KEY POINTS:
So Ernesto Bertarelli has given Emirates Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton a slap about the head for being ungrateful and criticised boorish Kiwi fans.
The Alinghi supremo called for vocal New Zealanders in Valencia to 'get over it' after some gave the Alinghi Kiwis the raspberry. He also sniffed at Dalton, who discussed the possibility of reinstating the nationality clause - meaning New Zealand sailors could only sail for a New Zealand syndicate.
"I guess that's the thank-you note for helping him to get his team together," said Bertarelli - referring to the loan he gave Team New Zealand in 2004 as they struggled to put their campaign together.
Kiwis have heavily populated America's Cup crews since Alinghi completely undid the grey-area nationality rules after the infamous Coutts-Butterworth defections. Kiwis' undoubted worth as sailors would give TNZ an advantage if they were restricted in representation.
Alinghi, for example, have the most Kiwis of any team except for Dalton's. Plus Dalton's outfit have proven demonstrably that a team marshalled as well as his can add real pace to a yacht.
Bertarelli's loan was noble although the super-cynical might suggest that Valencia was more likely to be a success if the former holders were there as well.
But let's get one thing straight. This is sport, yes, but it's also business. It was 'just business' when Bertarelli enticed Russell Coutts, Brad Butterworth, Warwick Fleury, Dean Phipps, Simon Daubney and Murray Jones to Alinghi.
And it will be 'just business' if Dalton's team win the Cup and re-examine the nationality clause. I don't imagine Dalton will dwell too long on Bertarelli's loan, just as Bertarelli didn't dwell on the moral highs or lows of pinching a few Kiwis.
Bertarelli spoke out against the "aggression" shown by the gathering clans of New Zealand fans in Valencia, saying it had been seven years since Coutts and Butterworth jumped ship. Here's the thing, Ernesto. This is sport. Nationalities or loyalties are an integral part. One lot doesn't like it when some of their lot join the other lot.
Let's not go back into that whole ridiculous, over-emotional Blackheart business. But listen to how Liverpool or Everton fans greet a player who has swapped teams. Or Manchester United and City. Or Tottenham and Arsenal. It's not pretty, Ernesto - although I am prepared to believe it doesn't happen much in polite Swiss football.
Look at US baseball or hockey fans serving it up to a player who has gone to a rival. Or Ford and Holden drivers who switch camps in the V8 supercars.
It may not be mature. It may not be very civilised. But aggressive, tribal backing of one's team is as much a part of sport as winning and losing.
I, for one, am delighted so many Kiwis are in Valencia and being vocal. We are, as a nation, often criticised for being placid supporters; those who sit and watch rather than actively participate.
I'm sure our big, tough Kiwi sailor "exports" on Alinghi would prefer a quiet ride. Or, conversely, they'll be geed up by the ribbing.
Either way, if they take the money and make the switch, they have to be prepared to take the barbs of nationalism too - particularly when yachties have been known to call a spade a bloody shovel.
And if they don't like it, frankly, they can stick it up their Alinghi.
Hedley Mortlock: 1941-2007
Hedley Mortlock, editor, sports editor and sportswriter, notably for Truth and the London Sun.
His colourful name, occupation and the titles he wrote for might tend, to the uninitiated, to suggest a bit of a rogue.
Mortlock died recently after a battle with cancer. His funeral signified not only the loss of a true character but the complexity of that character.
As family and friends pointed out in their impressive valedictories, Hedley could be an interesting contrast - screaming headlines and beat-ups in Truth, silhouetted against his genuine and unbending interest in people; a devotion to, and skill with, the written word, a keen sense of humour, an urbane dress and charm, a sense of family.
He was also one of nature's born storytellers, born to listen and compelled to pass it on.
His brother in law, Michael Salmen, recalled the dying cigarette syndrome. Hedley's ever-present cigarette would burn out as he weaved his way through yet another story.
He would wave his hands, a lighter poised in one, the snuffed smoke in the other.
But, as you watched, fascinated, the lighter would never be applied to the cigarette in the middle of the story. Hedley knew that if he paused, he might get interrupted and lose his audience.
Most who saw his byline might not get a sense of his spirit of generosity but a young sportswriter seeking entry to that old boys' club did, something which always inspires the recipient to do likewise.
Hedley Mortlock - always ready to hail a fellow and invariably well met.
