New York Court America’s Cup Decision takes the Wind out of UAE Sails

The people of the UAE are waking up to learn that a New York court has rejected Alinghi’s proposal that Ras Al Khaimah be the venue for the sailing of the 33rd America’s Cup in February 2010.

The airwaves and Internet today are being bombarded with headlines that RAK has been robbed and the America’s Cup competition is on the rack.

There has been a substantial monetary investment in the AC facilities at the Al Hamra harbour but the loss of face contributes greater disappointment as does the loss of an opportunity to host a big event and showcase the Emirates to the world. Arab hospitality has been lauded for centuries but this decision in a New York court kicks sand into the face of those preparing to welcome the world into the Emirati tent.

With all the allegations about the unsafe location of the Middle East, accentuated by RAK’s proximity to Iran, the UAE has lost the chance to pull off a successful event and help dispel these widespread misconceptions, particularly among Americans.

This court decision is a blow to the America’s Cup tradition which could have added a colourful Middle Eastern chapter to its illustrious story. Instead the America’s Cup continues to be marred by legal wrangling among billionaires and ego-driven sailors who have hijacked the competition and lost thousands of disillusioned spectators and a host of sponsors.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: “RAK has been robbed and the America’s Cup competition is on the rack.”

Alinghi’s First Outing on UAE Waters

Thanks to Astrid, we have this minute of aerial footage of Alinghi’s first outing on UAE waters.



Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

BMW Oracle Undergoing Further Modifications in San Diego

Mystery Components
Some new mystery ‘components’ have been dispatched from Washington State to arrive in the BMW Oracle Racing testing base in San Diego.

While the material from which they have been made has been disclosed little detail about the parts and their function have been publicized.

It is promising to see the trimaran being readied for racing rather than to hear of the ongoing stories of legal battles in the court.

BMW Oracle Racing issued this press release about new modifications to its trimaran:

“BMW ORACLE Racing has completed work on a set of important new components at its Anacortes boat-building facility in Washington State - Core Builders. The new parts will be trucked this week to the team’s testing base in San Diego.”

“The carbon fiber components rolled out of Anacortes early Saturday morning and will soon be bound for San Diego. These latest structures will be used in future modifications to the BOR 90, the giant trimaran that the team is preparing for the 33rd America’s Cup. This next phase of development will be unveiled in San Diego in a few weeks.”

“The team’s boat construction managers were pleased to see the latest build project on its way to San Diego.”

“‘Our Anacortes crew have been a vital part of our last two America’s Cup campaigns,’ said Tim Smyth (NZL), who, along with Mark Turner (NZL), has been overseeing the boat-building project for the team.”

“‘For this campaign, and with this boat, we’ve been building on a scale that hasn’t been attempted in the modern America’s Cup,’ Smyth said. ‘For all of us, this has been a big test of our skills and ability, and the team here in Anacortes has more than responded to the challenge. I’m very proud of what’s being accomplished here.’”

“While boatbuilding activity has increased in San Diego with the latest BOR 90 modifications, the Core Builders facility in Anacortes remains the backbone of the team’s American construction operations. The team in Anacortes will continue to work on America’s Cup-related projects.”

“The BOR 90 has been undergoing modifications in the tent-boatshed at the San Diego base since its most recent round of sea trials concluded September 20th. The boat is scheduled to emerge after the latest modifications this week and will return to the water for further testing before the end of the month.”

“BMW ORACLE Racing is preparing to face Alinghi in the 33rd America’s Cup in February 2010.”

See It On Video



Links
BMW Oracle Racing Ships Components from Anacortes, BMW Oracle Racing, 10 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Modified BOR90: Wingsail On Its Way, YouTube, 13 October 2009. Thanks to Astrid in Dubai for making this video available.

On Related Sites
See the Textile and Spice Souks of Dubai UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 14 October 2009.

