Docking out with Victory Challenge

Victory Challenge, the Swedish America's Cup syndicate, was the first team to leave their base this morning, first day of official racing at Louis Vuitton Act 10.

Aboard their substantially modified SWE-63, Magnus Holmberg and his crew left at 11:30 sharp and were towed out towards the South Race Course, where they will be facing first Areva Challenge and then the Challenger of Record, BMW Oracle Racing.

The first race is certainly of great interest as the two teams are in the middle of the Challenger ranking table, with the Swedes just two points ahead of the French.

As for the second race, it will also be interesting to see how the new "rocket" of BMW Oracle performs against the Swedes. Will Victory Challenge provide the first upset of Louis Vuitton Act 10? Despite having started their training here in Valencia later than the other teams, Victory Challenge have had very encouraging results. Nevertheless, SWE-63 in her present configuration was tested for the first time yesterday. According to Holmber, "it will be interesting to see how the substantially modified Örn does against the new boats". According to Victory Challenge, they have already seen and checked USA-87, as they raced against BMW Oracle two weeks ago, although the Swedes were using SWE-73.

Magnus Homberg on the helm of SWE-63. Valencia, 11 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Victory Challenge docking out for the first race of the first day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 11 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The bow of SWE-63. The shore crew cut 7 meterValencia, 11 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The old bow of SWE-63. Valencia, 11 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing