Questions Three

#1

Per Jaume Soler Albertí regarding the annual regatta (inaugural ) just completed in Valencia by El Club Náutico Español de Vela to comply with the "annual regatta on an arm of the sea" stipulation in the AC Deed of Gift:

Who's paying for it?

(¿Quién habrá pagado esta regata?) The trophies, the fuel . . .


#2

Can Francis Joyon hold that lead ?

Joyon's trimaran, IDEC, at three days into a record circumnavigation attempt was 107 miles ahead of where ghost rival Ellen MacArthur stood at the same click of the stopwatch on her 71-day record sail. Records are made to be broken, but it's so early and this one won't come cheap.

#3

Can you remember a time when the Atlantic was more astir? Joyon is outbound, the Transat Jacques Vabre fleet is still finishing its transatlantic crossing, the Barcelona World Race fleet is outbound and trudging into the doldrums, ARC cruisers left the Canaries yesterday, and the Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup leaves Santa Cruz de Tenerife today. And, Thomas Coville with his big tri, Sodebo will soon be chasing Joyon on his own quest to beat MacArthur's time.

Bonus Question:
Remember when Louis Vuitton was part of the America's Cup, and are you better off now than you were then?