Yachting: Tension spotted on board Alinghi

Craig Monk thinks all may not be too harmonious between tactician Brad Butterworth (left) and helmsman Ed Baird. Photo / Reuters

Former Team New Zealand and now Oracle grinder Craig Monk believes cracks are starting to appear in Swiss defender Alinghi at yachting's America's Cup, and it is the position of Brad Butterworth on Alinghi that may be working against them.

Monk says Butterworth is calling the shots on the defender as the skipper, and helmsman Ed Baird does not look comfortable.

Monk believes everyone on board is looking to Butterworth for guidance, including the out-of-depth Baird, who is looking uncomfortable in the start box and is not flowing as a helmsman should.

Monk also believes the personality of Brad Butterworth may be working against Alinghi and there was no better example of that than yesterday when Butterworth went off at the spectator craft who, he believed, were so close that they were affecting the conditions on the race course.

Monk says if Butterworth is upset, the other crew members lose confidence and start to doubt themselves.

Today is a lay day off Valencia but NZL92's 28 second win in race two has certainly lifted the excitement level.

Race three of the America's Cup is tomorrow.

- NEWSTALK ZB

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