Feature Story

17.12.2009 (15:31 CET) - Ras al Khaimah, UAE

End of year wrap up with Murray Jones

(Photo credit: Javier Salinas / Alinghi)

As the Defender’s giant catamaran, Alinghi 5, finishes its last week of sailing in Ras Al Khaimah and the packing continues at a furious pace, Alinghi.com catches up with Murray Jones, who has been overseeing the sailing programme, for a status report:

What has the team achieved here in Ras Al Khaimah over the past two months?
Murray Jones: The weather here has been fantastic and has allowed us to sail almost everyday. We have ticked off everything that we wanted to achieve. Obviously more time would be great, it always is, but we are pretty happy with where we are. We have still got a lot to do in the next few weeks when we finally get to Valencia, but all the major decisions have been made.

What's the team plan over the next few weeks?
MJ: Fortunately the shipping time allows us a break over the Christmas period and I think everyone is looking forward to that. The team has been working very hard and needs a couple of weeks off! It will be good to come back fresh in January because when we finally arrive in Valencia it will be a sprint to the end.

For the first time in a long time there is some certainty: Valencia in February. How is the team adapting to that plan?
MJ: It will be different in Valencia because the wind conditions will be unpredictable. Even during a race the conditions will change a lot in strength and direction. Winter time in Valencia is quite difficult; we will have to be adaptable and be able to change gears and use the right sails for the right wind angle and strength. We will also be pushing the boat harder than we have before – both teams will. Knowing our limits when racing against another boat could actually be the factor that determines the result.

A word on the 33rd America’s Cup?
MJ: Sailing Alinghi 5 is hard to explain to people; it’s a different world out there on these boats. I think they will capture the public’s imagination.