America’s Cup Strategy On Board & Shoreside, Plus a Conversation with Tom Whidden

10/01/24 • 67 min

Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Nathan Outteridge and Orient Express Racing Team CEO Bruno Dubois join the conversation in this episode of Loft 57. Nathan shares first-hand experience sailing the AC75 – from technical advancements in these foiling monsters to the challenges of getting this machine around the racetrack. Bruno, who has more than a few high-profile wins, including an Ocean Race with Dongfeng, discusses the difficulties of mounting a competitive America's Cup challenge on a limited budget and timeline.

And in a bonus feature, Cup legend and longtime North Sails leader Tom Whidden sits with Ken Read to chat about how this event, the boats, and the sailors have evolved over the last five decades.

And in a bonus feature, Cup legend and longtime North Sails leader Tom Whidden sits with Ken Read to chat about how this event, the boats, and the sailors have evolved over the last five decades.

Previous Episode

Reflections from America’s Cup Legends Grant Simmer and Simon Daubney

America's Cup Hall of Famers Grant Simmer and Simon Daubney stop by Loft 57 to reflect on the America's Cup and their experience within yachting's most prestigious regatta. Between them, these two have won the Cup nine times. Their insight is second to none, and their unique point of view provides an in-depth look at the evolution of the America's Cup.
Host Ken Read recorded Season 2 of Loft 57 on-site at the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona, Spain. This season goes behind the scenes with America's Cup personalities past and present. During the conversations, Ken collects first-hand accounts of what it's like inside a Cup team, what it takes to win the Cup, and why North Sails is the sailmaker of choice for every America's Cup defender and challenger since 1980.

Next Episode

From the Commentators Box – The Voices of the America’s Cup

The America’s Cup broadcast and color commentary have allowed millions of sailors and sports enthusiasts worldwide to tune into yachting's most prestigious regatta. One could argue that Gary Jobson's and Peter Montgomery’s voices are as recognizable as the Sailors, and the two have garnered their own fan following. While you may not recognize his voice, Jed Drake is an Emmy-winning producer and power player who helped ESPN revolutionize how to bring all the action onto our screens.

This trio joins Ken Read in Loft 57 during our limited-edition America’s Cup episodes. Having been a sailor during the ESPN days and a commentator for the last three editions of the Cup, Read dives into the evolution of America’s Cup broadcasting, what it was like for the broadcast crew during the Cup “glory days,” how the advances in technology have changed how we at home watch the Cup. With plenty of shared history amongst the group, they also reveal a handful of fun and possibly never-heard-before stories from behind the scenes.