©ACM 2006/Photo:Carlo Borlenghi
The Americas Cup, Valencia, the two contenders Emirates Team New Zealand vs Alinghi |
On March 2, when the Swiss-based Alinghi team stole the much coveted America’s Cup away from Team New Zealand in a staggering 5-0 victory, they were guaranteed a place in the history books.
Alinghi guaranteed itself a further spot in the history books by being the first team since the inaugural race in 1851 to return the Auld Mug to Europe, and for being the first team to win the Cup on a first attempt.
The next step was finding a suitable site to hold the next America’s Cup, as Switzerland is landlocked nation. Valencia was selected, and the wheels of construction began to turn. Now, the final regattas (Louis Vuitton Acts) have ended, and Alinghi is pitted against the New Zealand team.
According to Alinghi’s website, Alinghi’s vision is “to win the America’s Cup, while earning respect and recognition as a world class sports team as well as sharing our passion.” And the team is well-positioned to mount a fearless defense of its title in 2007, with most of its key personnel retained and just enough new faces to keep the ‘old guard’ on its toes.
As in all high profile sporting events, money and prestige play a prominent role. The real prize could be the victor’s ability to choose the next venue. The winners ability to chose is a long standing tradition. Diplomacy is everything in these negotiations, and when the subtlety is lost, as when Emirates (the Airline and corporate sponsor of the New Zealand team) suggested that should the New Zealand team win, Dubai could actually play host to the 33rd America’s Cup. A furious reaction ensued from the New Zealand Government, which incidentally invested to the tune of $34 million dollars. Emirates quickly backtracked and sailing continued on calmer waters.
Overall net revenues for the ACM (America’s Cup Management - organizers of the event) is expected to be around €230 million euros, and ACM expects a profit of €30 million euros. This estimate is nearly ten times more than the last America’s Cup.
By early July we will all know who the winner is. Quite possibly it will be Valencia again. |
