By Susan Kruller
January, 2002

America’s Cup Teams Converge in New Zealand

As the time draws closer to the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup, teams are organizing and preparing for competition. Cup Village space along the Auckland waterfront, or “Viaduct Basin” as it is called, is springing to life at the shore bases of the defender and challengers.

"Where a year ago the OneWorld team was sailing their 2000 yachts, USA 51 and 55 almost alone on the Gulf," observes Bob Ratliffe, Executive Director at OWC, "these days three to five pairs of boats a day are towed out into the gulf for training with teams racing against themselves."

Syndicate locations are as follows: Base 1 - Prada Challenge, Punta Ala Yacht Club, ITA; Base 2 - Oracle Racing, Golden Gate Yacht Club, USA; Base 3 - Mazcalzone Latino, Portoferraio, ITA; Base 4 - OneWorld Challenge, Seattle Yacht Club, USA; Base 5 - Allinghi, Sn De Geneve, SUI ; Base 6 - Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, NZ; Also situated in the Viaduct Harbor area locally known as “Log Farm” you can find Base 7 - GBR Challenge, Royal Ocean Racing Club, UK; Base 8 - Victory Challenge, GSYS Stockholm, SWE; Base 9 - Illbruck Pinta , Dusseldorfer Yacht Club, GER; Base 10 - Stars & Stripes, New York Yacht Club, USA.

The OneWorld Challenge team has settled into its campaign with vigor to maximize its competitive edge through core planning on shore, and performance out on the water. "It is impressive to watch our team of 75 men from different countries, with a wide range of ages and sailing experiences, sit down to discuss strategy, weather, technology and design." said Ratliffe, "The energy is very contagious."

With only ten months to go until the challengers compete for a chance at the America’s Cup, Bob Ratliffe encourages SYC members to get involved by coming to New Zealand. "The Seattle Yacht Club will have a proud presence in the 2003 America's Cup. We hope many of you will come join us and experience not only the thrill of watching the competition for the oldest trophy in sports, but also the hospitality of the wonderful people of New Zealand who have welcomed our team, as they will you, with open arms."

Great Opportunity for Members to See the Competition in New Zealand

Here in Seattle, Chris Otorowski has recently joined the Seattle Yacht Club’s America’s Cup Committee, and is working hard on three organized trips to Auckland for SYC members. These packages will give you the inside edge on events, and includes special opportunities for members. More details will be available January 9, at the Sailboat Cruising Dinner