United Internet Team Germany refrains from participating in the 34th America´s Cup

[Source: United Internet Team Germany] Based on the new format for the 34th America´s Cup, which was recently announced by BMW Oracle, the United Internet Team Germany refrains from participating in the competition for the world’s oldest sports trophy. Since 2007, the German team has been waiting to sail for the America´s Cup again.

“With regards to the new rules that have been established by BMW Oracle, the United Internet Team Germany will not be able to register for the 34th America’s Cup” said head of syndicate of United Internet Team Germany, Michael Scheeren.

It's over for TP52 Platoon while Team Germany faces problems

According to the German sailing magazine Yacht, the German America's Cup team is sadly a fresh victim of the financial crisis as AUDI decided to stop its support of the "Platoon, powered by Team Germany" project. The owner of the only German team in the TP52 racing circuit, Harm Müller Spreer, is not willing to bear the burden of a 2009 campaign on his own and as a result the planned construction of a new TP52 yacht has stopped. The 2008-generation boat has already been sold to Bigamist, the Portuguese team.

Jochen Schuemann, skipper of the team, expressed his disappointment about AUDI's decision. The new contracts were about to be signed, all parties had good intentions, but as the financial crisis spread a big sponsorship deal was abandoned.

"We were just a small part," says Schuemann, but that didn't change the outcome. "We only had a one-year contract, which had to be renegotiated". The title sponsorship of the AUDI Medcup series remain intact as the contract runs for three years.

Platoon racing in the first event of the 2008 AUDI Medcup. Alicante, 14 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

That was the second serious blow for Schuemann within a short period. A week ago the planned participation in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland had to be abandoned, victim of cutbacks. The potential sponsors withdrew their commitment for an estimated budget of 400,000 euros.

The German America's Cup ambitions have also come to a screeching halt. Alinghi and the rest of challengers have so far held three meetings in Geneva, discussing the rules and regulations of the 33rd America's Cup. Schuemann was only present in the first one and didn't attend the other two.

The Platoon project had a good performance this year, finishing 5th in the AUDI Medcup circuit and 3rd in the TP52 World Championship in Puerto Calero. "We simply do not come to a common denominator while making an assessment of the situation," explained the German skipper on the discussions with the management of United Internet. "But I do not give up. We will continue to try everything in order to have a good German team at the start of the next cup", concluded Schuemann. United Internet will only start considering discussions for a German AC team when certainty exists.

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

Breaking News: Challenger meeting in Valencia

We have just returned to our "world headquarters" after a short visit to Valencia's Holiday Inn hotel, where we spotted some of the participants in the challenger meeting organized by BMW Oracle. The meeting started at around 7:15PM Valencia time and to our understanding it was bound to last for at least an hour or so.

The following were physically present at the meeting. There was also a number of participants through the teleconference system but we are not in a position to know who they were, although it is easy to guess that Grant Dalton, General Manager of Emirates Team NZ, was one of them:

- BMW Oracle: Russell Coutts (CEO) and Tom Ehman (Spokesperson)

- Team Origin: Mike Sanderson (General Manager)

- United Internet Team Germany: Jochen Schuemann (General Manager) and Mirko Groeschner (Marketing Manager)

- Victory Challenge: Johan Stenman (General Manager) and Magnus Holmberg (Skipper)

- AYRE: Augusto Sanguinetti (Member of the Technical Team) and Jose Luis Del Moral (Legal Counselor)

- Desafío Español: John Cutler

- Mascalzone Latino: Alessandra Pandarese (General Counselor)

- Luna Rossa: Luis Saenz (General Counselor)

- Shosholoza: We couldn't recognize the person representing the South African team

Note: In order to avoid any misunderstanding, we would like to point out that we haven't made any selection of the photos we publish. The rest of the participants had arrived before Valencia Sailing and were already in the meeting room. The doors being open, we could clearly see them but we were not allowed to take any pictures.

The meeting room was strictly off limits. BMW Oracle had already arranged for an official photographer to be inside and as a result we don't have a "family photo".

Russell Coutts, CEO of BMW Oracle Racing. Valencia, 03 December 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

From left to right, Mike Sanderson (General Manager of Team Origin), Jochen Schuemann (General Manager of United Internet Team Germany) and Mirko Groeschner (Marketing Manager of United Internet Team Germany). Valencia, 03 December 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alessandra Pandarese (General Counselor of Mascalzone Latino) and Tom Ehman (Spokesperson of BMW Oracle). Valencia, 03 December 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Jose Luis Del Moral (left, Legal Counselor of AYRE) and Augusto Sanguinetti (right, Member of the Technical Team of AYRE). Valencia, 03 December 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luis Saenz (General Counselor of Luna Rossa). Valencia, 03 December 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

General view of the Challenger meeting. Valencia, 03 December 2007. Photo copyright Kai Försterling

Statement of United Internet Team Germany concerning the delay of the 33rd AC

[Source: UITG] Jochen Schümann, Co-CEO and team leader of United Internet Team Germany considers the latest announcement of the America’s Cup Management (ACM) to postpone the 33rd America’s Cup as a severe backlash for the event and the future of the America’s Cup. ACM decided to adjourn the event indefinitely due to the uncertainty of the result of the law suit.

“We are extremely disappointed. During the recent weeks, we did our utmost by discussing with all parties to secure the holding of the 33rd America’s Cup in 2009. Unfortunately, we did not succeed. We will keep our Team in Valencia together, to review our strategy and to discuss the latest situation with our business partners.”

United Internet Team Germany presents its line-up

Earlier today, United Internet Team Germany (UITG) presented its line-up and became the first team of the 33rd America's Cup to publicly unveil its crew.

A total of 11 nations are represented aboard GER-91 and Jochen Schuemann, co-CEO of the German America's Cup syndicate, put it clear by stating that "this is an international team sailing for Germany". It is also interesting to notice that just 4 sailors from the previous campaign have been retained, the same number of crew that comes from BMW Oracle.

UITG sailing crew

Sailor	Position	Nation	32nd AC Team
Jocehn Schuemann	co-CEO	GER	Alinghi
Magnus Auguston	Grinder	SWE	Luna Rossa
Ian Baker	Grinder	NZL	BMW Oracle
Jean-Marie Dauris	Bowman	FRA	UITG
Rodney Dawson	Tactician & Strategist	NZL	BMW Oracle
Federico Giovanelli	Grinder	ITA	Desafío Español
Zachary Hurst	Trimmer	NZL	BMW Oracle
Karol Jablonski	Helmsman	POL	Desafío Español
Hart Jordan	Mainsail Trimmer	USA	Desafío Español
Anton Kolb	Mid Bowman	GER	BMW Oracle
Tim Kröger	Pitman	GER	Shosholoza
Marc Lagesse	Navigator	RSA	Shosholoza
Emanuele Marino	Grinder	ITA	Luna Rossa
Victor Marino	Traveller	ESP	Desafío Español
Luke Molloy	Mainsail Trimmer	AUS	Victory Challenge
Philippe Mourniac	Navigator	FRA	UITG
Mathias Paschen	Trimmer	GER	UITG
Mikkel Rossberg	Trimmer	DEN	Desafío Español
Jan Schoepe	Pitman	GER	UITG

UITG design team

Name	Position	Nation	32nd AC Team
Oliver Kayser	Technical Director	GER	-
Roland Saucier	Construction manager	USA	UITG
Dimitri Nicolopoulos	Design Coordinator	FRA	Areva
Jason Ker	Hull Design	GBR	Shosholoza
Marc Wintermantel	Structural design	SUI	UITG
Eberhard Magg	Technical Operations	GER	UITG

The sailing crew of United Internet Team Germany. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The entire staff of United Internet Team Germany. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

United Internet Team Germany training aboard GER-91. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

United Internet Team Germany training aboard GER-91. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

United Internet Team Germany training aboard GER-91. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

United Internet Team Germany training aboard GER-91. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

United Internet Team Germany practices pre-starts against Desafío Español. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

United Internet Team Germany practices pre-starts against Desafío Español. Valencia, 13 November 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Meanwhile in Valencia ... United Internet Team Germany and Desafío Español train together

The only two active America's Cup teams in Valencia, Desafío Español and United Internet Team Germany, are waisting no time and try to take advantage of any single day with appropriate wind conditions in order to train. From what we understand the two teams have started training together in the last few days. Unfortunately, October's weather is proving to be very difficult, unlike 2005 and 2006 when teams were able to train 20-22 days throughout the whole month.

