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When a Sponsorship turns into a Strategic Partnership SGS rudder testing gives Alinghi competitive advantage to win America’s Cup

07/09/07

GENEVA, Switzerland — 7 September 2007 — When SGS’ support of Alinghi was announced in 2003 it was always destined to be more than just a simple sponsorship. Since then, both Alinghi and SGS saw what began as a straightforward relationship evolve into something far more valuable, a strategic partnership, from which both SGS and Alinghi have benefited greatly. SGS was able to lend its expertise in inspection, verification, testing and certification to help Alinghi make history and successfully defend its title as the world’s best sailing team.  At the same time, SGS took away many valuable lessons on teamwork, how to build trust, and how to deliver a true competitive advantage, lessons it carries over to its daily work serving clients all over the world.

“From providing project management services around the construction of the Alinghi base in Valencia, to ensuring that all of the regulations governing occupational health and workplace safety were met, and finally to the critical testing conducted on our rudders just weeks before the finals of the America’s Cup, SGS became a key strategic partner to Alinghi in our preparations for the defence of the Cup. They are owed part of this victory,” said Grant Simmer, Alinghi’s Managing Director and Design Coordinator.

“Looking back over the past four years, it is really remarkable what Alinghi and SGS have been able to accomplish together. It has truly been a unique and rewarding relationship for us, and just as Alinghi pushed themselves to the limit to win the America’s Cup, we too have tested our own capabilities in serving Alinghi,” said Chris Kirk, Chief Executive Officer of SGS Group.

Rudder Testing
SGS conducted emergency testing of Alinghi’s rudders three weeks prior to the America’s Cup finals after one of Alinghi’s three remaining rudders snapped during practice. SGS leveraged its expertise in non-destructive testing using computed tomography (CT) scanning techniques to determine the cause of the rudder failure and also found that the remaining rudders did not suffer from the same defects. The positive results from the testing gave Alinghi the confidence it needed to proceed with their defence and push their boat to its performance limits and win the 32nd America’s Cup.  

“In sailing, there is a fine line between failure and victory, and often that it is determined by the skill of the crew and their ability to push the boat to its maximum performance levels. Knowing that the rudder could be completely trusted gave us the competitive advantage we needed to beat New Zealand. We were able to push our boat right up to the edge of its capabilities,” said Brad Butterworth, Alinghi’s Skipper, Tactician and Vice President.

Alinghi Base in Valencia
The construction of Alinghi’s base was a major undertaking in which the stakes were high. This would be the team’s home in the lead up to the final race in 2007 and would need to accommodate the entire team, their families, guests and the general public. Right from the start, SGS adopted a leading role in the areas of planning and project management.

SGS specialists and technicians carefully examined offers and submissions, and drew up comparative reports and technical studies on the various contractors involved in the project. SGS teams worked in such varied areas as budget control, inspection of the quality of building materials, supervision of construction work and monitoring of schedules. SGS also provided consulting services relating to economic and legal aspects of the base construction.

“The real challenge with our new base was optimising communications between the various units that make up the Alinghi team. The new base really allowed us to work together as one seamless unit, which was critical as we prepared for the finals. SGS played a pivotal role through their meticulous approach to managing the project from start to finish,” said Grant Simmer, Alinghi’s Managing Director and Design Coordinator. The Alinghi base opened on 15 October 2005, and served as an invaluable asset to the team as they made history in their successful defence the 32nd America’s Cup.

Occupational Health and Safety Compliance
Another major task adopted by SGS was to ensure that Alinghi complied with the Spanish and Swiss regulations governing occupational health and workplace safety at the base. SGS experts carried out a risk analysis for each task and prepared an accident prevention plan for all of the activities at the base. They also paid special attention to the dangers facing the crew and technical personnel both on land and at sea, especially when working at mast level on the boats.

“The performance of SGS experts and technicians was remarkable. Thanks to their knowledge of regulations and of all our suppliers, we have been able to overcome countless problems, especially with respect to the preparation of the large volume of documentation relating to occupational health and safety that is required in Spain. Thanks to their motivation, efficiency and pleasant attitude, the experts and technicians at SGS have not only gained our respect and admiration, they have also become our friends,” said Hamish Ross, Alinghi’s General Counsel.

About Alinghi
Alinghi flies the colours of the Société Nautique de Genève, Switzerland. Its partners for the 2007 campaign are UBS and BT Infonet (Main Partners), as well as Audemars Piguet, SGS, Nespresso, MSC Cruises, WISeKey and North Sails (Co-sponsors). Visit www.alinghi.com.

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognised as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With more than 48'000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1'000 offices and laboratories around the world.