I'm glad YA was able to salvage the boat. Amazingly, they think they'll be able to have it repaired in a few weeks! Apparently the keelbox is ok, as are the main support structures; just the deck and the hull ruptured.
Even though YA is the team I'm pulling for, and even though the rules apparently permit it, I don't think it's right that they should be able to substitute their other boat in this round. They apparently took a chance on building a light boat; it didn't hold up; and now they should have to pay the price. Let's just hope they fortify the other boat enough so that it withstands the stresses.
America True certainly was impressive, although they did benefit from a poor start by AmericaOne. Nevertheless, they have good speed, and it seems that they, perhaps along with Nippon, are separating themselves from the rest of the pack to challenge the big 3 (or 2 1/2 as the case may be). At present, it seems like Spain, TDC, and Abracadabra will fight for the last spot in January's semifinals (presuming no boats sink, that is). I guess I'd have to give DC the nod owing to his team's experience, but who knows -- with so much racing yet to come <g> |