There isn't obviously any novelty or secret as far as their boats are concerned. Both teams use the ones from the 32nd edition of the event, GER-89 for the Germans and ESP-97 for the Spanish. The photos do have a degree of interest, especially for the German team, as they show new faces on the two yachts.

On the Spanish boat, the big difference is obviously the absence of helmsman Karol Jablonski and the presence of Paul Cayard in his place. Cayard has stated he would be the main helmsman of the Spanish challenger during the development phase of the team. Another new face we could recognize oboard ESP-97 was of Italian Bruno Zirilli, new navigator of Desafío Español, who came from +39 Challenge.

Jablonski didn't have to go very far when he left the green team since he's now the helmsman of the German boat. Another "refugee" from the Spanish team that joined Jablonski was Danish Mikkel Rossberg. We also spotted two familiar faces from Shosholoza, German Tim Kröger and South African Marc Lagesse. The former was the boat captain of the South African challenger while the latter was its navigator. The German team will make an official presentation of its team in November.

PS: For the curious readers, the construction cranes and trucks visible on the pictures are building the bridge over the canal that will be used by the F1 cars next year. The F1 race track will go around and through Port America's Cup.

Desafío Español's ESP-97 being towed out for a day of training. Valencia, 23 October 2007. Photo copyright Heike Schwab

Desafío Español's ESP-97 being towed out for a day of training. Valencia, 23 October 2007. Photo copyright Heike Schwab

Desafío Español's ESP-97 being towed out for a day of training. Standing, from left to right, Jorge Ondo, Miguel Jáuregui, Santi López-Vázquez, Paul Cayard, Bruno Zirilli and Carlo Castellano. Valencia, 23 October 2007. Photo copyright Heike Schwab

United Internet Team Germany's GER-89 being towed out for a day of training. Valencia, 23 October 2007. Photo copyright Heike Schwab

United Internet Team Germany's GER-89 being towed out for a day of training. Valencia, 23 October 2007. Photo copyright Heike Schwab

United Internet Team Germany steps up preparation pace in Valencia

A couple of days after officially receiving GER-91, United Internet Team Germany is stepping up its activities in Valencia. Despite the rainy weather, the German America's Cup challenger masted earlier today its second boat, GER-89.

Our apologies for the slow flow of news lately, but two factors contribute to that. Firstly, just two teams are really operating right now in Valencia, that is Desafío Español and United Internet Team Germany. As Brad Butterworth said in his interview here, Alinghi is on a standby mode, while Team Origin still hasn't arrived and as far as we know they haven't got a base allocated yet in Port America's Cup. Secondly, as we said, the weather has been really awful, rainy and cold, during the last two weeks.

The United Internet Team Germany base with the team's two boats GER-89 and GER-91. Valencia, 18 October 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

GER-91 (ex SUI-91), now painted white, sits in the German team's base. Valencia, 18 October 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

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.

Schümann: The America’s Cup has to take place in the new class rules in Valencia in 2009

[Source: United Internet Team Germany] With the new Head of Team Jochen Schümann Team Germany is on schedule structuring its team for the 33. America’s Cup. Schümann: “We have accepted the challenge to race in a new boat class, the AC90 class, in the summer of 2009 in Valencia. Our new designer team is forming within the next few days at the team base in Valencia in order to design the first 90ft America’s Cup Yacht according to the new rules and to then build it in Germany.”

