Alinghi's training catamarans are getting ready

Update 5pm Valencia time: We have contacted Alinghi, concerning the information on the alleged construction of their new yacht, and the official reply is "No comment".

Two days have passed since their arrival in Valencia and Alinghi's two training Extreme 40 catamarans are getting ready to be launched. On Wednesday morning we spotted 4 men in the former China Team base. One, wearing an Alinghi uniform, was working on the hull of the black catamaran while the other three were preparing the sails of the yachts.

As far as the yacht to be used in the 33rd America's Cup match against BMW Oracle is concerned, we have unconfirmed (REPEAT, UNCONFIRMED) information that Alinghi has already started its construction (most probably at the Décision boatyard in Switzerland). The expected time of construction is 12 weeks, always according to this unconfirmed information.

One of Alinghi's two training Extreme 40 catamarans. Valencia, 16 January 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi's shore crew working on the two training Extreme 40 catamarans. Valencia, 16 January 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi's shore crew working on the two training Extreme 40 catamarans. Valencia, 16 January 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

One of Alinghi's two training Extreme 40 catamarans, the former "Basilica". Valencia, 16 January 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing