GER-89 sailing in Valencia

As promised, we bring you the first images of GER-89, the brand new German America's Cup boat, sailing in Valencia, for what one could call her "official" test sail. Although the team's sailors, designers and boat builders have already taken the yacht for test sails, this was the first time Jesper Bank was on the helm. Still, the schedule for today was quite simple and consisted of straight-line sailing and lots of checking. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side, with overcast skies that did not allow the usual thermal breeze to develop.

The German team will now continue their test and training sails with GER-89 until their older boat GER-72 returns to Valencia approximately three weeks from now. GER7-2 is being displayed in various German cities, part of the team's tour around their home country. Once the older boat comes back to the permanent German base in Port America's Cup, United Internet Team Germany will start carrying out daily two-boat training sessions and continue for as long as weather allows it.

Hoisting the mainsail of GER-89 inside the canal. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-89 sailing in Valencia with Jesper Bank on the helm for the first time. Valencia, 15 August 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing