By JULIE ASH
With the challenger series just around the corner, Russell Coutts' Swiss syndicate Alinghi are living up to their tag as competition favourites.
In the past week, it is understood that Alinghi have blown away two of their fiercest rivals in training sessions.
The syndicate, backed by pharmaceutical billionaire Ernesto
Berterelli, had the better of Larry Ellison's Oracle BMW Racing last week, and made easy work of Seattle syndicate OneWorld two days ago.
The three syndicates, along with Prada and Team Dennis Conner, are considered the big five going into what is expected to be the toughest challenger series yet.
Less than a month out from the start of the Louis Vuitton series, most of the challengers are out on the Hauraki Gulf racing one another.
While the results of such encounters are kept under wraps, the word along "syndicate row" at the Viaduct is that Alinghi looks very impressive.
Alinghi strategist Murray Jones would not elaborate on his team's sessions with Oracle and OneWorld, but said the team are progressing well.
"It is not long until October 1. Everything should be falling into place."
Jones said that racing other challengers was an important part in the team's buildup.
"You know you are giving a lot away, but you also know you are going to learn a lot. It strengthens both teams. The whole idea is to assess your programme, not so much your opposition's.
"If you went in with some old gear and slow sails then you might not get something out of it. Most syndicates are really trying to gauge where they are at."
Team Dennis Conner's second yacht, USA77, which sank off Long Beach last month, is awaiting the arrival of a new bow.
After a full review of the hull and structure, the team decided to replace the bow from the mast forward. The rules allow repairs and modifications to be made to the hull with approval from the class technical director as long as they do not exceed 50 per cent of the hull area.
The new bow is being built in Rhode Island and will be flown to Auckland in the next week or so.
The team's first yacht, USA66, made its maiden voyage into the Hauraki Gulf this week.
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