Meanwhile in Valencia... news is scarce, Germans take GER-91 out for test

Unfortunately, there wouldn't be anything to report from the host city of the 33rd America's Cup if it weren't for the first test sail of GER-91 (ex SUI-91) off Valencia's coast.

The former Alinghi boat, now property of United Internet Team Germany, painted white, was towed from the Alinghi base, out of the canal and onto the sea. Unfortunately, Valencia Sailing, for once, was caught off guard and no camera was available to shoot the usual high-resolution pictures.

We are not in a position to know how long the first sail lasted. At least, the German team starts with an advantage, as far as knowledge of that particular boat is concerned, since the team's head, Jochen Schuemann, undoubtedly knows her well inside out.

United Internet Team Germany take GER-91 out for the first test sail, from Alinghi's base. Valencia, 16 October 2007. Photo copyright Jose Delgado / Alinghi

United Internet Team Germany take GER-91 out for the first test sail, from Alinghi's base. Valencia, 16 October 2007. Photo copyright Jose Delgado / Alinghi

Unrelated to the first German test, we received quite a lot of negative comments in relation to our article of last Wednesday, where we announced the possibility of a breakthrough in the stalemate that haunts the 33rd America's Cup. First of all it should be clear that the story was true and of course verified by Michel Hodara, CEO of America's Cup Management and Jason Ker, designer of United Internet Team Germany.

Alinghi made a proposal to the rest of the challengers to choose one parameter from the design of the boat. We understand the parameter to choose could be the displacement of the boat, although this has neither been confirmed nor denied. There has been a strict agreement of confidentiality from all parties that attended the meeting last Wednesday.

The consequent lack of any news concerning that meeting doesn't of course mean it didn't take place, nor does the lack of any agreement!!! The challengers, and especially BMW Oracle, might have thought the choice was too limited. The key to any agreement is for BMW Oracle to be convinced Alinghi doesn't have a headstart on the design of the new boat, but as we said, everybody's lips are sealed.