 Auckland,
NZ - The surprising Cuban yacht “El Humidor”
took three of four races over the weekend to move into third place
in the America’s Cup challenge series, just behind Team
New Zealand and the Swiss team Alinghi. The Cuban boat, which
appears to be the hood from a ’57 Buick, showed suprising
agility in its tacking maneuvers and good speed in headwinds.
“Once we were able to repair our rudder, which is an old
Soviet ‘Yield’ sign, we knew we could fly,”
said skipper Paulinho de Rivera. Rivera was cautious regarding
this week’s races, which could encounter rain. The Cuban
sail is woven entirely of tobacco leaves, which creates great
responsiveness and a sweet, rich aroma on clear days but during
rain tends to become soggy and limp unless somehow cupped in the
palm of the hand.
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