New Hotel Development along Fujairah Corniche, Fujairah in Focus, 14 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Here is the dispatch of the mystery components. Photo courtesy of Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More about Light Winds than Iranian Dangers

Chip Cummins in his Wall Street Journal article suggests that BMW Oracle’s plea to change to venue from RAK to Valencia may be more about light winds than dangers from the regatta’s proximity to Iran:

“The site of the race could be important for reasons unrelated to Iran, which is in tense talks with Western nations over its nuclear program. The Persian Gulf, with calm waters and light breezes, could serve as a kind of equalizer, neutralizing the power of the BMW Oracle trimaran.”

“Grant Simmer, Alinghi's design-team coordinator, says Ras al-Khaimah's light winds are ideal for the fast boats both Alinghi and BMW Oracle have designed. Too much wind could be dangerous, he says.”

“‘Frankly, that's rubbish,’ says Tom Ehman, a BMW Oracle spokesman, adding: ‘They have purposely designed a boat for very light wind and flat waters.’”

Alinghi Interest in UAE
“Alinghi's links to the emirate also factored into the team's interest in racing there, Mr. Simmer said. A Swiss technical institute that has helped Alinghi with boat design is building a campus in the emirate. Decision SA, one of Alinghi's boat builders, has a joint venture with a unit of RAK Ceramics, the emirate's biggest state-owned conglomerate.”

Concerning Dangerous Iran
“Ras al-Khaimah officials hope to meet with Mr. Ellison to change his mind. Mr. Ehman says there have been talks about meeting, but nothing has been set.”

“Chief executive of the Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority and adviser to the emirate's crown prince and de facto ruler, Mr. Massaad says race boats won't get near Iranian waters, including islands Iran and the U.A.E. contest, less than 50 miles away. Despite tension over Iran's nuclear ambitions, shipping -- some of it U.S.-flagged -- hasn't been affected, he adds. Local officials note that neighboring Dubai hosts regional headquarters for Mr. Ellison's Oracle Corp.”

“Alinghi 5, a 90-foot catamaran, arrived in the emirate last week. ‘The only thing we are waiting for is Oracle to confirm’ it is coming, Mr. Massaad says.”

Read Entire Article
Chuck Cummins, Iran Looms as Obstacle for Sailors, WSJ, 9 October 2009.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Said of Obama: ‘He’s Not a Muslim. He’s a Good Man’, Experiencing the Emirates, 7 October 2009.

See Alinghi Settling into Base at Ras al Khaimah UAE, America’s Cup in the UAE, 7 October 2009.

Thanks to the Many who Serve in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 8 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: BMW Oracle sailing in high winds off the coast of California.

See Alinghi Settling Into Base at Ras al Khaimah UAE

Thanks to Astrid in Dubai we have more footage of Alinghi being lifted out of the water and into its covered base at Al Hamra.

There are scenes in this clip of the craft being washed down after its trip from Genoa.

Some reports indicate that the yacht will undergo refinements but it could be taken for its first sail on UAE waters by the end of the week.

This final step in the catamaran’s transition from Genoa to Ras al Khaimah took some time but the footage has been set in fast motion for ease of viewing.

Welcome Alinghi!
Welcome to the Alinghi Team. After all the legal battles we have wondered whether we in the United Arab Emirates would ever see an America’s Cup yacht in our waters. Your coming gives hope to us and all those around the world who love yacht racing.

Come In! The Water’s Fine!
Hopefully the BMW Oracle Team will get a sense of the peaceful nature of RAK, the tranquility of this region and the warmth of welcome that awaits them in the United Arab Emirates. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming the arrival of BMW Oracle to Ras al Khaimah and getting the training and racing underway.

Alinghi 5 Arrives at Al Hamra Base Pt 2



Subscribe to Astrid in Dubai's YouTube Videos

Other Stories and Related Sites
Back to the Future Art Museum in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 6 October 2009.

Watch First Western Media Report from Ras al Khaimah, America’s Cup in the UAE, 7 October 2009.

Rental Property Update in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 5 October 2009.

Ricky Gervais Speaks of Being ‘Born Again’ to the Joy of Work, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 4 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Alinghi base at Al Hamra (Photo courtesy of Carlo Borlenghi of Alinghi).

