While BMW Oracle continue to question the validity of Ras al-Khaimah as the venue for the 33rd America's Cup match, in particular whether it is an open ocean course free of headlands, Alinghi 5 docked out of its temporary base in Genoa, Italy, on Sunday for its first hours of saltwater sailing.
Conditions for the first outing were ideal: a light southwesterly breeze and flat seas. “Today was the first day in saltwater for Alinghi 5 and even though conditions were light; everything was good. We are happy to be in Italy for this period of our training programme; it's a place where everyone would like to live! We have received a great welcome from Genoa and huge support from the Amico yard and the Yacht Club Italiano and we look forward to some more sailing next Monday with a little more breeze,” said team skipper Brad Butterworth.
The 33rd America's Cup Defender transported its giant catamaran, the first step in the development process towards the America's Cup Match in February 2010, by helicopter from its base on Lake Geneva to the north Mediterranean port on 7 August. Training will continue in Genoa before the boat is transported to the 33rd America's Cup Venue in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE.
Sailing will continue today.
