One of the legends of America's Cup design is in Auckland to watch Team New Zealand battle it out with Alinghi.
Olin Stephens, 94, is known as "the Master". His record of eight cup victories - in 1937 with Ranger which he co-designed with Starling Burgess, Columbia in 1958, Constellation in1964, Intrepid in 1967 and 1970, Courageous in 1974 and 1977, and Freedom 1980 - is unlikely ever to be matched.
The American has also been a central figure in the development of rating rules , in which he still serves in an advisory capacity.
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It seems Alinghi syndicate head Ernesto Bertarelli is pretty happy with tactician Brad Butterworth.
After their narrow 7s win over Team Zealand in race two, Bertarelli was quick to congratulate Butterworth on his tactical efforts.
While Butterworth was talking to reporters, Bertarelli whacked him on the back and told the reporters, "This is the man".
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Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker's black sports car equipped with NZL82 number plates was covered in dust and parked in front of team HQ last week when an Alinghi fan struck.
Written neatly in the dust was "Go Alinghi" and "I love the Swiss". Nothing a quick spin through a car wash couldn't fix.
