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Alinghi: America's Cup heating up

Alinghi will spend nearly $60 million (£40 million) in preparations for America's Cup

AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- New Zealander tactician Brad Butterworth -- who retained the America's Cup in 2000 with Team New Zealand (TNZ) -- talks about his new team, Swiss syndicate Alinghi, and the 2002-03 Cup.

Q: How do you rate the chances of TNZ to retain the America's Cup again?

A: The challengers are a lot stronger this time than there were last time, but TNZ is definitely one of the strong teams.

Q: Which two teams do you think will be the strongest potential challengers to face TNZ?

A: I'm going to say PRADA and Alinghi -- of course!

Q: Isn't it weird that you might have to sail against your compatriots in the finals of the America's Cup? What are the reactions to your "defection" in New Zealand?

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A: Well, life's weird isn't it? And I haven't had any problems in New Zealand.

Q: What do think the margin of difference in speed is between the fastest and slowest boats in the Cup?

A: This time it would be very small -- probably less than one or two seconds per league.

Q: Sailing, like many other sports, has developed into a high-tech competition. How important is technology and where is the human factor?

A: Technology is more important now than ever. But without the people to use it correctly, it is ineffective.

Q: What's the main point of difference between Alinghi and its main competitors?

A: Mainly the multinational aspect of the crew and experience from past Cups.

Q: If you had three wishes as to the development of sailing, what would they be?

A: That the boats were lighter & faster and somehow watching the race would be as exciting as participating!

Q: How does it feel to sail for a country (Switzerland) that has no access to the sea?

A: I'm excited about sailing for Switzerland because they have a large amount of sailors in the country. It's the second most popular sport per head of population.

Q: What has been your most alarming experience in past races?

A: My most alarming experience was watching Australia One snap in half and sink in 1995.

Q: How many hours do you train a day?

A: We normally train for about 12 hours -- about 8 are on the water -- a day, six days a week.

Interview conducted with help of UBS