Team Germany registered on the basis of the recent protocol in July 2007, which was concluded between the Yacht Club Societe Nautique Geneve (SNG) representing Alinghi and the Spanish yacht club CNEV. Michael Scheeren, CEO of the German Challenge: “We are expecting more protocol details from the America’s Cup Management in the next couple of days. We are prepared to accept changes. Everybody has to aim at the creation of attractive rules for all participating teams and sailing fans.”

Team Germany is convinced that the America’s Cup is strong enough to solve all problems in the established bodies with the defender Alinghi, all other teams as well as with the event organizer ACM. Despite the civil law suit of the Golden Gate Yacht Club and BMW Oracle Racing against Alinghi, Team Germany supports all attempts to involve BMW Oracle Racing in the existing circle of challengers. Schümann: “The situation of a possible postponement for the planned 33. America’s Cup in 2009 would harm the sport and its image worldwide. We are supporting all attempts of an amicable arrangement.” Jochen Schümann further: “The proposed boat class in the new protocol underlines the claim of leadership of the America’s Cup in the sailing world. We are expecting fantastic races in the sailing arena off Valencia in 2009.”

Jason Ker: Expecting a very interesting technical challenge ahead as a designer for the German team

Shortly after the presentation by United Internet Team Germany, Valencia Sailing talked briefly to Jason Ker, the renowned British yacht designer that had just joined the German team.

Ker will form part of the design team together with a "couple of international designers", as Jochen Schuemann had stated earlier. According to Ker, his involvement in the German America's Cup challenger will be an interesting challenge for him personally, an opportunity to be involved in a big team and is particularly interested to learn as much as possible from technical sponsors such as Porsche Consulting.

In the 32nd America's Cup Ker was the chief designer of Team Shosholoza, the South African challenger. Instead of modifying a boat from the previous edition of the event, Shosholoza took the decision to design and build a yacht from scratch and as a result Ker designed the first yacht that fitted the Version 5 of the America's Cup Class rule.

As it was expected, given the good performance of the yacht, Shosholoza was keen on retaining Ker as its chief designer. According to Ker their negotiations were eventually unfruitful and the two parties were unable to reach agreement.

The main issue that Ker is now facing, together with all other designers, is the completely new rule that will govern the America's Cup yachts. The first preliminary meeting concerning the new rule between Alinghi and the 5 challengers took place on September 15 in Valencia. Ker didn't personally attend the meeting but he has already started working on the new design.

According to Ker, it is a very good rule that will produce very exciting and fast yachts. From his point of view it is also fun to design and when asked if Alinghi will have an enormous advantage over the challengers his answer couldn't be more direct. "Not at all".

Jochen Schümann leads German Challenge to 33rd America’s Cup

Update: Following the presentation, a brief teleconference took place. Here are the main points, not covered in the press release:

- Jason Ker joins the design team of the German challenger. There will also be "another couple of international designers", according to Jochen Schuemann

- The future yacht will be built in the Kiel boatyard, the same that built GER-89

- Schuemann still hasn't decided whether he will be sailing during competition

- The team started its sailor recruitment with a "blank sheet", according to Schuemann. It is not necessarily going to be a team made of German sailors. Schuemann looked for the best available

- Given the purchase of SUI-91, construction of GER-101 has stopped

- Their aim is to become a top team but also build a German platform for the future of the America's Cup

[Source: United Internet Team Germany]

- Strong Partners: United Internet AG and AUDI AG main sponsors
- Porsche Consulting becomes technology partner
- German team acquires Alinghi yacht SUI-91

It is an important day in the German sailing sport and a new start for the America’s Cup project. The second participation of a German yacht in the legendary battle for the oldest sports trophy in the world will be led by the multi Olympic medallist and double America’s Cup winner Jochen Schümann. With this announcement Head of Syndicate of the German Challenge managed the highest possible sportive coup. “We have been doing our homework in the past few weeks and months and dealt with all necessary changes and duties. After committing Karol Jablonski as our skipper we are now able to welcome Jochen Schümann as the new Head of Team”, Michael Scheeren announced. One of the main goals of all participants has now been achieved. The experience and know-how of Jochen Schümann, especially made in the past America’s Cups, will be invaluable for the German team. “For me it is like a dream come true to be able to participate in the America’s Cup for Germany. This is a comeback with an excellent starting position for the German Challenge”, Jochen Schümann looks forward to his new assignment as a Head of Team. In the next couple of weeks he will be selecting the crew for the next two years. “We have been talking with high class sailors and this makes me feel very positive”, says Schümann. From a sports perspective we are well-positioned in such an early stage of the game”, Head of Syndicate Scheeren continues saying.

