SUI91 leaves Décision boatyard, destination Valencia

Alinghi’s third boat SUI91 left Décision Boatyard in Vevey, Switzerland today, 30 March 2006.

The new boat was shrouded in secrecy as it was wheeled out of the Swiss yard on the truck and trailer (in all 25m long), provided by Alinghi’s official supplier, the transport company Planzer, that is shipping it to Valencia, Spain.

SUI91 tucked up in plastic for the long road ahead, seen here crossing the 'Pont du Fenil'. Switzerland, 30 March 2006. Photo copyright: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

She is the first of two new boats that the Defender will build for the 32nd America’s Cup in 2007 and has taken 25 boatbuilders from both the boatyard and the Alinghi shore crew almost 20,000 man hours to complete.

Michel Marie, Alinghi shore crew coordinator comments: “Three months ago, Décision received the design files with the shape and to see the result today is exemplary of the standard of construction.” Décision successfully built both SUI64, the 2003 America’s Cup winning yacht, and SUI75, the 2005 ACC Champion, and enjoys a long term working relationship with Alinghi.

Yard director Bertrand Cardis says: “There has been great evolution from SUI64 to 75 and now to 91 in the pursuit of perfection. We continue to learn from one boat to the next and improve the quality each time.” Marie illustrates this fact: “The Swiss standard of precision found in watch making is found here in this boat.”

The trailer and cab carrying the new boat is 25m from tip to tail. Switzerland, 30 March 2006. Photo copyright: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

SUI91 is due to travel the 1,230 km within a week to join stable-mates SUI64 & 75 in Valencia, where, Marie says: "the shore crew and sailing team are in the starting blocks to get her finished and sailing."