NEWS   FLASH 
America One  chooses  STERLING finishes for Cup Race contenders

The design concept,  representing a completely new look in racing graphics, was applied by builders, Westerly Marine in Costa Mesa, CA. 

After a grueling winter of bouts in the Louis Vuitton Cup racing series, the precursor to the America's Cup Races, America One sadly lost to the Italians, sailing the very fast PRADA.

The two boats battled it out in conditions varying from gusty chop to light air in the mish mash of weather, typical to the Huraki Gulf in the winter months.

The lead shifted in the series, from one contender to the other, often simply due to one vessel being better suited to a particular combination of conditions.  The sailing, vessel and gear  performance in both cases were superb. 

Daily news emails, chronicling each race, were sent by the Amercia One crew to all donors of funds, services and equipment, including Detco Marine, which provided the topsides primers, topcoat and non-skid.

Crew safety was provided by the Sterling Course Non-Skid, broadcast into a light film of topcoat, after priming the deck. It was  then over coated with Matterhorn White topcoat. 

These non-skid particles can also be added to the paint and applied by roller or spray for a very effective surface, explained Bill Pollock of Detco.  "The polypropylene plastic spheres bind tightly with the urethane top coating to resist dislodging with continual sailing by a very aggressive crew."  "Apparel and running rigging don't suffer anywhere near the wear and tear that sand or walnut shell would cause under these rough sailing conditions," Pollock added.  

Sterling's new LOW VOC High Build primer formed the anchor for the coating system, overcoated with U-1000 finish primer, before topcoating with the unusual and especially-formulated custom colors.  

Though the Americans  lost in the qualifying races,  thus ending their competition,  they say plans are already under way for the next series.