United Internet AG and AUDI AG main sponsors of the German Challenge

With the United Internet AG continuing its commitment in sport sponsoring and the gain of new partners like Audi AG and Porsche Consulting, the whole concept of the campaign is now resting on many pillars. “I am happy to announce that the United Internet AG with its core brands 1&1, GMX and WEB.DE will again be at the starting line for the second German campaign in the America’s Cup”, says Ralph Dommermuth, Head of the United Internet AG. The first campaign has been a great success for the internet company in terms of media recognition. The decisive factors for the United Internet AG to continue their engagement have been the announcement of Valencia once again being the venue and the sportive repositioning of the team. “In the past few weeks and months and in many one-on-one talks Michael Scheeren has not only developed but also realised a stable concept. With Jochen Schümann and Karol Jablonski the Head of Syndicate managed to fix two high-class celebrities for the sportive key positions in the team”, says Dommermuth.

AUDI AG is also supporting the rearranged United Internet Team Germany campaign and is therefore enlarging its sportive engagement in the sailing sport. The participation of the premium manufacturer can be noticed at first sight because of the four rings, which will be exclusively printed on the spinnaker and, together with the brand name 1&1, on the main sail. “The America’s Cup is the most renowned and traditional sailing regatta in the world. To meet this great and fascinating challenge you need to have courage, a strong team and perfect technique. We are proud to be on board of the German team”, Rupert Stadler, member of the board of AUDI AG explained.

From left, Willy Kuhweide (DCYC), Rupert Stadler (Audi AG), Michael Scheeren (UITG), Jochen Schümann (UITG), Ralph Dommermuth (United Internet), Karol Jablonski (UITG) and Eberhard Weiblen (Porsche Consulting). Munich, 19 September 2007. Photo copyright United Internet Team Germany

Porsche Consulting takes over the yacht construction and provides coordinator of Technique

The Porsche Consulting GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, will be responsible for the concentration of all technological competence. While in the first campaign Michael Scheeren sometimes had to struggle with the task management, Porsche Consulting is now handed over all responsibilities for the developing process of the boat and the coordination of all involved companies –ranging from designers over contractors to boat builders. “It is a nice challenge to support the German team in this crucial field. We feel honoured of being appointed with the task to be the management- and technology partner during the construction process of the yacht. Every involved partner of the German team can rely on our commitment to bring our knowledge into this project”, says Head of Porsche Consulting Eberhard Weiblen. In the next weeks a team with a responsible coordinator of Technique will be positioned on the German Base in Valencia.

SUI-91 becomes GER-91

In the past weeks, the German team was able to purchase SUI-91, one of the most recent yachts of Cup winner Alinghi. “We now possess a very fast boat right from the beginning”, says skipper Karol Jablonski. In the next weeks SUI-91 will change sites from the Swiss to the German base in Valencia. The German team is one of the first challengers to start training for the 33rd America’s Cup. “Time is crucial in the America’s Cup. And it’s in our favour”, Jablonski realises.

Big day for the German sailing sport

The ‘Deutsche Challenger Yacht Club’ (DCYC) has officially announced its second participation in the America’s Cup on the 5th of August 2007 and laid the foundation for a successful continuation in the 33rd America’s Cup in Valencia. “Today a dream comes true for the German sailing sport. Not only will the campaign be continued, but Jochen Schümann and Karol Jablonski were introduced to the team, and the great commitment of United Internet AG, Audi AG and Porsche Consulting are giving many reasons to look forward to the 33rd America’s Cup”, says Willy Kuhweide, commodore of the ‘Deutsche Challenger Yacht Club’. “We would especially like to thank Ralph Dommermuth. Thanks to his personal commitment Germany became part of the legendary America’s Cup”, says the German sailing legend.

