Last night the media herd was collectively heard to be saying, and writing, "electric atmosphere."

Indeed, it was a crackling good day at the races. Match racing at its finest. Four lead changes in our tussle with Alinghi. In the other big match of the day, NZL got spanked -- make that paddled -- at the start, then clawed their way past ITA/LR and hung on for a slim win.

RSA came from behind in a protest-fest to beat FRA. No doubt the afterguards and rules advisors from all the teams, and one hopes all the umpires, will be replaying and studying the Virtual Eye race viewer from that match more than a few times over the coming months.

And a number of the other matches were hard fought -- even a couple involving lower-ranked teams and the so-called "big four" as the media call ITA/LR, NZL, SUI and ourselves (note, Jane, at least the BOB lists them alphabetically).

Things were also amped up around the racing -- hottest day of the year, big spectator fleet, improved TV show, well over 200 VIP guests (I believe our biggest group ever) including celebritries Horst Janson (GER, the noted actor) and Bode Miller (USA, the champion skier and noted bon vivant). They each raced as 18th crew, by all accounts had a blast, came early and stayed late last night at the Base mingling with our team members, attracted a lot of media attention, added some mega-wattage to the proceedings, and were great fun to have with us. Bode is coming back for more today.

Speaking of today, there are no key pair-ups. However Mascalzone has a couple of good matches, and the SWE-RSA match features two increasingly aggresive afterguards and that match could make for a few sparks.

Here is today's pairing list.

We race CHN and ITA/39, the two teams which have had the most problems (financial and organizational) off the water. However, +39 at last appears to be on the upswing with new management and money, and will be buoyed today by the christening party they held at their team base last evening for their long-delayed new boat, ITA 85. So we should not be taking them lightly despite their 2-4 record.

Finally, Chris "Beddow" Bedford's weather forecast. Looks good for getting in all of today's scheduled matches, which means tomorrow's scheduled reserve day should be a day off -- eagerly anticipated, as we are all a bit fried after four days of highly-charged action.


Play it again, Chris?


Horst Janson, a lifelong sailor, counting down the time to
the start, with strategist Eric Doyle (USA) all jocked up and
ready to rock up the mast to wind-spot.


Kris Kristofferson's long lost brother?


Bode Miller and navigator Peter "Pedro" Isler (USA) deconstructing
the tactics in yesterday's match with Alinghi. Bode raced as 18th
man.


"But could've we done this at the top mark?"


American arcana: from left your Ed., Jane Eagleson, Bode, Pedro and
Cup vet Doug Rostello, who we are pleased to have as a guest expert for
our VIP boat race commentary this week.


This pic's for Scotty Sanford's father, who we are told is a skier and
big Bode fan.


One of our many VIP guests who was "happy as Larry."