Frequently Asked Questions
English

1. Why do another site on the America's Cup 2000?
2. Why three languages on this site simultaneously?
3. How do I use this site?
4. I would like to join the discussions going on, what must I do?
5. When I sign in what information must I provide and how does it get used?
6. Why should I logout?
7. Can I post images, drawings or photographs?
8. Can we e-mail you special requests?
9. How do we deal with three languages in the discussion groups?

1. Why do another site on the America's Cup 2000?

We simply realized that there was a major gap between experienced sailors and the rest of us. This gap is caused by the fact that sailing has its own language and vocabulary. If you do not understand the language, then it becomes hard to understand some concepts.

To us, bridging this gap increases the understanding and the passion for the activity. You are probably rooting for someone. So are we. And the enthusiasm increases as knowledge of what is going on increases. That is what we are trying to do. Top

2. Why three languages on this site simultaneously?

Just another way of bridging the gap. Certainly it is not easy, but we hope to provide some tools to overcome this.

You get to learn more that way. One of our sail talk issues will shed light on how winds directions are dealt with in different cultures. Check it out. You'll see what we mean... Top

3. How do I use this site?

There are different sections to this site: An editorial view, a review of the match races, a dictionary of terms defined and translated between English, Italian & French (we also give two definitions for each term where possible: a layman's definition and a sailor's definition), a section on sailing concepts, a section where an expert gives his opinion or sheds light into particular events of a match race or issues proper to match racing and finally the chat section.

You can comment only in the chat section. We could have opened most areas to discussions, but we prefer to have them concentrated in one area. If you wish to comment on something you saw in another section simply refer to that section and the date is was posted (as per the calendar). Top

4. I would like to join the discussions going on, what must I do?

You can read as many discussions topics posted and replies as you wish. If you wish to respond however, we require that you sign in as a member of the discussion groups. We believe that people should stand behind their words. Top

5. When I sign in what information must I provide and how does it get used?

We require some basic information to be able to manage effectively the site.
* Your name. We believe that people should stand behind what they write. The name is a signature to the messages posted.
* Your e-mail address. In order to identify who wrote which message, we have to implement a form of membership and passwords.

-> Your e-mail address is your membership login.
-> Your e-mail address is also used to send you your password in case you forget it.
-> We may also send you a brief bulletin advising you of new features on the site or upcoming events.

* Your password.
* Information that is specific to you. In case you forget your password, we will ask you a question (which you choose) to verify if it is really you logging into our service. Choose amongst one of three questions:

-> Your place of birth
-> Your mother's maiden name
-> The name of a pet

And enter the answer to that question. That will be the answer we expect from you if you have forgotten your password.

There is optional information. You are not required to enter this information, but it can be interesting for other readers. Anyone who clicks on the name associated with a message will be able to access this information. Hey! the races are running in New Zealand with American and Italian boats involved: that is really circling the globe! Would it not be nice to find the same here? Who knows what plans you end up making for your next holidays...

Finally, you can decide to receive any bulletins we might send out. We respect your privacy and choice. You can also choose to receive your e-mail formatted in HTML (like in a browser); but to do so, you must ensure that your mail program supports HTML mail. Top

6. Should I logout?

If more than one person uses the computer you are presently using, it is a good idea to log out. To simplify your logging in procedure, we send a cookie to your machine; when you click on "login" the cookie includes your password and you are immediately logged in without entering your password. When you logout, the cookie is emptied out and the password discarded. The next time you login, you will have to enter the password again. Top

7. Can I post images, drawings or photographs?

Directly, no. But send us the image and we will post it for you. If it is associated with a comment you made in a discussion group, please identify the msg# of your posting. We may even start a new topic of discussion with the image and your comment. Send the images to comments@luna-rossa.com Top

8. Can we e-mail you special requests?

You can, but it would be a shame to do so privately. It is better to post your request in the discussion group. There may be many people reading it who can answer your question faster or better than we can. Top

9. How do we deal with three languages in the discussion groups?

There is no simple answer to this question. There are partial answers.

* Some people are comfortable in more than one language, particularly in Europe.
* People posting comments can also try to post in multiple languages.
* If you post a question and prefer an answer in a specific language state so as well.
* If you find something you think was interesting but are not sure you understood... well, ask! If you do not ask, you will never find out...
* Maybe your neighbour or someone else in the group will translate for you. Replying to a specific message is a perfect way to provide a translation; just make sure you add TR at the begining of the title of your posting so that everyone knows it is a response translating the previous message.
* Finally a little bit of effort and sincere good will are key ingredients. Top