The American syndicate has been challenged by the Hamilton Island Yacht Club of Queensland, Australia, led by local wine tycoon Bob Oatley. The challenge, signed by him and his son Sandy, was presented to Larry Ellison, within minutes of his Oracle team winning the 34th «America's Cup». Although Ellison accepted it immediately, the pro-forma announcement was delayed (though everyone already knew that Australia was on the warpath).
It seems to us that the Australians were secretly glad of Team USA's victory. Taking the main sailing trophy from the Americans is much more pleasant than taking it from their good old neighbours, the Kiwis. Moreover «» was handed to the main holders of the trophy on a memorable day - 30 years ago the crew of Australia II managed to take the Cup from the clutches of the Americans. For the first time in 132 years. Besides, as Chief Challenger, Bob Otley, pointed out, the Cup is already full of "ours", and in key positions. Of course, he was alluding to the USA-17 skipper, Australian Jimmy Spithill. And the regatta director, Ian Murray, is in the crew of Bob Otley's Wild Oats XI.
Ellison and Otley will soon sit down to discuss the details of the next Cup and decide where and on which boats the battle will be fought. These and other details are promised to be announced in the early months of 2014. We wait and see.
