Like Robertson, Sibello and Waterhouse were part of the Alinghi coaching team for the last cycle, with Sibello eligible to be selected as a national sailor under the protocol for the 38th edition.
Alinghi have been clear that the crew who sail in Cagliari next month are not guaranteed to be the same who compete in the America’s Cup proper in Naples next year, with the team in the early stages of coming together.
“We’ve been sailing in this line‑up for only a week,” team director of technical and sailing Dave Endean said.
“We are rebuilding the team by combining highly experienced sailors with younger talents. We see ourselves as playing catch-up and know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but that is exactly what motivates us.”
Since confirming they would be returning to the arena in late 2025, Alinghi have kept a low profile as they worked on rebuilding their operation from a team of just seven.
With their boats still based in Barcelona, where the 37th America’s Cup was held, the team have returned to the water with their two AC40s.
They said the sailing team was not yet final and they were actively testing different configurations.
“Even though we are still a new crew together, I have been impressed by how quickly strong connections have formed on board,” Goodison said.
“We are now eager to line up against the other teams and measure ourselves on the racecourse.”
There will be eight boats on the water for the first preliminary regatta, with Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa and British challenger GB1 all taking up the opportunity to enter two boats.
For syndicates entering two AC40s, one will be crewed by the main America’s Cup team, with the other by sailors from their Youth and Women’s programmes.
French entry La Roche-Posay Racing Team and Alinghi will only be entering one vessel.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