Watch First Western Media Report from Ras al Khaimah

Valencia Sailing has posted a television report on its site with this preamble:

“To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a major western media from Ras Al-Khaimah, the disputed venue of the 33rd America's Cup.”

“TV New Zealand's Martin Tasker reports on the stage of the construction works that, God willing, seem will be ready on time for the world's oldest sports trophy. Unfortunately, as Tasker jokingly concludes, we don't know yet whose God will prevail...”

Link to View
TV New Zealand Reports from Ras al Khaimah, Valencia Sailing, 6 October 2009.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Your Business is My Business and My Business is Your Business in the UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 6 October 2009.

Back to the Future Art Museum in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 6 October 2009.

This Will Be One of the Highest Swimming Pools in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 6 October 2009.

Ricky Gervais Speaks of Being ‘Born Again’ to the Joy of Work, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 6 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

See More Photos and Video of Alinghi in UAE Waters

Alinghi in UAE Waters
Take a look at the photo gallery at the official Alinghi site.

Posted with this article is one of several pictures of Alinghi’s arrival and lifting into the UAE waters. (Credit and courtesy to George Johns, Alinghi)

At this site Grant Simmer, design team coordinator, expresses the excitement of the team and the many people in the UAE who are looking forward to this regatta in the Emirates:

"The boat came down from Saqr Port and we lifted it out of the water, washed it down and put it in the boat shed. It's the first time that Alinghi has been to the Al Hamra harbour so it's quite a moment! It's very exciting for us because we've done a lot of work to get things ready here and to have the yacht in the base is great. We have some work to do on the boat which we've been planning since we were in Genoa, so the boys will start now and we should be sailing mid-month. The weather has been great. One of the reasons why we came here is because of the weather. It's beautiful: steady light to moderate winds and good weather, so we are looking forward to sailing here."

Read the entire press release.

Alinghi Looks Huge!
We’re grateful to Astrid in Dubai who has been out with her video camera and taken this footage. Alinghi looks huge alongside the support boats!



Further

W Johnson, Alinghi V Set to Test Waters, The National, 5 October 2009.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Your Business is My Business and My Business is Your Business in the UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 6 October 2009.

This Will Be One of the Highest Swimming Pools in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 6 October 2009.

Luxury Pen to Commemorate Gandhi’s Birthday is Not Write, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 4 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Alinghi 5 suspended above UAE waters.

Americans Claim RAK Unsafe While Alinghi and Locals Highlight Peaceful Haven

Reprogramming the American Mind
BMW Oracle is asking the New York Court to reject the UAE venue for the America’s Cup in favour of Valencia saying the team has ‘grave safety concerns’ for its US-based crew.

The thought of sailing their American trimaran named ‘USA’ with an American flag on top of the 200-foot mast within 17 miles of Iran is anathema to the American mind.

Yet, as Alinghi has countered, international sports players like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer are regular visitors to the Emirates and BMW Oracle spokesman, Russell Coutts has sailed annually in off the UAE coast for the last few years.

If BMW Oracle is reflecting the ‘warning lights’ that are blinking in the minds of most Americans, this is all the more reason for the race to be staged in these waters. To engage in a peaceful competition off the shore of an Islamic country and in waters near Iran may do wonders for reprogramming the American mind.

In the meantime, the local representatives of Ras al Khaimah are putting their publicity machine into overdrive.

Haven of Peace
In the long-standing foreword to the RAK Tourism site, Sheik Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi begins his greeting to readers and tourists in this way:

“Welcome to Ras Al Khaimah, a haven of peace where age-old traditions and modern life co-exist in harmony.

In the News section of the site the following statement is an effort to allay the danger threat of danger and extend a genuine welcome:

America’s Cup to highlight Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity as a safe destination
RAK Investment Authority, the government agency responsible for attracting economic development and promoting the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, issued a statement today addressing the concerns raised about security for the upcoming 33rd America’s Cup to be held in February 2010.

