32nd America's Cup Press Conference - Team Owners

32nd America's Cup Press Conference - Team Owners

Valencia, 15 April, 2007 - The syndicate heads of the 12 teams at the 32nd America's Cup gathered at Port America's Cup on Sunday morning for a press conference, one day ahead of racing for the Louis Vuitton Cup.

The conversation ranged from offering opinions on the addictiveness of competing for the America's Cup (with many saying they intend to compete in the next America's Cup), to the state of each man's team, and the success of the changes ushered in by the 32nd America's Cup, with special attention on the four year programme of racing through the Louis Vuitton Acts.

Ernesto Bertarelli, Alinghi, on organising the future: "It's a nice problem to have. If you win the Cup you become the Defender and you have to organise the next event. But let's enjoy what we've been able to put together this time around because I think we've managed to hit on every single element that has made and will make this edition fantastic. Whoever wins next time will have this wonderful problem."

Larry Ellison, BMW ORACLE Racing, on whether the Louis Vuitton Acts have given a bigger advantage to the Defenders or the Challengers: "We are all sailing a lot more than we used to so I think we all benefit. It's better for the sport, better for our sponsors, it's better for our professional sailors and it's more fun for the owners. The more you sail the better you get so it's not just the Defender that benefits but all of the Challengers."

Lorenzo Rizzardi, +39 Challenge, on what it means to be competing: "I'm really emotional about being here on this stage. For me it's a dream. Our expectations are different. We have had many difficulties but the effect is to make our group stronger and I am very proud of our team.

Captain Salvatore Sarno, Team Shosholoza, on the future for his team: "The team has grown and developed. They have had to learn to run very fast and we do not want to throw away what we have learned so it is our firm intention to participate in the next event."

Jim Farmer, Emirates Team New Zealand, on the importance of winning the Cup for the nation: "We are a small country of less than 5 million people, but in a number of sports we do compete above our weight. I think New Zealand was quite disappointed in losing the Cup last time but we were probably more disappointed in the way we lost , it was a poor performance to lose 5-0 and to break a mast in the Match. So we are very proud of the fact that we are now back at the highest level whether we win or not, the whole country is taking great pride in our being back up near the top so it is important to us as a country."

Patrizio Bertelli, Luna Rossa Challenge on his reaction to the new boats: "The unveiling was certainly very interesting and with the new race course, the different design offices interpreted the rules in a different way. I think this will be very close racing so that is going to be exciting and we are looking forward to it."

Stephane Kandler, Areva Challenge on a new America's Cup following in France: "In France, people are more exposed to single-handed offshore sailing which is the total contrary to what we are doing here because we are inshore and we are a team. It is a team sport so we are trying to change this. There is a new generation coming up and I am very proud today that the youngsters take the helm and I hope this is the beginning of a new era in France."

Johan Stenman, Victory Challenge on how they have turned the team around: "Hard work, hard work and more hard work. If you want to go out sailing and win on the water, you must first do your homework for sure. We have worked hard with our sponsors and backers and suppliers and we are proud to be here today and I am proud to be sitting here with 11 winners because we consider every single team who will be on the starting line tomorrow as a winner."

Agustín Zulueta, Desafio Español, on where he would like to see the next Cup: "It's difficult to say. Obviously the Spanish team is one of the big teams right now and it has been important to be here in Valencia to set up a good challenge. But I think that with good organisation and good sponsoring I would say that anywhere the Cup goes the Spanish team would go there, but the closer it is to Spain the better."

Vincenzo Onorato, Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team, on choosing not to sail on the boat: "We have a strange configuration on the boat. We are the only team with two drivers, Jes who makes the start and Flavio who takes the wheel immediately after. That means that Jes, as small as me goes back to manoeuvre and grind the boat and if there are two small guys like me and Jes in the boat there is a lack of power! "A difficult decision is the privilege of the rank" and my rank means that I stay out and put the big guy in there".

Ralph Dommermuth, United Internet Team Germany on the addictive nature of the America's Cup: "We have been in the business for two years and I think there are a lot of reasons to participate in the America's Cup. At the moment I feel this little 'virus' and I think it's possible that we are there next time. We have learnt a lot over the last few years and I think next time we will see a stronger German team with a stronger 'virus' in our members."

Chaoyong Wang, China Team, on the perception of the America's Cup in China: "It's a significant and historic event for China. The country has a long history in sailing but we are totally new to this highly influential and prestigious game. We are bringing the Cup closer to China and Asia and in the last two and a half years racing activities we have raised awareness of the competition and its values - team work spirit, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship are totally in line with our society and it is why the game has attracted more attention. The team has become stronger, we have the new boat, and the new sailors have trained. It is a stronger platform for the future."

ENDS

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