So now we see that Prada and TDC are bitching about One World, alleging "multiple contraventions of Article 15.3(c) of the Protocol." This of course concerns the notorious and well-documented protocol breech of using others' design information, for which OneWorld had already been found guilty, and docked a point for back in August. And now TDC has filed an official protest, for violations of sportsmanship and fair play. They allege breaches by OneWorld of Fundamental Rule 2 of the Racing Rules of Sailing, which states: "A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play." Boy does this ever sound like a bullshit protest. Is this the best they can come up with?

There aren't many, with the exception of those who are sucking at the teats of Craig McCaw and Paul Allen, who don't think that OneWorld is, so far, the biggest bunch of cheaters in this ridiculous circus. However, they got caught, were found guilty, and received an embarrassingly light sentence. And while OneWorld is a particularly odorous campaign, their two most recent accusers surely are not much better.

Prada is a near-evil example of too much money and too much ego, both flashed about in spades by Bertelli. Oh let's not forget his temper and legendary psycho tirades. Horribly under-performing, especially in the context of the 90 million they have spent, they are a weak empire that, despite some close races (while being swept) with Alinghi, will likely be the first of the Big Four to go. Nobody will miss them.

TDC is a bit less offensive, but somehow despite all the USA "rah-rah-ing," less than inspiring. Mostly shielded from the outside world by his otherwise respected and veteran loyalists, DC has made little public spectacle, save for one very loud and rum-fueled "team morale booster" where he berated the team, particularly Ken Read. It was reported to be ugly and very uncomfortable. Of course the next day, DC went out and steered for the first time in the series against the woeful "Italian Rascals." Boy, he sure showed them. Whatever point he thought he made was lost on us. 66 was way off the pace, and some of Read's starting left much to be desired. It would appear however, that 77 is markedly faster, perhaps good enough to run with the big dogs? We shall see, but they still appear to be quite vulnerable on the starting line, and one fears that Rod Davis, Peter Holmberg/Chris Dickson, and James Spithill/PeterGilmour will carve them up here. Read has got a lot of pressure to step up his game. This, however, is a tough crowd. Bets are that he can and will get beat often on the start line.

All of this leads to the complaints and protest at hand. Prada and TDC are seen as the weakest of the Big Players, and they know that the odds are that they will not beat OneWorld in a straight fight. So rather than face them on the water where it matters, both of these teams have taken the low road, one that more often than not has become the one of choice, and decided to drudge up what was thought to be a dead issue. So congratulations TDC and Prada, you've helped make sure that the AC is often regarded as little more than a rich man's lawyer-driven bitchfest.

11/25/2002