“The UAE and specifically Ras Al Khaimah is an extremely safe venue for the America’s Cup. The Emirate of Ras al Khaimah has peaceful and friendly relations with all of its neighbours. The venue and all the visitors to Ras Al Khaimah in the coming weeks and months will be received in a similar friendly, peaceful and security conscious way,” said Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Investment Authority and Special Advisor to Ras Al Khaimah’s Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

Massaad went on to say that: “It is quite reasonable to state that security for the America’s Cup would be significant no matter where the event is held and in Ras Al Khaimah this event will receive the same level of importance with full cooperation from the Navy, Coast Guards and the Police services to ensure the safety and well being of all visitors to the Emirate.”

Internationally, the UAE has a well regarded reputation as one of safest holiday destinations and for maintaining one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The country annually welcomes international events of all sorts: academic, diplomatic, sporting, business… and has never had any problems, particularly in terms of safety. We are familiar with hosting sports personalities – including Americans – who compete in events with worldwide acclaim.

Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE is a multicultural and forward looking country, there are, for example, 87 American companies which represent approximately 8% of the new companies that have commenced business in the emirate over the past few years. These figures grow in to the hundreds when you look at the UAE as a whole.

“More than 80% of the total numbers of new companies in Ras Al Khaimah are foreign-owned, further proving that the Emirate is a very safe and productive place to do business and to live. The local and federal governments have worked hard to transform the Emirates in to an investor’s haven, with security as a core element,” concluded Dr Khater Massaad

The Emirate has been working for the past two months installing infrastructure on Al Hamra Island, the base for both teams, and is reaching the final stages of delivery for Alinghi. However, Dr Massaad said, Ras Al Khaimah is still waiting for direction from BMW Oracle in regards to their requirements.

In addition, Ras Al Khaimah offers close to 3000 hotel rooms and is situated less than one hour north of Dubai, where there are in excess of 10,000 hotel rooms available to visitors and fans of the event.

Local and international experts and officials concur that Ras Al Khaimah is one of the safest destinations for the 33rd America’s Cup. “We hope BMW Oracle will reconsider their position and join us in Ras al Khaimah for what will be one of the greatest sporting spectacles in the history of yachting,” said Massaad.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Emirates Pilots Speak of Fatigue and Safety Issues but Airline Slams the Report, Experiencing the Emirates, 3 October 2009.

See Alinghi’s Arrival in UAE while BMW Oracle Wants Valencia Venue, America’s Cup in the UAE, 3 October 2009.

Rental Property Update in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 5 October 2009.

Luxury Pen to Commemorate Gandhi’s Birthday is Not Write, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 4 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Al Hamra Beach (Photo courtesy of RAK Tourism at above link)

See Alinghi's Arrival in UAE while BMW Oracle Wants Valencia Venue

According to the official Alinghi site (2 October 2009):
“The Swiss Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup docked in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah on Wednesday morning after a 12 day, 4,400nm voyage aboard Rickmers Singapore, a cargo ship.”

“The 193m ship left Genoa, Italy, on 18 September with the giant catamaran, Alinghi 5, two masts, seven support vessels and approximately 20 containers on board. It travelled across the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal and Gulf, across the Red and then Arabian Sea before docking in Saqr Port, Ras al Khaimah in the Arabian Gulf at 06:30 CET on Wednesday 30 September.”

"We are extremely happy that the shipment, including Alinghi 5, arrived safely in Ras al Khaimah,” said Grant Simmer, design team coordinator. “All the equipment that we used in Genoa was onboard so now we can set up our base and workshops and get going. We will be doing some modifications to the yacht over the coming days and the team members are arriving and getting settled so it’s going to be a busy few weeks, we hope to be sailing again as soon as possible. We greatly appreciate the support that we are getting from the local community and from the government of Ras al Khaimah,” he added.

Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Investment Authority, added his pleasure at the team’s arrival: "We welcome the arrival of Alinghi to Ras al Khaimah for the preparation of the 33rd America's Cup event and we also look forward to welcoming BMW Oracle."

