Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Alinghi shows all at Media Open Day in Le Bouveret

by Sail-World and JPJ on 24 Jul 2009
Alinghi 5 awaits the inspection of the world media in Le Bouveret, Switzerland Sail-World (JPJ) www.sail-world.com

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

PredictWind - GO! exec 728x90 BOTTOMDoyle_SailWorld_728X90px-05 BOTTOMSelden 2020 - FOOTER

Related Articles

Vendée Globe Thursday Morning Update
Escape from the Doldrums! The leaders of the Vendée Globe are just now releasing themselves from the grip of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, preparing themselves for the Equator and a ride down the South Atlantic.
Posted today at 7:12 am
Vendée Globe Race - Day 12 - Keel problems
Sam Goodchild continues to lead the Vendee Globe. Keel problems for Fabrice Amedeo Sam Goodchild continues to lead the Vendee Globe Race for the second successive day, as leaders clear the Doldrums. Race control has reported Keel problem for Fabrice Amedeo on Nexans - Wewise.
Posted today at 2:37 am
Eight teams jockey for 2024 44Cup podium in BVI
Racing sets sail Thursday out of Nanny Cay, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands Racing sets sail Thursday out of Nanny Cay, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands for the concluding event of the 2024 44Cup.
Posted today at 12:40 am
Star South Americans set to begin in Argentina
31 teams ready to compete on the Rio de Plata The 2024 South American Championship is set to kick off in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from November 20 to 23, bringing together 31 teams from around the world.
Posted today at 12:35 am
SiFi says the Doldrums could be messy
And look out for Dalin in the the Vendée Globe The Doldrums might cause a big shake-up at the front of the fleet and watch out for Charlie Dalin are two of the key messages from Simon Fisher as this fascinating Vendée Globe reaches the end of its 10th day.
Posted on 20 Nov
Vendée Globe Day 11
Richomme rockets to new 24 hour distance record One week on exactly since Nico Lunven (HOLCIM-PRB) set a new solo 24 hours monohull distance record, Paprec Arkéa solo skipper Yoann Richomme dramatically bettered that mark this morning on the Vendée Globe.
Posted on 20 Nov
iQFOiL International Games in Shenzhen day 1
A typhoon passing not too far from the coast created unstable wind and heavy rain The first day of racing at the iQFOiL Asian Championships and iQFOiL International Games faced challenging conditions, with only the Senior Men's fleet managing to complete a race.
Posted on 20 Nov
29er Eurocup Series 2025 official schedule
11 events across Europe at renowned sailing venues Following the incredible success of the 2024 edition, the Notice of Series (NOS) has officially been published, revealing the event schedule, rules, and essential details for competitors, coaches, and fans.
Posted on 20 Nov
America's Cup: Ben Ainslie reflects
Ben Ainslie's thoughts subsequent to his riposte to the Kiwi sport commentator Topics covered include his most memorable moment of the Cup, his thoughts subsequent to his riposte to the Kiwi sport commentator and much more in this frank review of the Brits performance in the 2024 America's Cup.
Posted on 20 Nov
Vendée Globe Race - Day 11 - Speed record
Sam Goodchild take over lead, Yoann Richomme sets a new single handed monohull speed record Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) is the new Vendée Globe Race leader. Yoann Richomme sets a new 24hr distance record 551.84nm. Latest daily review/update video report.
Posted on 20 Nov