The Countdown Begins
20/01/2003 01:43 PM -

Now the Swiss have been established as the challenger for the America's Cup, the clock has begun counting down at Team New Zealand.

As Alinghi won the Louis Vuitton Cup final on Sunday, reality hit home for the defenders - after three year's wait, the America's Cup is about to begin.

At the Team New Zealand base, it was accepted as a strong probability that the challenger would be their Swiss neighbours, Alinghi.

So when the Swiss beat Oracle BMW Racing 5-1 in the best of nine Louis Vuitton Cup challenger final, it was not a case of surprise - rather a reminder of the closeness of the big event, which starts on February 15.

"It definitely increased our awareness of the fact that it's now just around the corner," Team New Zealand head Tom Schnackenberg said.

"It's one more milestone passed, one more brick in the wall.

"Now there's a bit of a gap, a few parties to attend, and then the racing begins in earnest. We can't wait."

As Team New Zealand returned home after a day's racing on the Hauraki Gulf on Sunday, there was a hint of what is to come in three week's time.

The black boats were met with rapturous applause and cheers from the crowds, which had lined the harbour walls to watch the Louis Vuitton Cup boats return from battle.

"We had to wave and smile even though we haven't done anything yet," Schnackenberg said.

Eager to get on the racecourse proper, Team New Zealand are relishing the thought of racing against their Syndicate Row neighbours in the best-of-nine Cup match.

"Maybe there's a bit of extra drama associated with this match-up," Schnackenberg said.

"But we can't wait to race against the Swiss team. They've proven themselves to be the best of the challengers. And we're getting used to the idea of cowbells ringing in our ears!

"And it is great for the event to have a European team racing in the
America's Cup again."

Team New Zealand have spent a little time watching Alinghi's performance in the challenger series, and they know to expect their opponents' boat, SUI64, to be fast and well-sailed. But they will keep one eye focused on the Swiss over the next few weeks, as both teams have the opportunity to make changes to their race yachts before they are revealed to the yachting world on February 11.

"We will watch their boat style and make sure we are ready for them," Schnackenberg said.

"If they come up with a similar design to the hula, I will be thinking their engineers and boat builders have done an excellent job, and we'll look forward to racing against it.

"But we think, all round, both of our boats are lovely boats. Time will tell, of course, but we hope that our boats are faster."

Source: Team New Zealand