News

22.11.2005

Alinghi US Yacht Club Tour: a great success

After a whirlwind US Yacht Club tour, Alinghi helmsman Ed Baird and general counsel Hamish Ross are returning home to Spain. The America’s Cup Defender took in five yacht clubs in five days: Chicago, Long Beach, California, Seattle and St Francis. Each Club lent its own unique touch and all were well attended with a mix of members and Alinghi sponsor guests never dropping below 150. The Junior Chalk Talk was the highlight of each stop, with up to 40 juniors piling into the club house to watch an Alinghi movie and get some top tips from match racing pro Baird, followed by questions and answers. A raffle of Alinghi team gear was held at each yacht club to benefit the junior sailing program.

The welcome at each of the Yacht Clubs was warm and the interest a good indication that the America’s Cup is alive and well in the USA. Baird and Ross led the charge with information and stories on the Cup history, plus recent changes to the America’s Cup rules and boats and a unique glimpse of life inside the team. Each stop saw an intimate press get together, followed by an evening presentation and a reception. The mission: to share the experience of being the America’s Cup Defender was more than accomplished.

Quote from Ed Baird, one of the three Alinghi helmsmen in the team: “We found great enthusiasm at the clubs that we have visited. I’ve been impressed not only by the general interest but also by the range of people who are interested. We’ve had folks from seven to 90 years old from all walks of life that just can’t get enough news on the America’s Cup. Their excitement is infectious!”

Quote from Hamish Ross, Alinghi General Counsel and America’s Cup historian: “The continuing depth of interest and knowledge in the American sailing community is impressive and we will continue to see strong and determined efforts to win back ‘their’ trophy until the mission is accomplished. The welcome we have received at each of the Clubs has been great, the diversity of audience inspiring and we look forward to coming back again.”

Back in Valencia, the two boat testing program is at full throttle before winter break starts at the beginning of December.