St Francis YC stalwart and Cup vet (Constellation, 1964) Dick Enersen, in charge of spectator control for the Allianz Cup same as he was for both the Moet Cup (San Francisco, 2003) and the UBS Trophy (Newport, 2004).

PRO ("Principal Race Officer") John Craig addressing the teams, backed up by an unusually solemn-looking Jaren Leet, StFYC Rear Commodore and a J105 sailor who has done a great job pulling together the boats (privately owned by StFYC members) for this regatta.

Two of Larry's crew, bowman Brad Webb (NZL) and tactician Gavin Brady (NZL), in attendance at yesterday's skippers' briefing.

Oracle Corp's Karen Webb (USA), who doubles as a member of our marketing team, along with one of her bosses, Mirko "Herr Direktor" Groeschner (GER), head of BMWOR marketing. Karen is married to one of the gentlemen in the previous picture.

Old friend and veteran AC photographer Bob Greiser (San Diego), covering the regatta for Allianz this week and, as always, sartorially resplendent. Not being up on things American I just had to ask -- the shoes are called "Crocs" and are said to be the current hot thing for those who venture in or near the water. A croc of what did you say?

Following the skippers' briefing the umpires meet to review calls from the day before and run through interesting or difficult right-of-way scenarios. That's Chief Umpire David Tallis (AUS) leading the whiteboard session.

Looking southeast from just outside the GG Bridge yesterday at about 1230, aboard the San Francisco Spirit with 400 or so VIP guests of Oracle Corp. The low building on the water, center, is host St Francis Yacht Club in front of which Allianz Cup racing is conducted. GGYC is just a bit further to the left. Yesterday the start of racing was delayed until nearly 1400 due to light winds, and to allow all to see the spectacular Oracle airshow at 1300 that featured one of the world's top acrobatic pilots, Sean Tucker. The show will be repated today at 1300, weather permitting over these same waters.