Meanwhile in Valencia... more teams are getting prepared
As we reported yesterday, one by one, the bases of the teams that will take part in the upcoming Louis Vuitton Pacific Series are getting busier by the day. In addition to Shosholoza and K-Challenge that were already open yesterday, it seems there is some activity in the Victory Challenge and Luna Rossa bases.
In the former, according to press reports, the shore crew of the Swedish team are fitting out the boat for Team Italia, the team headed by Vasco Vascotto and Francesco Bruni. It appears the Italians will charter one of the Swedish two boats in order to train here in Valencia. In the latter, we don't know whether the activity is related to the team's brand new STP-65 (which according to our information she has already been taken on her maiden sail three weeks ago while Valencia Sailing was in Puerto Calero for the RC44 races) or ITA-94, the team's second ACC yacht. Luna Rossa will be on the starting line in Auckland in three weeks, so it would be safe to guess they will also train here. We will check tomorrow.
Without any doubts, you have already seen (especially in this website), dozens, if not hundreds, of photos of these boats and bases, but still it is encouraging to see Port America's Cup back in action after such a long hiatus. In addition, some of the shots were taken from a very long distance and despite my brand new Nikon they are not as fine as I would like but there is nothing we can do. The end of the 32nd AC and the long pause afterwards means that some of my connections in the port have left for good.
ShosholozaThe South African challenger's boat seems to be at the most advanced stage of preparedness and it shouldn't take long before the crew gathers once again in Valencia for a week or two of training before heading to Auckland.
Shosholoza's RSA-83 masted in the team base. Valencia, 8 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing
Shosholoza's RSA-83 masted in the team base. Valencia, 8 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia SailingK-ChallengeThe French team is fitting out its ACC yacht, FRA-93, and there isn't much more to report from yesterday.
The K-Challenge base with FRA-93 being fitted out. Valencia, 8 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing
The K-Challenge base with FRA-93 being fitted out. Valencia, 8 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia SailingLuna RossaThe boatshed doors have been opened, the lifts are out and a couple of tenders are back in the water, signs the team is getting prepared.
The Luna Rossa base. Valencia, 8 January 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing
4 Comments:
There is a rumor circulating that Desafio has laid off just about everyone except a couple of the shore crew. And Iberdola branding must be off all Desafio buildings and equipment and Desafio employees cannot wear Team Gear with Iberdola branding.
I know you said your contact list isn't as extensive as it used to be, but any news to confirm or deny this rumor Mr. Pierre?
Rumores, rumores, el Desafío se ha ido al garete...
meanwhile in valencia, alinghi's cup is on the move. ;D
Watch BMWO getting a solid beating in Auckland as Mr. Ellison will be driving his boat and showing the sailing world how to screw up a good race (well, did learn that in the last AC)
Post a Comment
<< Home