Excerpt from an article by longtime sailing writer Bill O. Center in today's San Diego Union, who recently interviewed San Diego resident, at least when he is not in VLC, Peter Isler (USA, sailing team):


...Peter Isler believes the 32nd America's Cup – which will be sailed in Valencia, Spain, starting in April – could be one of the best.

“It could come down to racing and not a boat speed contest,” the San Diegan said last week from the BMW-Oracle camp.

“Very few secrets remain,” Isler continued. “The new version of the International America's Cup Class rule has made the box smaller. The boats are nearing the technological limits in hull, masts and appendages.”

Isler is particularly excited about the American hopes, which this year rest with one team.

“I really believe the United States is going to have something to cheer about,” said Isler, who will serve as the navigator on BMW Oracle. “I'm pretty optimistic where we are.”

The U.S. team bankrolled by Oracle founder Larry Ellison emerged from the previewing 12 “acts” leading up to next year's event as one of four teams to beat – joining fellow challengers Luna Rosa of Italy and Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Alinghi defenders from Switzerland.

But there are 11 challengers in Spain, including first-time entrants China, South Africa and Germany.

“The four upper echelon teams have a bit of a jump on everyone else,” Isler said. “But overall, the racing has been closer than ever. I see Spain and Sweden having the best shot at the final spot in the challenger semifinals.

“But everyone has at least one new boat to launch. And there's a ton of sailing to do. Rarely a day goes by that at least two teams don't hook up for practice races or testing.

“Everyone is based right here in Valencia. There's never been a better chance in the history of the event for teams to go to school on other teams. This is going to be a long, hard slug.”

Full story.


"Pedro" doing a TV interview at the Base during
Act 10.