United Internet Team Germany officially accepted as challenger

[Source: America's Cup Management] The organisers of the 33rd America’s Cup are pleased to welcome United Internet Team Germany, who becomes the fifth official challenge to enter under the protocol for the 33rd America’s Cup.

On August 10th, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), Trustee of the America’s Cup and AC Management SA (ACM), organiser of the 33rd America’s Cup, received the Notice of Entry for United Internet Team Germany, representing the Deutscher Challenger Yacht Club. After conducting usual due diligence, ACM sent the letter of acceptance on August 30th, making the German team the fifth official challenger for the 33rd America’s Cup.

“We are proud and happy to see the German team return to the America’s Cup after their first experience in the 32nd edition,” said Michel Hodara on behalf of ACM. “We wish them all the best in the development of their campaign”.

Michael Scheeren, Managing Director of UITG, added: “Despite the uncertainties around the event, we strongly believe in the path developed by ACM and the Defender Alinghi. We intend to join the battle on the water, the only place the battle should be”.

Speaking on behalf of the Challenger of Record for the 33rd America’s Cup, Desafío Español General Manager Agustín Zulueta comments: “We are very pleased with the German team's decision to challenge for the 33rd America's Cup and we wish them many sporting successes. We believe that every new challenger that joins the competition helps to promote it and provides even greater scope as far as international interest.”

33nd America’s Cup: German campaign signs up

[Source: United Internet Team Germany] Black-Red-Gold will again sail in the 33nd America’s Cup. Head of Syndicate Michael Scheeren has announced the anew participation of United Internet Team Germany in the battle for the world’s most wanted sports trophy. With this announcement the German National colours will be represented in the 156-years old history of the America’s Cup for the second time.

"This is great – great for Germany and great for the sailing sport", Rolf Bähr, President of the German Sailing Association, displays his enthusiasm. "The sport has already made many new friends in the past America’s Cup", says Bähr. This is also Michael Scheeren’s opinion: "With the first German campaign we have taken responsibilities for the German sailing sport. We want to fulfill these obligations also in the future."

The United Internet Team Germany relies on their past experiences and on Karol Jablonski. With the already announced commitment of the new skipper of the United Internet Team Germany, new signs are set. The pole with the German passport has had unexpected success with the Spanish team Desafío Español which he led right into the semi final. 44-years old Jablonski is proud "to sail for the United Internet Team Germany – Germany is the country where I had most of my sailing successes".

Nothing is left to chance in the next campaign. Due to the early entry there is now more time for preparing the big challenge professional. "We will seize the time to show up at the starting line with the best-possible team and an excellent boat", Scheeren promises.

United Internet Team Germany to challenge for the 33rd America's Cup

The German challenger for the 32nd America's Cup, United Internet Team Germany, will continue in the 33rd edition of the event, according to the team's website (unfortunately not republished in English).

The German team recently reinforced with the arrival of Polish helmsman Karol Jablonski who had achieved hugely successful results with Desafío Español, reaching the semifinals of the 32nd edition. Finally, the Germans are the only team to have publicly announced the construction of a new America's Cup yacht, GER-101. This yacht, of course, is being built under the rules of the 32nd America's Cup and not the proposed new design in the Protocol of the 33rd edition.

There are four challengers officially taking part in the 33rd America's Cup so far. They are Desafío Español (Challenger of Record), Shosholoza, Origin and Emirates Team New Zealand. After yesterday's announcement, United Internet Team Germany could very well be the fifth one to officially enter. Finally, AYRE, the project for a second Spanish team, could become the second challenger not to have participated in the previous edition in Valencia.

Karol Jablonski new skipper of German America's Cup team

[Source: United Internet Team Germany] Karol Jablonski will steer the German America’s Cup team into its future: He has signed a contract as a skipper of United Internet Team Germany. The Pole with the German passport has made a powerful unit out of the Spanish Team Desafio Español 2007 before and led it into the semi final of the Louis Vuitton Cup in a very convincing way. Not until there the ESP 97 lost to the current challenger – Emirates Team New Zealand – after exciting races with 2-5.

