Radical cup plan unlikely to float

By JULIE ASH

Alinghi skipper Russell Coutts is in favour of introducing more radical boats for the next America's Cup.

Following the announcement of the venue of the next cup competition in Geneva on Wednesday, a draft copy of the America's Cup-class rules will be presented at a media conference at the successful venue, either Valencia, Lisbon, Marseille or Naples, on Thursday.

The rules set stringent design criteria and are revised after each regatta by America's Cup management with input from the defender, challenger of record and various other syndicates.

It is understood the rules have been adjusted slightly to allow boats to be lighter and have more sail area.

'There were really two options," Coutts said from Switzerland. "One was to change the rule dramatically, which is what I was actually in favour of, but not many others were.

"I wanted to have a more radical boat that would be faster downwind and would sort of be a complete change. Most other people felt they wanted to keep the boats the same which should, in turn, save some costs - which is a benefit."

The cost of competing is the sticking point for potential challengers - including Team New Zealand.

"Certainly we would love to reduce the costs," Coutts said. "It is fair to say, though, that probably not everyone is that focused on reducing the costs, but certainly Alinghi is."

He said it was too hard to say how much was needed for a campaign.

But regardless of cost, Coutts has heard of several possible challengers.

"Apparently there are three syndicates who are going to announce immediately after the venue announcement," he said.

"There seems to be at least two strong syndicates from Italy forming, and there is talk of three there.

"It sounds like there is a chance the Swedes will be back and there will be a new challenge out of Spain. There are a few things in the rumour mill right now."

In terms of his own team, Alinghi will today announce several signings and sponsors.

"We have retained all the people that were sailing on the boat during the America's Cup match, but we have made a number of other personnel acquisitions."

One is a new helmsman, understood to be former Oracle sailor Peter Holmberg, raising the question of whether Coutts plans to be at the helm in 2007.

"I am going to try," he said. "It is a long way away, so I guess we'll have to wait and see."

Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/americascup