Alinghi and Oracle seek winning edge

By JULIE ASH

While everyone else is slugging it out in the quarter-finals repechage, Russell Coutts' Alinghi and Chris Dickson's Oracle BMW Racing have the luxury of being able to concentrate on improving their performances before they meet in the semifinals.

Alinghi and Oracle won their quarter-finals last weekend, advancing through to the semis which start on December 9.

Alinghi comfortably beat Prada 4-0, after the latter conceded the last match, and Oracle had the same scoreline against OneWorld.

The wins mean the two teams have a three-week break before the semis.

In the quarter-finals repechage, OneWorld race Team Dennis Conner and Prada meet Victory Challenge in a best-of-seven series.

Alinghi grinder John Barnitt said that while those in the repechage were getting "race tough," it was definitely an advantage being in the top tier.

"Although training may not be the same as a race against another team, and although it is very difficult to simulate that pressure, you can still improve your skills."

Barnitt, who competed for Stars and Stripes in three America's Cups, said Alinghi had plenty of time to fine-tune their performance.

"We will do a combination of testing and racing, depending on the weather.

"We have a new rig which we haven't sailed with much and some new sails."

He said that Alinghi had not decided if they would continue using SUI64 or switch to SUI75.

"I think the design team want to have a look at a few things and do some subtle and some not so subtle changes.

"We're not going to do what Prada did. You won't see our bow hanging in the air or anything."

Barnitt said Oracle had obviously stepped up their game - charging through their last 11 races unbeaten.

"Their boat seems to be faster upwind and downwind. They have increased their range of competitiveness.

"Tactically, they are making good decisions and are sailing the boat very well.

"They have always started well and have been one of the more consistent starters in the competition. They will definitely be tough."

Alinghi beat Oracle by 1m 43s in the first round, but Oracle came back in the second round, winning by 4s.

"Alinghi were tough," Oracle skipper Chris Dickson said.

"The last race [with Prada] was close and they've got a very good boat. With two weeks to go before the next round, I'm sure we will see Alinghi go to another level, as we hope to."

Dickson said Oracle now had crucial time to continue work on their development before they squared off against Alinghi.

"We have the advantage now that we are saving sail cards," he said.

"We will have more new sails the next time we go racing. We have changes that are planned to come through, and we would like some time on the water to test those."

Prada hope to take their newly-modified yacht ITA74 sailing for the first time today.

Their second yacht, ITA80, which also has been modified recently, has not yet been used for racing.

Prada spokeswoman Alessandra Ghezzi said the team would wait until the last minute to make their decision.

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