“It is a success for us having won over Karol Jablonski for our team. His outstanding skills as a sailor, which he prove as a skipper of the Spanish team, and the fact that Germany is home for him since many years make him be the ideal person for this position in our team. With him we will be able to work out a promising concept and a strong team for another German participation in the America’s Cup”, says Syndicate Head Michael Scheeren.

“I’m really looking forward to this new challenge. I’m very optimistic that we can build a competitive team and I accept the challenge of the 33rd America’s Cup”, said Karol Jablonski after signing the contract in the German House in Valencia, the base of the United Internet Team Germany.

His basic skills in sailing Jablonski learned in Poland, his country of birth. Later the Steinhuder Meer in Lower Saxony, Germany became his home. From there he gained lots of successes, and today he is one of the world’s best match race sailors. Among other successes he won the Admiral’s Cup in 1993 and the Mumm 18 World Championship in 1999. He became Match Race World Champion in 2001 and currently ranks on fifth place in the World Match Race Ranking.

Syndicate Head Michael Scheeren (left) and Karol Jablonski on the rooftop of the United Internet Team Germany base in Valencia. Jablonski is as of today the new skipper of the German team. Valencia, 28 June 2007. Photo copyright United Internet Team Germany

United Internet Team Germany: Skipper Jesper Bank resigns, second ACC boat already under construction

Earlier today, United Internet Team Germany, the first ever America's Cup challenger from Germany, held a press conference at their base where they drew a balance of their performance in the 32nd edition of the event as well as talked about the future of Germany's participation in the world's oldest sailing competition.

Even for the least experienced observer, the German team's performance here in Valencia in the last 2 years has been disappointing, to say the least. Just a quick glance at the Louis Vuitton Cup leaderboard suffices in order to assess the German syndicate's results. United Internet Team Germany finished the round robins tenth out of 11 challengers with just 5 points - 1 from the Louis Vuitton Acts bonus and 4 from the team's two wins over China Team. As Michael Scheeren, head of the syndicate, stated, "we have not met our target which was to finish on rank eight of the overall ranking table. You have to be honest with that and we are disappointed about this fact".

The immediate and most important consequence of this debacle is the resignation of the team's skipper, Jesper Bank. Although the Danish sailor's contract with the German team doesn't end before 2008, he took the decision to step down from any position in the team as soon as possible. After finalizing some last-minute details he will leave the team next Monday.

Obviously, one of the principal tasks of any future German campaign will be to find a replacement for Bank. Michael Scheeren left all options open as far as his nationality is concerned since the only German national able to skipper an America's Cup team is Alinghi's Jochen Schuemann and it is of course far from clear, at least at this stage, what his future plans are.

According to Michael Scheeren, there is the willingness to continue in the 33rd America's Cup with another German syndicate. Nevertheless, it is still too early to give any details, especially if we still don't know who will win this edition, what format it will have in the future, where it will be held and at what frequency. The current main sponsor of the team, United Internet, is keen on sponsoring a new campaign, but its possible involvement is still unknown. When asked about the German intentions in the eventual move of the America's Cup to New Zealand, Scheeren pointed to Shosholoza's head, Captain Sarno, who publicly declared the South African team would not take part in the 33rd America's Cup should Emirates Team NZ win this edition in Valencia. Although he didn't explicitly rule out a German participation in that case, he admitted it would be much more difficult to secure German sponsoring.

By far the most important - and quite surprising - news out of the conference is that the team's second Version 5 America's Cup yacht is already under construction!! The boat was commissioned last week, according to Scheeren, and is being built at Knierim-Yachtbau in Kiel, the same boatyard that built their current yacht, GER-89. According to Scheeren, the new yacht's design is based on GER-89 with a few modifications that resulted from the team's racing in Valencia. The decision to build the second yacht was taken independently of whether United Internet continued its sponsorship involvement or the arrival of any new major sponsor. The budget and resources required for boat construction have been previously allocated.