The Alinghi catamaran will travel to the America’s Cup Island of Al Hamra over the coming days along with its entourage and for the next four months the team will be focused on training for the Match for the America’s Cup which starts on 8 February 2010.

See the video of Alinghi’s arrival by ship.

Ongoing Storm in the Courts
But the ongoing row between the two sides now looks set to continue throwing the future of the America's Cup into further doubt.

BMW Votes for Valencia not RAK
Further to the formal letter, there are arguments about the boat’s measurements, Russell Coutt’s says his team want to sail in Valencia and the BMW Oracle boat is undergoing further development.

Read the interview (2 October 2009) between Coutts and Valencia Sailing. Check out the many comments which include great recognition of Coutts and his maritime experience but criticizes him for the behaviour that is tarnishing his reputation and that of the America’s Cup race.

Alinghi Settling In
Grateful thanks to Astrid in Dubai for taking a new video report. Astrid writes:
The first part of Alinghi's shipment; the containers, have arrived at Al Hamra America’s Cup base.

This also means that the island is not accessible anymore to the public, therefore this video is taken from the Yacht Club.



Other Stories and Related Sites
Keeping Cool in Fujairah, Fujairah in Focus, 3 October2009.

Five Reasons Why Dubai Should Bid and Win the Olympics in 2020, Experiencing the Emirates, 3 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Rejects UAE Venue Citing Consent and Safety Issues, America’s Cup in the UAE, 2 October 2009.

Dying to Work or is Work Killing You? Stories for Speakers and Writers, 2 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Alinghi 5 being lifted off the cargo ship on arrival in Ras al Khaimah (Photo courtesy of Carlo Borlenghi/Alinghi)

BMW Oracle Rejects UAE Venue Citing Consent and Safety Issues

The America’s Cup Challenger, BMW Oracle has rejected the Ras al Khaimah venue because of safety issues due to the proximity of the UAE to Iran, with whom it has territorial disputes and because the defending team has chosen a venue without mutual consent.

Link to Full Story
Bernie Wilson, America’s Cup Challenger Opposes Venue Choice, Reuters, 2 October 2009.

Full Script of the letter.

On Related Sites
Try Out the Harbour Club Bar and Restaurant in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 1 October 2009.

Dining in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 1 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: BMW Oracle’s giant trimaran.

Dear Oracle, When Will You Be in RAK? Sincerely, Alinghi

Dear Oracle
The Société Nautique de Genève, in its role as trustee of the America’s Cup and event organising authority, is working with Ras al-Khaimah, UAE, on fitting out the area for the 33rd edition of the America's Cup and on developing the teams’ area on Al Hamra Island. The defending yacht club writes to Golden Gate YC to enquire about the arrival of BMW Oracle in order to prepare their team area in good time. Here is the letter. You can read between the lines.

Illegitimate!
Soon after the letter was dispatched Russell Coutts, the leader of the BMW Oracle Racing Team, was throwing doubt over the legitimacy of the UAE as the host venue.

More on the acrimony between Coutts and his former team can be found at this link.

Dear Alinghi
America's Cup challenger BMW Oracle Racing on Wednesday (30 September 2009) sent a measurement certificate for its monster trimaran to defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland, nearly four months earlier than a judge stipulated.

Alinghi has been demanding the document for almost two years as part of a bitter legal fight between the powerhouse sailing teams that will meet in a best-of-3 showdown in February on the Persian Gulf for the oldest trophy in international sports.

Check out the details and specifications at this link.

Alinghi on the Way to RAK
A photo has been obtained from this link (merci!) indicating that Alinghi has been put on a ship in Geneva and is bound for the UAE.

Meanwhile…
The legal deadlock continues but now the New York court system is being blamed for the America’s Cup being in the legal doldrums.

American’s are calling for the historic regatta to get back onto an even keel by having the race run in monohulls rather than multihulls.

On Related Sites
Try Out the Harbour Club Bar and Restaurant in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 1 October2009.

Dining in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 1 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: The most positive sign yet.