As GBR Challenge continue their preparations for Britain's first return to the America's Cup since 1987, some fear that the syndicate could get into trouble by buying the two Nippon yachts and associated equipment and personnel.
The question is: have the GBR Challenge flouted the rules in the cup protocol which
forbid teams from buying "plans, specifications and design information" from another team?
The rules are designed to ensure each syndicate entering the Louis Vuitton Cup has its own independent designers and is not the product of shared technology?
GBR general manager David Barnes said that in the case of the GBR Challenge it was clear that the Japanese boats - both of which sailed in the 2000 Louis Vuitton series for the Nippon Challenge - were simply a starting point for the campaign.
"We specifically acquired the assets, but none of the design information - you are not allowed to."
He said GBR Challenge owner Peter Harrison had made it clear from the start that he wanted a squeaky clean campaign.
"Peter has always said, 'I don't want to put all this money into a campaign and fall before the first hurdle'."
* * *
Like all syndicates, Swedish entry Victory Challenge are keeping details of their newly constructed boat Orn under wraps.
Every time Orn is launched or lifted from the sea at base eight in the Viaduct Basin, the keel, fin and bulbous are efficiently concealed.
"No outsider may see them," project leader Mats Johansson said.
The mystery-making surrounding Orn (SWE 63) is a natural part of preparation for the cup, which already is in full swing, although nine-and-a-half months remain until the challengers' series starts in the world's oldest established sailing competition.
Magnus Holmberg, ranked No 1 in the world of match racing, is one of the key people on board Orn. In the International Sailing Association's latest rankings, he was ranked No 1 for the fourth month in a row.
Holmberg also leads the Swedish Match Grand Prix Sailing Tour, the same World Cup series he won last season.
But designer Mani Frers was at the helm during the second day sailing on the Waitemata with Orn.
"I want him to steer, to feel the boat when he is now in the final phase of the design of our second boat," Johansson said.
Frers was one of Prada's head designers for the 2000 cup, when the Italian syndicate reached the final against Team New Zealand.
So far, he is very pleased with the sailing.
"We all are," Johansson said. "The boat gives a very solid impression."
But although Victory Challenge are happy with their new boat, some of the other syndicates have had trouble with their older generation boats.
The American Oracle team lost the keel on their training boat, which capsized. Then Team New Zealand and one of the American challengers, One World, broke masts on their training boats.
Victory Challenge are not taking too many risks with Orn just yet.
"We only increase the strain of the boat as we make structural tests," Johansson said.
"At the same time it's important to use the experience for the construction of the second boat in Gothenburg."
Each syndicate has the right to build two boats for the competition.
* * *
The French challenger for the Louis Vuitton Cup, Le Defi, has opened its home training base in Lorient on the Brittany coast.
The base marks the end of temporary set-ups and long distance workouts from the four corners of France, and soon all of the Le Defi team will work together from the same base.
The 2500 sq m facility was presented to the team compliments of the town council.
"This facility is a dream base for the Challenge," Le Defi director Pierre Mas said. "All of our needs have been accounted for, and it provides everything we need."
The base features full sea access at any tide to launch America's Cup-class boats and a giant boat shed for building and modification.
As well, one of the biggest sail lofts in Europe will provide the ideal platform for sail development and repair.
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<i>Sips from the Cup:</i> British deny flouting rule on buying ideas
As GBR Challenge continue their preparations for Britain's first return to the America's Cup since 1987, some fear that the syndicate could get into trouble by buying the two Nippon yachts and associated equipment and personnel.
The question is: have the GBR Challenge flouted the rules in the cup protocol which
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