Alinghi shows all at Media Open Day in Le Bouveret

by Sail-World and JPJ on 24 Jul 2009
Defender of the America's cup, Team Alinghi, held a Media Day at their base in Le Bouveret, Switzerland, to allow invited media a close look at Alinghi 5 afloat.

Media were not allowed in the 90ft LWL catamaran but had the opportunity to look over the boat and interview her crew and design team.

Sail-World's correspondent 'JPJ' commented that Alinghi's team were very happy with Alinghi 5 after two days of sailing. They have been able to test several sail combination (Jib No. 3, reacher and gennaker), and they were pleased to be able to to fly a hull on the first outing.

Commenting on the Deed of Gift, they said that 'it is a very open document as in few specific rules, we have (or are) developing a craft accordingly. We expect BOR to do the same and produce a 90x90 challenging vessel.'

'This yacht (Alinghi 5) is a first step in our development program and, yes, water ballast, and a bigger mast are part of the program'

Skipper and CEO, Brad Butterworth was just back from a long flight from New York, and joined the media conference towards the end.

Ernesto Bertarelli was asked about the the cost of the yacht and the specific cost of the legal part of the exercise. He just avoided answering specifically saying at one time: 'Quand on aime, on ne compte pas', as in 'when its a passion (love) you do not count...'

One of the designers was questioned about the trim particularly the apparent large wake from the stern and responded 'so many experts out there...',

Murray Jones chipped in saying: 'we are testing different trims and use the crew for that...'

The jib furler was one of the impressive parts of the catamaran - right on the bowsprit, it is very compact and fast and driven by a hydraulic motor, according to Grant Simmer

Alinghi 5 will be moved by helicopter to Genoa, Italy in early August and further sail trials will take place there for a few weeks.

To see the video of the media conference click on this link: www.qik.com/alinghi

Alinghi 5’s mast is sufficient to take a man inside

Alinghi crew prepare to drop the mast ahead of a storm

Alinghi 5 'S' foil close up

Skipper and CEO Brad Butterworth 'fresh' back from the New York Supreme Court in New York

Ernesto Bertarelli was coy about the cost of the project and legal antics

Alinghi 5 bowsprit end detail

Alinghi 5 steering cockpit detail

The media, including a very finely dressed Bob Fisher, talk with the design team

Alinghi 5 steering position

Alinghi team from left Rolf Vrolijk, Murray Jones, Grant Simmer, Brad, Butterworth, Patrick Aebischer from the EPFL and Ernesto Bertarelli