Auf wiedersehen Team Germany

It's sad but it clearly reflects the difficult state in which the 33rd America's Cup is finding itself. As of today (and this is no April's fool joke), United Internet Team Germany ceases its activities and its base in Valencia has been shut down.

After an uninspiring performance in the 32nd America's Cup, the German challenger decided to roll on immediately into the 33rd edition of the event, backed by large German corporate heavyweights such as Audi and Porsche. Given the initial optimism the legal problems would be settled promptly, the German team hired former Alinghi helsman Jochen Schuemann, bought SUI-91 and assembled a strong team of sailors and designers from various America's Cup teams. Together with the now-invalidated Desafío Español, the Germans were the only team to train with the old ACC boats in Valencia during the fall of 2007.

The United Internet Team Germany base, closed as of today. Valencia, 1 April 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Nevertheless, the lingering legal fight and Justice Cahn's firm rulings and decisions in favor of BMW Oracle made it all clear there was little, if any, role in the 33rd America's Cup for any team other than Alinghi and the Americans. As a result, three weeks ago, the German Challenger took the decision to end the contracts of all team members by the 31st of March and close the base in Valencia. Still, the team isn't abandoning altogether but plans "to continue its previous, trustful and successful work in the 34th America's Cup on a basis of a new protocol / rule", according to their statement.

The team's management worked hard during winter trying to set up a "Grand Prix Circuit" with the participation of other America's Cup challengers. The idea was to have the teams race their ACC yachts from the 32nd edition in a circuit of exhibition regattas in Malmö, Kiel, Portsmouth, Valencia and Naples. It was thought that the idea would have revived sponsor interest but unfortunately it failed to materialize.

The sailors of the team will not sit still but will actively participate in this summer's Audi Medcup, the professional TP52 circuit. The German TP52 boat Platoon will be renamed "Platoon powered by Team Germany", will be skippered by Schuemann and its crew will obviously consist of members of Team Germany.

Farewell Team Germany.

The United Internet Team Germany base, closed as of today. Valencia, 1 April 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing