Paul Cayard arrives in Valencia

Paul Cayard, one of the world's sailing legends, arrived this morning in Valencia and officially joined Desafío Español, the Spanish America's Cup challenger. According to the Spanish team, as already announced last December, Cayard will act as consultant whose main task will be to help optimize the new boat ESP-97.

His first impressions were obviously positive. Cayard thinks "Desafio has been doing a good job with only two years of preparation and has the ability to be in the semi finals. It's a good team to which I think I can bring my America's Cup experience. I am sure I can contribute to the development of the team and the optimization of the two yachts. I also have great respect for the design team and I think ESP-97 will be a very fast boat".

We will certainly have more news on Cayard's work in Desafío Español. There will be a press conference on Thursday, so stay tuned.

Paul Cayard in front of the Desafío Español base. Valencia, 12 February 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / Desafío Español