"I think it will be very tough to get the Cup back from New Zealand," Jobson said. "Team New Zealand is very well funded, they will be racing on their home waters, and they are building upon their successful past."
He said the more challengers the better, considering the last three out of four America's Cup competitions have been won by a challenger. He thinks New Zealand's Achilles heel will be the fact that they are not holding defense trials.
"They are taking a risk by doing this because they will be in the dark along with everyone else," said Jobson.
As far as the Bay Area sydicates go, although America One and America True are putting an immense effort into winning the America's Cup, Jobson said that neither of these teams rank in his list of top three potential winners.
"I was impressed the America True compound in New Zealand," said Jobson. "Dawn is bringing her experience to the campaign. And she brings a freshness and believability to the competition. But it will be an uphill battle, especially because they have a one-boat program. If they can make improvements as they go, they should make it to the semi-finals."
Besides Team New Zealand, Jobson feels that Young America, sponsored by the New York Yacht Club, and Prada Challenge 2000, sponsored by Yacht Club Punta Ala of Italy, have a good shot at being victorious.
Jobson said that Young America and Prada Challenge 2000 both have an advantage because they have excellent funding and designers. Bruce Farr is on the design team for Young America and Prada Challenge 2000 has designer Doug Peterson, who has designed two winning America's Cup boats.
"I think these three teams have the best chance at winning because they are the best funded, they started doing their boat building research early and they have been testing on and off the water for nearly two years," Jobson said.
Jobson said the secret to winning the Cup is to be able to shift gears and make improvements throughout the competition and to keep emotions in tact.
"It's an emotional roller coaster ride," Jobson said. "You can't get too excited or too down."
But he also added that nobody knows who's going to win until the first race.
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