Uncertain future

Since July of 2007, the America’s Cup has taken quite a tumble. Following the 32nd Match, the event has existed more in courtrooms than race courses. And when racing did occur, it was a forgettable series against two ill matched multihulls. It has not been the best of times.

But for the ever diminishing crowd of America’s Cup enthusiasts, the Golden Gate Yacht Club - the defender of the Cup - has assured us that good times are ahead. It was the GGYC that had taken the event on a nearly three year detour, but it was with the best intentions. And we wanted to believe.

Fast forward to today. As we dust off the holiday hangover, the future of the America’s Cup remains uncertain. Sailing fans wanted a return to monohulls, but GGYC said no. Sailing fans wanted a nationality rule, but GGYC said no. And finally, with what was assumed to be a no brainer, sailing fans were taken on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride before GGYC declared on Dec. 31st to host the 34th Match on their home waters - San Francisco Bay.

To be certain, it is only out of respect for the Deed of Gift that the defender of the America’s Cup is referred to as Golden Gate Yacht Club. The truth is that the club is a mere marionette of the Oracle Racing team that now holds the Cup. One can only imagine how somber the New Year’s Eve party would have been at GGYC had its members been told the venue had headed east.

But it’s a new year, and it’s time for renewed hope. As the Curmudgeon’s Observation notes below, “If you do not change direction, you are likely to end up where you are headed.” The inverse, of course, is that we currently have no idea where we are headed. The vision of GGYC is to create heightened excitement through high performance sailing. The fear is that what appears sugary and sweet on the outside will be without substance on the inside.

So as GGYC mixes their new batch of Kool-Aide for the 34th Match, engaged sailing fans are holding out their cup for a fill of needed hydration after a painful and historic drought. As for the disillusioned sailing fan, they are humming the title track of Kenny Rogers’ 1978 album, The Gambler: “You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, Know when to walk away and know when to run.”