Swiss will make few changes

By JULIE ASH

Don't expect to see significant changes to Alinghi's race boat, SUI64, when it is unveiled next week.

That's the advice of Oracle's New Zealand tactician, John Cutler.

SUI64 spent a week in the boat shed immediately after Alinghi beat Cutler's Oracle BMW Racing 5-1 to win the Louis Vuitton Cup and the right to challenge Team New Zealand for the America's Cup.

It was put back in the water last week and, although it is not known whether Alinghi have attached a hull appendage, it is understood the Swiss team have made some subtle adjustments to the boat's bow.

"They are in a tough situation," said Cutler.

"There probably isn't enough time to try a hull appendage - and take it off if they don't like it - between now and the America's Cup."

The hull appendage, which Team New Zealand have on both the black boats, adds volume and length to the hull, and therefore potential speed.

Alinghi's modifications are probably aimed at increasing their boat's length to try to combat Team New Zealand's possible speed advantage.

Alinghi would not comment on exact modifications yesterday but said they had made "a few adjustments everywhere" and "all would be revealed on unveiling day" when Team New Zealand and Alinghi drop their skirts next Tuesday.

While adding a hull appendage is still an option for the Swiss, who have tested it extensively on their second boat SUI75, Cutler - whose syndicate also experimented with it - can't see them pursuing it.

"It is not a small task. There are several levels you can go to. One is the full level that Team New Zealand have done, where the whole boat is built with this thing in mind.

"I think any time you put it on a boat that hasn't been fully developed for the concept it is going to be a compromise.

"Alinghi have to decide whether they think it is the golden bullet or the edge that is going to make the difference. It could be faster, but maybe only slightly faster, and there are a lot of other things out there that could make the difference."

Alinghi's SUI64 was one of the first 2003 generation boats and arrived in Auckland in November 2001.

"It has been around a long time.

"I think it is pretty much at the end of its refinement process," said Cutler.

"I don't believe they will make too many changes to it."

Alinghi have little reason to make dramatic changes to the boat that served them so well in the challenger series, as they won 25 of their 28 races.

A day before the unveiling, Team New Zealand will declare whether they will race NZL81 or NZL82 in the match.

Once the syndicates unveil their boats next Tuesday they cannot make changes.

"I think from a boat speed standpoint, Team New Zealand should have the advantage," said Cutler.

"I think Alinghi will be more race-ready - but Team New Zealand should be faster."

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

Racing schedule, results and standings