Fifty days to go but not a second to lose

Time flies and a mere fifty days are left till the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup and all teams present here in Valencia are taking advantage of each and every second available to train, test and optimize their boats. Given the prevailing wind patterns in January and February this might even translate into launching the boats at dawn or even before daylight.

Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team launching their boat at dawn, starting a day of intensive training in Valencia. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Areva Challenge launching FRA-93 at dawn, starting a day of intensive training in Valencia. Photo copyright Franck Socha / Areva Challenge

No, this is not a miner sweating in the depths of a mining tunnel but a crew member of Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team preparing the boat for launch in Valencia at 7am. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team