracias! (thank you very much)” before hoisting the Auld Mug high in the air and then celebrating by spraying champagne over crew members.
February 14, 2010 No Comments
Patagonia Adventure Presentation
Trekking Patagonia
Date: Saturday February 13, 2010
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: OCSC SAILING Clubroom
Details: This special lecture and presentation will feature Howard J Donner, expedition physician, author and guide who just returned from a trek through Patagonia. He will give you an amazing inside look into this upcoming OCSC Adventure! Learn about this great opportunity to trek the best of Patagonia in Chile and Argentina with Trek Leader Anthony Sandberg (president & founder OCSC). Explore the glacier-dotted mountainous interior, unique coastal wildlife and stunning Andean national parks.
More info and RSVP: 800.223.2984 info@ocsc.com
February 11, 2010 No Comments
America’s Cup Postponed Again
They continue to have trouble with uncooperative weather in Valencia. We are so close to seeing these incredible boats compete!
VALENCIA, Spain — Race 1 of the America’s Cup was postponed again Wednesday, this time because of big waves on the Mediterranean Sea.
Racing was called off just before noon Wednesday. The big multihulls, USA and Alinghi 5, didn’t even leave the docks.
Race organizers will try again on Friday to get in the first race of the nautical grudge match between American challenger BMW Oracle Racing and two-time defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland.
Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing are trying to settle their differences on the water after the sailing classic was disrupted by a bitter court fight that lasted 2 1/2 years.
The weather hasn’t cooperated, though.
February 10, 2010 No Comments
Watch America’s Cup Racing “Live”
"USA"
Make your plans now to watch the 33rd America’s Cup Challenge in live streaming video beginning February 8th on the BMW ORACLE Website!
BMW ORACLE Racing and its 90-foot trimaran, USA, featuring a towering 68-meter (223 feet) wing sail, will meet the Swiss defender, Alinghi 5, a catamaran, in a first-to-win-two-race Match. “Race Day” programming kicks off on Monday, February 8, the first scheduled race day of the Match. Racing in the Deed of Gift Match is scheduled on the 8th, 10th and 12th of February – weather permitting. The first team to win two races is the winner of the 33rd America’s Cup. Races one and three (if necessary) will be a windward - leeward course with 20 mile legs, 40 miles in total. Race two is a triangle, with 13 mile legs, 39 miles in total.
February 4, 2010 No Comments
