upper waypoint

Larry Ellison On America's Cup: 'It Has To Be A Little Bit Risky'

Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

(ome-b/Flickr)
Larry Ellison (ome-b/Flickr)

Local tech titan Larry Ellison took to "CBS This Morning" to defend changes to the America's Cup race.

Ellison's Oracle Team USA is the Cup's defending champion, which means Ellison was able to set the parameters in this year's race. He decided to hold it in San Francisco Bay as opposed to the open sea, and also chose the AC72 catamaran, a boat that critics say is too expensive and dangerous.

In May, when the Artemis Racing boat from Sweden capsized during a training, British sailor Andrew "Bart" Simpson died.

Ellison was shaken by the incident, but thinks he made the right decisions.

“To make this an economically viable sport, we have to have fast, modern boats,” he said to CBS' Charlie Rose. “It has to be a popular TV sport. It has to be attractive to kids.” And, "it has to be a little bit risky."

Sponsored

 

lower waypoint
next waypoint
California Preschools Wrestle to Comply With State’s Tightened Suspension RulesSan Francisco’s New Parking Rules Set to Displace RV Community Near SF StateA New Bay Area Clásico? SF's El Farolito and Oakland Roots Set to Battle in HaywardWhy Nearly 50 California Hospitals Were Forced to End Maternity Ward ServicesWhat the 99 Cents Only Stores Closure Means to CaliforniansDemocrats Again Vote Down California Ban on Unhoused EncampmentsCalifornia Legislators Take Aim at Construction Fees to Boost HousingJail Deaths Prompt Calls To Separate Coroner And Sheriff's Departments In Riverside CountyBay Area Diaspora Closely Watching India’s Upcoming ElectionProtesters Shut Down I-880 Freeway in Oakland as Part of 'Economic Blockade' for Gaza