Alinghi America's Cup boat SUI91 on the road

by Alinghi media on 31 Mar 2006 The new Alinghi AC boat was shrouded in secrecy as it was wheeled out of the Swiss yard on the truck and trailer (in all 25m long), provided by Alinghi’s official supplier, the transport company Planzer, that is shipping it to Valencia, Spain.

She is the first of two new boats that the Defender will build for the 32nd America’s Cup in 2007 and has taken 25 boatbuilders from both the boatyard and the Alinghi shore crew almost 20,000 man hours to complete.

Michel Marie, Alinghi shore crew coordinator comments: 'Three months ago, Décision received the design files with the shape and to see the result today is exemplary of the standard of construction.' Decision successfully built both SUI64, the 2003 America’s Cup winning yacht, and SUI75, the 2005 ACC Champion, and enjoys a long term working relationship with Alinghi.

Bertrand Cardis, yard director and Alinghi shore crew coordinator, Michel Marie, oversaw the 25-strong team of boatbuilders for the three month build Yard director Bertrand Cardis says: 'There has been great evolution from SUI64 to 75 and now to 91 in the pursuit of perfection. We continue to learn from one boat to the next and improve the quality each time.' Marie illustrates this fact: 'The Swiss standard of precision found in watch making is found here in this boat.'

SUI91 is due to travel the 1,230 km within a week to join stable-mates SUI64 & 75 in Valencia, where, Marie says: 'the shore crew and sailing team are in the starting blocks to get her finished and sailing.'

Alinghi website: http://www.alinghi.com