It is speculated that in the 33rd edition of the America’s Cup teams will only be allowed to build just one brand new yacht. If that is case, the Germans are trying to take full advantage of this edition’s rules and even if their involvement ended yesterday, they will still be able to have two Version 5 yachts, built from scratch, that will allow them to start training as soon as possible.

Finally, concerning the team's short term calendar, United Internet Team Germany will take part in the German Sailing Grand Prix in Kiel in early August. As of today, only Shosholoza is the other confirmed team to sail in this ACC exhibition regatta, with Victory Challenge and Areva Challenge considering their possible entry.

United Internet Team Germany to focus training with other challengers

[Source: United Internet Team Germany] The tension in the Port America’s Cup in Valencia is building: In only two weeks Louis Vuitton Act 13 starts. Until then all teams have to train intensively to be prepared for the last pre-race before the official start of the Louis Vuitton Cup – so does the United Internet Team Germany: “We have eleven sailing days ahead of us and we want to seize every one of it”, says Lutz Patrunky.

+39 Challenge will be one of the opponents for the German team during training in the last two weeks before Act 13

The coach of the German team is responsible for the organization of the training within the team. “I will try to arrange as many practice races against the other teams as possible. This is the best possibility for training manoeuvres, tactics and boat speed. There won’t be very much training between GER 89 and GER 72 anymore”, says Lutz Patrunky.

In every training regatta the crew is giving everything to be prepared best for Act 13. In the pre-races Cup Defender Alinghi will meet the eleven Challenger teams for the last time. All twelve teams will be racing in seven fleet races.

United Internet Team Germany gets new tactician on Germany I

[Source: United Internet Team Germany] Only three weeks before the beginning of Louis Vuitton Act 13 in Valencia, America's Cup winner David Dellenbaugh has been appointed to the position of tactician in the United Internet Team Germany. Former tactician Henrik Blakskjær will now strengthen the team as a pitman.

"The position of a tactician is crucial on board. With David Dellenbaugh we appoint the most experienced tactician in our team", says Head of Syndicate Michael Scheeren. Until now the American Dellenbaugh has been available to the team part-time only. However, the 53 years old Dellenbaugh moved his domicile to Spain in February 2007 and is now able to support the team until the end of the America's Cup. "I am very happy to see David in this position. His experience will help to make our team even stronger in the upcoming races", says skipper Jesper Bank.

David Dellenbaugh already participated in several America’s Cup campaigns successfully: For the first time he was the tactician in the US team Heart of America in the America’s Cup in 1987. He won the desired trophy as a tactician and starting helmsman in 1992 on the winning yacht America3. Three years later Dellenbaugh again participated as a tactician in the US team Mighty Mary.

United Internet Team Germany on intensive two-boat training

[Source: United Internet Team Germany] The United Internet Team Germany is on target for the crucial races of the 32nd America's Cup. While training the team offers an impressive picture: The two snow-white yachts GER 89 and GER 72 with their new black-red-golden design are competing with each other off Valencia's coast. The team is preparing for the Louis Vuitton Act 13 and the Louis Vuitton Cup, which will start in April. "At the moment we are maximizing our possibilities. The team is highly concentrated and I am very happy", says skipper Jesper Bank.

During the training with both yachts, the team is collecting essential data and knowledge in order to prepare GER 89, namely Germany I, for the awaiting races. "In practice races against GER 72 we optimize GER 89 further and further. The next step is the training-regattas against other teams. Only then we can evaluate the true performance of Germany I", says Jesper Bank.

The United Internet Team Germany will participate in the 32nd America's Cup races as the first German team ever. The young German crew is therefore keen to meet their challenge: "We advance in training and the team continues to develop every day. Even though we still have a lot to do – we are very much looking forward to the races in April", says Nico Jeschonnek. The 29-year-old is member of the United Internet Team Germany as midbow and boat captain of the Germany I.

The United Internet Team Germany is getting prepared for the races of the America's Cup season by training with both yachts GER 89 and GER 72. Valencia, 8 February 2007. Photo copyright: Richard Walch / United Internet Team Germany