Feature Story

03.09.2009 (09:33 CET) - Genoa, Italy - Alinghi

Sea trials in Genoa “excellent” – Brad Butterworth

Alinghi team skipper gives his take on the August sea trials

(Photo credit: Guido Trombetta/Alinghi)

Alinghi has had several weeks of successful sea trials in Genoa, Italy, where the Defender has been testing and training the new catamaran Alinghi 5 ahead of shipping it to the 33rd America’s Cup Venue in Ras al Khaimah, UAE, for the Match in February next year.

“We have had excellent conditions for sea trials here,” said team skipper Brad Butterworth, “we’ve managed to stretch our legs a bit in a lot more space than on Lake Geneva and have pushed the boat hard. We’ve had a few breakages along the way, but you expect that with a new boat, it’s all part of the development process towards the Cup next year in Ras al-Khaimah.”

Weather has cancelled play today, so the team is shore based for maintenance.

Look out for CNN mainsail later this month featuring yesterday's shoot of Alinghi 5 sailing in Genoa, Italy.