So Alinghi have selected SUI 100 as their weapon of choice. Speaking to part of the Kiwis' design team Marcelino Botin earlier today, he sees SUI 100 as more 'downrange' compared with SUI 91.
Also, although most pundits reckon the Swiss boats are a bit beamier than NZL 92, but the Spanish designer (with a South African accent picked up from his business sidekick Shaun Carkeek) believes otherwise. "Our boat might be a bit narrower at deck level, but I think the Alinghi boats might be even with ours at waterline, or maybe narrower." In any case, he sees Alinghi as potent package whatever the weather.
Meanwhile, I've done a short interview with Dean Phipps, Alinghi's pitman (pictured above). You can find it at my website. Click this link to take you through to SailingTalk.com. Here's a short excerpt from the interview.
SailingTalk.com: How do you rate the competition? What are their strengths?
Dean Phipps: New Zealanders are passionate about sailing, and the guys on Emirates are great sailors. We respect them, we’ve sailed round the world with half of them, we’re looking forward to the challenge. The crew work has been flawless, Dean is starting really well, and he’s got stronger since Adam [Beashel] came on board; it looks like he’s just gelled the whole back of the boat together. They’re going to be a tough nut to crack.
Click here to gain access to the rest of the interview, and more America's Cup interviews in the coming days...
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