The next America’s Cup Regatta currently held up in court rooms because of Alinghi’s desire to be able to change the rules and remove any competitor whenever they desire.

And yesterday they flew a Maori sovereignty flag off the back of their boat in an aparent attempt to stir up some emotions and controversy.

But todays debarcle takes the cake.

Refusing to race Team NZ.

On the news tonight Dean Barker could only repeat two words: “Pissed Off” over the incident.

Alinghi are claiming that racing would be of no benefit to them. Well even if you are leading the regatta it is still decent to race. Especially when it is a hyped rematch of the final of the last America’s Cup.

It seems Alinghi are running scared when they cannot control the rules for the regatta.

I watched the first day of racing streaming on the Internet and yesterday I headed up North Head to watch it live. You can check out the live photos on facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=88301&id=656762268&ref=mf

But below are some screenshots from the online footage, Virtual Eye has really come a long way over the years and it is very impressive this year.