Alinghi to choose helmsman and afterguard in "Defender Trials"

[Source: Alinghi] Alinghi is wrapping up the first period of the Dubai winter training camp at the Dubai International Marine Club with the first event of their Defender Trials Series. These Defender Trials will span the period in Dubai and later in Valencia and will have for long term aim the crew selection and later the racing yacht selection.

Dubai Defender Trials

Pre-trials: This warm-up event for the “UBS Dubai Defender Trials”, will take place from the 12-15 December when helmsmen Ed Baird and Peter Holmberg and their respective crews will go head to head over a four day event. There will be two races per day on an America’s Cup course.

Round 1: Kicks off the first of two “UBS Dubai Defender Trials”, from the 31 January-3 February, which will include two races per day and a prize-giving at the end.

Round 2: The second of the “UBS Dubai Defender Trials” will be from the 16-19 February and will result in the helmsman and afterguard selection for LV Act 13 in Valencia.

Valencia Defender Trials

Further rounds will be announced to be held after LV Act 13 in Valencia.

The Defender of the 32nd America's Cup training with SUI-64 and SUI-91. Dubai, 24 November 2006. Photo copyright Thierry Martinez / Alinghi