22-knot winds and our mid-night interruptions were brief... In fact, thank you to the organisors for having giving good advanced warning on October 3 of the cancellation. Had the 30-knot winds materialized, the competition would have suffered - these boats aren't designed to survive such treatment.

Nonetheless, we keep hearing odd things from the mouths of commentators - at least in Italy.

Following the losses of both Italian boats, there was a switch in 'fan talk'. All of a sudden, there was pleasure in knowgin that the Swiss had won their race. That maybe if Luna Rossa does not make it through, Alinghi should get our favours, that a European boat need to be arrive in the America's Cup final round...

Oh yeah, there's the French too... But everyone knows French & Italians love to look down on each other. As for the Brits, well, they're on their island you know... and like their isolation.

Nonsense.

First of all, we want to see Luna Rossa repeat a class act. Barring that the match racing is what is important. Flag waving is pitiful, especially considering that most crews are mosaics from around the world.