First day of sailing in Valencia for BMW Oracle

BMW Oracle's 2006 pre-season started in full earnest today, as the Challenger of Record sailed their yacht USA-76 off Valencia's coast after two days of sea trials. The America's Cup team from San Francisco will first fulfill a number of sponsor photo shoots over the next 10 days before the full-scale training and testing program begins in March.

According to CEO and Skipper Chris Dickson, BMW Oracle are starting a bit earlier than they did last year, given the intense sailing program this year and the first regatta in May. The daily schedule will include a full physical training program in the team’s on-site gym at the base. In addition to America’s Cup Class sailing, the on-the-water training will include match racing practice in the evenly matched 40-footers.

BMW Oracle sailing with USA-76 in their first day of winter training in Valencia on 22 February 2006. Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

BMW Oracle sailing with USA-76 in their first day of winter training in Valencia on 22 February 2006. Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

BMW Oracle sailing with USA-76 in their first day of winter training in Valencia on 22 February 2006. Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

BMW Oracle sailing with USA-76 in their first day of winter training in Valencia on 22 February 2006. Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

BMW Oracle sailing with USA-76 in their first day of winter training in Valencia on 22 February 2006. Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing