Seriously, Brad, why should Larry Ellison withdraw anything?

It's great to hear Brad Butterworth (NZL) discussing the Alinghi vision for big new boats for America's Cup 33.

It's a bold vision evoking the great J-Class boats of yesteryear, with new technology and new thinking. It will mean big boats, big crews, great sailing and great competition. Who could possibly resist? AC33 will be great for boat design, motivating (and challenging) for teams, and fabulous for the rest of us to watch.

But it's sad and tiresome to see this great sailor step into a flakcatcher role, as he did yesterday, whining about Golden Gate Yacht Club's lawsuit in New York and moaning about Larry Ellison (USA).

One, the lawsuit hasn't stopped serious teams from challenging.

Two, the sad fact is, Ernesto Bertarelli (SUI) started this. Ernesto set the rules. Ernesto made all the decisions. Golden Gate has disagreed, philosophically and legally. So they have asked the New York Court that adjudicates the Deed of Gift to make a decision.

That's perfectly legitimate, and perfectly reasonable.

This whole thing boils down to fairness and objectivity, as most people see it. And it's a smokescreen to blame Larry Ellison and Golden Gate. Ernesto is the major proactive factor here.

In truth, there is only one person who has anything to withdraw.

It's the Prince of Alinghi.