In a recent story, the threat of sea level rise to the city of Newport, RI was highlighted. The message was that solutions require collaboration among various agencies, but it felt like a hard sell. It’s difficult to allocate funds to fix something that is hard to see when there are always more pressing issues. It reminded me of when we discovered our house wasn’t properly tied to its foundation, and that a significant earthquake could cause serious damage. Despite the lack of visible improvement, I decided to invest the necessary funds to make the repairs. However, I fear that drastic measures may need to be taken before Newport takes action. I hope I’m proven wrong.
Recognizing problems is not always easy, as change often happens gradually, much like the rising sea level. However, I remain optimistic about the response within the sport of sailing. Whether it involves getting more sailors offshore, creating new opportunities at the top level of the sport, or preserving the future of a particular class, these decisions are crucial to ensuring the stability of the sport. They prevent the metaphorical house from being shaken off its foundation.
I believe that the focus on windward-leeward racing hasn’t done the sport any favors, so it’s refreshing to see support for events like the Worrell 1000, Race to Alaska, and the Clipper Race. These competitions provide experiences and memories that far surpass the thrill of sailing in circles around buoys. The variety and challenge offered by these events make them truly special and worth supporting.
With this being an America’s Cup year, the unveiling of new boats is always an exciting time, even if the designs seem unconventional for everyday sailing. Now that New Zealand and the Italians have shown their new boats for the AC75 class, people are beginning to evaluate how these vessels will navigate the challenging waters of Barcelona, Spain. There is much anticipation for what is to come in the upcoming races.
However, it’s worth noting that a recent study following the 2021 America’s Cup found that spectator boats can have a harmful impact on the environment. It puzzles me why people would choose to watch these races from anything other than a broadcast view, considering the high speeds and large course sizes involved. Maybe organizations like Greenpeace will take action against these events, as they did during the 2002 America’s Cup. This issue may attract more attention in the future, so stay tuned.