It was a long and tiring day, trying to find some evidence of the America's Cup going on in Auckland.
The natural place to start looking was obvious - two press conferences dockside.
"Hopefully we'll hear the grinders and the money," you thought, trying to hang on to your own version of
plastic fantastic - the invaluable press pass - as it swung violently around the neck in about 15 knots of wind.
The grinders in this case were the challenging skippers, nine of them lined up in such a neat row that you might have been lulled - to use another sort of yachting phrase - into thinking they were the best of mates (that one was unintentional).
All of us, having observed this battle of winds and wealth, know that fierce hearts and exceptional organisation lie under the surface and they are not only prepared to make waves, but welcome them.
Yet apart from a question by a representative of the New York Times, who wanted to know what emergency procedures were in preparation should America try to sink Saddam Hussein, there was really nothing else to get the nerves jangling.
There was a boring draw to determine who faces who in the first series, organised by the media head Bruno Trouble - if only the day had lived up to his surname.
A few hours later, the syndicate owners - the money - turned up for their press conference, and a room stuffed full of journos and cameras was left becalmed yet again.
Admittedly, this yachting contest has a tough act to follow, and we should all be grateful for that.
The night before, New Zealand witnessed a sport of the people - rugby league - in all its glory as the Warriors yet again progressed further than most would have predicted at this stage of their re-birth.
All or most New Zealanders have nothing but respect for yachting's designers and sailors who have achieved so much in so many areas, but their craft and crafts are mysteries to Joe and Jane Public.
Hiding keels under blankets and talking in riddles is interesting for only so long, especially when those throwing out the lines are rich beyond the public's wildest dreams.
What really captures the imagination are the controversies of the America's Cup, and not the mechanics.
What most people are waiting for are legal challenges, sinking boats and syndicates who don't like each other and any other ill wind that portrays or is a substitute for the boring sight of a couple of boats sailing around the harbour.
So far, all we've had is a half- hearted attempt at patriotism by some mob called the BlackHearts, who appear to be as divorced from the general population as the characters involved in the competition.
What is really turning the country on are the Warriors who, like the original America's Cup mob from this country, are underdogs beating the odds and coming out on top against a powerful foe.
As for the economic benefits of the America's Cup to Auckland, they are real in some circles and just a myth in others. There are businesses not a few paces from the edge of the Waitemata Harbour who would struggle to think of one single advantage that this collection of wealth has ever brought them.
In fact, there are many in the pub and restaurant trade who would claim that the Viaduct robs them of customers.
So ahoy skippers. Forget all the nice stuff you dished up at those conferences yesterday. Bring back the true spirit of the America's Cup - not the touchy-feely stuff - or you'll risk ending up dead in the water.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
It was a long and tiring day, trying to find some evidence of the America's Cup going on in Auckland.
The natural place to start looking was obvious - two press conferences dockside.
"Hopefully we'll hear the grinders and the money," you thought, trying to hang on to your own version of
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