Victory for the Swiss

What atmosphere in the America’s Cup village today. Kiwi supporters everywhere, covered in immense New Zealand flags, Swiss supporters with ice axes, mountain boots and cow bells. On the water, hundreds of boats, clouds of mist, thousands of spectators… and an atmosphere heating up, building in parallel to the local temperature. At 14:50, the 10 minute preparatory starting signal was met by a wild and cheering crowd in front of the huge viewing screens. Swiss against Kiwis, everyone shouted for their boat when it would appear on the screen. When Emirates Team New Zealand crossed the start line with a slight advantage, the New Zealanders danced around dressed in their country’s flag. As the Kiwi team effectively took a small lead in the first part of the first leg, 14 meters, 22 meters, the delirious New Zealanders began chanting "Hauraki Gulf, Hauraki Gulf”, and then they became quiet. It is the Swiss then who take the lead, 1 meter, 10 meters, and once again the Kiwis come back, 1 meter, 10 meters. But at the first crossing, the Swiss are 40 meters in front, putting 13 seconds in-between them and their adversaries at the first mark. They then increase the separation to 132 meters on the second upwind leg. Alinghi passes the second buoy with 20 seconds lead, the third with 14 seconds and win the match by 35 seconds.

“If we look carefully at the match, the two teams are extremely well prepared, very strong, and exemplary. They have taken two very different architectural approaches in terms of the hulls and the sail plan. Yes, upwind the performances seem similar enough, but the Swiss have a small advantage. Does that mean then will they be able to hold on to it?  What’s important to remember is how it has been noted for the last two years, they always have that little something extra and we see innovations on their boat, in the genoa trimming system, and the mainsail traveller. This is what can be seen but surely there are other things. Alinghi’s victory has done damage to Emirates Team New Zealand but above all to the other challengers because the Kiwis are the best amongst them …We have been able to witness a superb regatta and I am worried we might see a 2002 remake!” Luc Gellusseau China Team Chief operations manager.

Fdb/LH Valencia June 23rd 2007