Oracle in top shape for cup challenge

By JULIE ASH

As the moment of truth approaches for the nine America's Cup challengers, Oracle helmsman Peter Holmberg believes his team are as ready as they ever will be.

A week from today the challengers will head out to the Hauraki Gulf as the battle to win the right to race Team New Zealand for the America's Cup begins.

"After two years of training we're ready for it to finally get going," Holmberg said.

As one of the favoured five, with Alinghi, Prada, Stars and Stripes and OneWorld, Oracle spent a lot of time mapping out their game plan, Holmberg said.

"We think we have got our priorities and timing right.

"I am proud to say we can sit here now and know there is very little we would have done differently."

Like most of the challengers on syndicate row, Oracle have used the past few weeks to test the water against some of the challengers.

Only Dennis Conner's Stars and Stripes have opted not to race other challengers.

Although the results of the informal races remain secret, it is understood in 10-15 knot winds last week Seattle's OneWorld beat the French challenge Le Defi Areva and then had the better of Italian syndicate Prada, who were beaten 5-0 by Team New Zealand in the 2000 Cup match.

Sweden's Victory Challenge beat the other Italian syndicate, Mascalzone Latino, and, in a close encounter, Russell Coutts' Swiss syndicate, Alinghi, retained their unbeaten record in edging Oracle.

"The scrimmages have been good," said Holmberg. "Personally I think they are great - it's the real deal. You've got to ask if it's worth saving all your money for retirement and then dying with all of it stashed in the bank.

"You're going to find out who's fast pretty early on, so why not find out now rather than next week."

Holmberg said racing other teams broadened the horizons.

"Obviously boats will throttle back and not show everybody what they've got or alert you to their strengths. But we know when a boat is throttling back."

The Louis Vuitton Challenger series starts next Tuesday. The draw is on Monday.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup