What’s under the tree?
The holidays are right around the corner, and Alinghi Red Bull Racing is in the Christmas spirit! As snow settles over Switzerland at the end of an action-packed 2024, the team is gearing up for ski trips, festive fun, quality family time, and – of course – exchanging Christmas gifts with loved ones.
With that in mind, we couldn’t resist asking the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team one cheeky question:
If you could take any object from the team base, what would it be?
They didn’t hold back with their answers. As you’ll see below, some are practical, some heartwarming, while others are maybe a tiny bit greedy…
Franco Noti, Cyclor – “My bike on BoatOne. I really like how it looks, but above all it‘s the hours of hard work and litres of sweat in the saddle that created a special connection with it. It was my companion during all the ups and downs of this campaign.”
Stéphane Ruault, Sales Manager – “The simulator for my son so he can one day be part of the game.”
Emilie Van Eps, Data Science Intern – “One of the AC40s. I’d go out sailing with friends on the lakes in Holland.”
Andrea Emone, Performance Analyst – “I’ll take our other AC40. We can race them: Spain vs. Holland!”
Maxime Bachelin, Helm – “The wheel!”
Mathieu Van De Voorde, Rigger – “One of our Alinghi Red Bull Racing cow bells. It’s a real cow bell with our logo, a symbol of Switzerland.”
Israel Martinez, Shore Team – “A part of BoatOne that I made – maybe some brackets – to keep a memory of something I did on the project.”
Laura Weislo, Massage Therapist – “The cupping kit I use to treat the guys. Because it’s my work tool and I can take them with me everywhere.”
Elena Saez, Shore Team PA – “A piece of carbon from BoatOne’s mast, for what it represents: the teamwork of the shore, being able to fall and stand up again.”
Jason “Taro” Squire, Boat Builder – “The Tudor clock on the wall in the shed.”
Lara Manson, Executive Assistant – “The ice machine in the bar. I have ice with everything!”
Pauline Olliaro, Production Engineer – “A photo of my colleagues from Écublens. It was an extraordinary experience working together, and I’ll miss them all – even the most stubborn among them! If you’d let me have a second object, I’d definitely take the model of BoatOne from the FanZone.”
Águeda Rodríguez, Paramedic – “The hanging chair on the balcony, because it’s a peaceful place where you can hide for a moment.”
Sophia Urban, Media Manager – “The coffee machine from the hospitality lounge. With the barista who makes the best coffee in Barcelona of course!”
Dan Smith, Boat Builder – “The forklift. So then I can take a bunch of other things! Or wait no, I’ll take Rhys. You can do a lot with Rhys.”
Jake Bishop, Chase Driver – “The Catalyst chase boat. It’s mentioned in my contract so I should get it!”
Adrien Bleninger, Boat Builder – “A foil.”
Ties Rabe, Boat Builder – “The simulator, plus all the fond memories from this campaign.”
Tim Hacket, Shore Team Manager – “The barbecue.”
Benedict Donovan, Writer – “One of the chase boats, probably Catalyst because it’s the biggest! I don’t know how to drive a boat or even live by the sea, but a high-tech RIB would be motivation to change that.”
Sam Manuard, Senior Naval Architect – “The coffee machine in the staff room. We've been using it a lot!”
Willy Losa, Events Organiser – “I’m very proud of the big bell. It’s my baby. That along with the guest book with everyone’s messages – these are my legacy within the team.”
Rodney Ardern, Sailing Team Manager – “I’d take the enthusiasm of everyone working here! If you want an object, then it’d be the desalination unit - giving us plenty of fresh water to run the base and wash the boats. It’s a great environmental initiative considering the region's struggle for water.”
Now it’s your turn: What one thing from the base would YOU put on your Christmas list? Give us your answer on Instagram.