20 years ago, Switzerland celebrated Alinghi’s first America’s Cup victory
On March 2, 2003, Switzerland became a sailing nation. Ernesto Bertarelli and his team Alinghi made history when the Swiss Challenger won the 31st America’s Cup on its first attempt. The historic victory triggered an unprecedented level of enthusiasm in Switzerland, with over 30,000 fans – and as many Alinghi caps – welcoming the team back to Geneva a few days after their triumph in Auckland, New Zealand.
“I was there holding a big welcome home sign, cheering for them, alongside Arnaud Psarofaghis, Bryan Mettraux and all our friends from the sailing club,” recalls Lucien Cujean from the Driving Group. “I was a 14-year-old fan that woke up every night to watch the racing. Twenty years have elapsed, and I’m now part of the team.” This is a direct result of what is known as the ‘Alinghi Generation’. Many aspiring young sailors signed up for sailing lessons following Alinghi’s America’s Cup victory.
“Watching the final race of the match was the moment that I decided I wanted to participate in the America’s Cup with the winning team, Alinghi,” said Alinghi Red Bull Racing skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis.
Starting with a blank sheet of paper, Ernesto Bertarelli built a team capable of winning the 31st America’s Cup. Alinghi, representing the Société Nautique de Genève, first had to beat nine other teams in the Louis Vuitton Series. By beating the Americans in the final, Alinghi became the official Challenger and earned its right to face the New Zealand Defender in the America's Cup Match, which it won outright 5-0. “I remember the exact moment that I raised the Cup above my head,” recalls Ernesto Bertarelli. “I realised that this historic trophy was attached to its wooden base with a simple nut and bolt, and that I had to have my feet on the ground to carry it. It was a humbling moment of realisation: I began to appreciate what we had just achieved.”
Nothing was taken for granted in 2003 but the team believed in it. And they did it.
Twenty years after the victory, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team members highlight the legacy and knowledge transfer within the team. "Working with past winners is a unique opportunity to learn from the best. In addition to their skills, they established a new positive perspective where the human factor is key. The 'Alinghi Spirit' is present daily at the Barcelona base," said Elena Saez, a member of the Shore Team.
This spirit established twenty years ago still underpins the team, which today races in Alinghi Red Bull Racing colours. “In 2024, the third Youth America's Cup and the first Women's America's Cup will take place, both are important elements in the development of our sport. I am convinced that we must continue to invest in the future of Swiss sailing by creating a powerful pool of Swiss talent,” added Ernesto Bertarelli.
The blend of youth and experience is highlighted by the presence of team members that were involved in 2003, and who are ready to relive the emotions with equal intensity: Ernesto of course, but also Brad Butterworth, Pierre-Yves Jorand, Michel Hodara, Juan Vila, Luc du Bois, Rodney Ardern, Jean-Marie Fragnière, João Cabeçadas, Simon Bovay, David Nikles, Narino Alessi, Christophe Lanz, Nils Frei, and Yves Detrey.
Twenty years ago, Switzerland joined the exclusive group of America’s Cup-winning countries that includes the United States of America, Australia, and New Zealand. It was the first time the world’s oldest sporting trophy was won by a European team, and on a first attempt. The team is focused on continuing to make history in autumn 2024 in Barcelona.
And last but not least, there is good news for Swiss and European sailing fans: you won’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to watch the racing!