Guide to the 2007 America’s CupThe America’s Cup remains the pinnackle of competitive sailing, a high-stakes arena that cultivates technology and fosters an unrivaled contest. There’s no prize money, just an ornate silver urn and the privilege to devend it. This special issue of Sailing World brings you to the main event.Editor’s LetterStarting LineThe Race Fan’s Guide to the Cupedited by Stuart StreuliDrawn to Valencia’s WaterfrontSpecial Report by Jim CarrierAn All-American America’s Cup TeamJobson Report by Gary JobsonBreaking Back Into Sail JailInside Story by Tony ReyFor Ellison It’s Business, UnfinishedFor the Record by Gary JobsonFEATURESThe DefenderDesigning Behind the SwirlAlinghi wrested the Cup from Team New Zealand with absolute authority four years ago, but defending it against a fleet of primed challengers wont be easy.by James BoydThe Golden Boy Grows UpThose who’ve raced with or against Chris Dickson either love him or hate him. Either way, he’s a menace behind the wheel of an AC boat.By Suzanne McFaddenThe ChallengersFrom Where Will the Spoilers Come?The role of the challenger, it is said, is more than simply winning the Cup; it is to relieve the defender of the burden of holding it. There are 11 disparate teams intent on doing so, and in this 32nd edition, expect a few surprises.Photo Essay: From Auckland to ValenciaThe Louis Vuitton Cup Acts put the storied Cup on the road for one extraordinary journey.Words and Images by Thierry MartinezTECH REVIEWPower in the Aero PackageAn AC boat’s engine is its sail plan, and the designers are fine-tuning them like never beforeBy Larry LeonardThe Mother of All WinchesThe versatile utility winch has become the single most important piece of hardware in the pit.By Andy RiceThe Wired NavigatorPouring over performance data onshore and on the boat, the AC navigator is married to his electronics.By Peter IslerFROM THE EXPERTSMonday Morning TacticianEmirates Team New Zealand’s Terry Hutchinson takes us through four slick match-race moves from the Acts.Dr. Crash
