Alinghi resumes sailing aboard Extreme 40 catamarans

At around 2pm on Friday afternoon, Alinghi went back to water onboard its two Extreme 40 catamarans that sported the team's colors and logos. After a pause of several days, the Defender of the 33rd America's Cup took its black and white catamarans for a test sail off Valencia's coast.

Although it was a gorgeous day for tourists, with clear blue skies and spring-like temperatures, most probably Alinghi's crew didn't enjoy the most ideal sailing conditions. As one can easily see on the photos, I doubt whether wind speed went over 1-2 knots.

According to the Alinghi website, the team will start training from tomorrow. In addition, always according to the website, on board the white X40 were designers Jean Claude Monnin and Pierre Yves Jorand, and sailors Murray Jones, Nils Frei and Juan Vila. On board the black boat were designers Dirk Kramers, Daniele Constantini and Luc Dubois, and sailors Yves Detrey and Piet van Nieuwenhuyzen.

The last picture clearly depicts Friday's wind conditions. Can anyone imagine a Deed-of-Gift match race between Alinghi and BMW Oracle under such conditions?

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The crew of the white catamaran, from left, Pierre Yves Jorand, Juan Vila, Jean Claude Monnin, Nils Frei and Murray Jones. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The crew of the black catamaran, from left, Yves Detrey, Luc Dubois (helm), Piet van Nieuwenhuyzen, Dirk Kramers and Daniele Costantini. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Hoisting the mainsail on the white catamaran. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing under very light wind conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing under very light wind conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi resumes catamaran sailing under very light wind conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi's black catamaran way in the distance, sailing in extremely light conditions. Valencia, 22 February 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing