To this end, the two sides discussed safety issues during their meetings. The sight of oneAustralia sinking in 2 minutes during a wavy, 20-knot day in 95 haunts Cup sailors and officials. To prevent sinking if a hull s integrity were to be compromised, they discussed lining boats with a membrane that would help keep it afloat until it could be towed to shore. Everyone will have to be prepared for more wind than San Diego, said Coutts. You can t place a wind limit on Auckland.
Syndicates also realize more viewers are needed to give sponsors more bang for their buck.
Therefore, Marshall proposed altering the Match racecourse. The proposal wasn t met with unconditional support, particularly in the Team New Zealand camp. Pundits feel that type of racing reduces the event to a contest of starts and boathandling, and eliminates the design aspect which is central to the Cup. When queried on the proposal, Coutts offered perhaps a better idea. That way there would be a premium on both design and boathandling.