Karol Jablonski of Desafio Espanol. Photo / Reuters
For a full graphic of the Cup see today's printed Herald SuperSport
DESAFIO ESPANOL
Country: Spain. Boats: ESP88, ESP97
Syndicate head: Agustin Zulueta
Team leader: Luis Doreste
Designers: John Reichel, Jim Pugh and Scott Graham
Estimated budget: $110 million
Boat colours: Green
Challenger ranking: 4
HISTORY
Fourth Spanish challenge, following entries in the 1992, 95 and 99 Louis Vuitton Cups. But Desafío Espanol 2007
is entirely new. The syndicate purchased the solid OneWorld boats from the last Cup to kick-start their campaign. "Buying those two boats was a good way of starting," says the syndicate's Kiwi tactician John Cutler. "In January 2005, there was no team. Four months later we had two boats modified into version five and two teams out on the water." The team will head to the startline with two new sturdy boats, ESP88 and ESP97.
CREW
The sailing team is comprised mainly of Spaniards with America's Cup or Olympic experience but several international sailors have been included to broaden the experience on board, including highly regarded Karol Jablonski and Jesper Radich.
STRENGTHS
In order to improve performance, the syndicate recruited American Paul Cayard as a consultant. Cayard has been charged with helping to maximise the potential of ESP88 and ESP97. "I have a few different ways to contribute, not only on the water," he says. "I can help them put some perspective on what things are important and what things aren't so important ... hopefully I add something every day."
PROSPECTS
Possible semifinalists. Until now, there has been light years between the third- and fourth-ranked challengers. But the Spanish are well funded, have good boats and have definitely improved over the past year.
